“Streamlined” Guide to Starting a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) in Long Beach
What is a MEHKO?
A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) is a small-scale home-based restaurant that allows approved home cooks to prepare and sell meals directly from their home kitchen.
Long Beach has approved MEHKO, but applications are expected to open in June 2026. This means Long Beach home cooks should prepare now, but should confirm the official application is live before submitting anything.
MEHKOs are generally allowed to serve up to 30 meals per day and 90 meals per week, with an annual gross sales cap set by California law.
Important Note: Long Beach is separate from the Los Angeles County MEHKO program. If you live in Long Beach, do not apply through LA County’s MEHKO program. Long Beach has its own local process.
Step 1: Planning Your MEHKO
- Review Requirements
- Review the official City of Long Beach MEHKO Program page and any application materials when they become available.
- Confirm your kitchen setup and menu align with MEHKO guidelines.
- Prepare your menu, operating plan, and basic business information before applications open.
- Obtain Necessary Approvals
- Food Safety Training: Obtain a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate from an accredited program.
- Food Handler Cards: Anyone handling food may need a valid Food Handler card.
- Small Business License: Long Beach applicants are expected to need a small business license once applications open.
- Rental Properties: Review your lease and understand any limits that may apply before operating a home-based food business.
- Sales Tax Registration: Contact the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration if needed.
- Alcohol: If serving alcohol, consult the CA Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
Step 2: Application Process
- Prepare Documents
- MEHKO Standard Operating Procedures / operating plan.
- Menu.
- Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.
- Food Handler Cards for anyone handling food.
- Any additional forms required by the City of Long Beach Health Department.
- Submit Application
- Applications are expected to open in June 2026, according to local reporting.
- Once live, submit through the official Long Beach process.
- Pay any required application, permit, or business license fees.
Step 3: Inspection
- Schedule an Inspection
- After applying, the City may review your materials and schedule a home kitchen inspection.
- Ensure your home kitchen complies with all MEHKO requirements.
- Make corrections if needed before receiving approval.
- Receive Permit
- Once approved, you may receive your MEHKO permit and begin operating under Long Beach rules.
Operating a MEHKO
- Follow Approved Operating Plan
- Prepare, cook, and serve food according to your approved MEHKO plan.
- Only operate within what your Long Beach permit allows.
- Maintain Compliance
- Follow all food safety rules and sanitation requirements.
- Track revenue and meal limits.
- Stay within the allowed MEHKO limits: 30 meals per day and 90 meals per week.
- Be a Good Neighbor
- Minimize noise, trash, traffic, parking problems, and other neighborhood impacts.
Contact Information
For questions, contact the City of Long Beach Health Department:
- Department: City of Long Beach Health Department – Environmental Health Bureau
- Phone: (562) 570-4132
- Website: City of Long Beach MEHKO Program
Start preparing now so you are ready when Long Beach opens MEHKO applications.
