Starting a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) in Santa Clara County is now possible!
✅ Santa Clara County’s three-year pilot MEHKO program officially began in 2023, with the Board of Supervisors approving the ordinance and fees on March 14, 2023.
Steps to Apply:
- Contact the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health to request the MEHKO application packet.
- Submit the completed application by mail, email, or in-person—including any identified violations must be resolved first.
- Pay the application fee (you’ll be invoiced after submission).
- The county will schedule a home kitchen inspection as part of the review process, which may take up to 20 business days.
- Once approved, pay the annual MEHKO permit fee to begin operating.
Key Requirements:
- The MEHKO ordinance is under a three-year pilot, authorized statewide under AB 626/AB 377.
- Your application will be denied if your residence has unresolved violations by any local jurisdiction.
- Permitted MEHKOs must include “Made in a Home Kitchen” in an easy-to-read font on any advertisements.
Contact Information:
Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health
1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, Suite 300, San José, CA 95112
Email: dehweb@deh.sccgov.org
Learn more via the Santa Clara County DEH MEHKO program page.
