What are the MEHKO limits in Santa Cruz County?

Under California's statewide MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation) rules: Up to 30 meals per day and 90 meals per week; Up to $100,000 in gross annual sales (raised from $50,000 in 2023, adjusted for inflation); Direct-to-consumer only — takeout from the cook's home, or dine-in at the cook's residence; A county health permit plus an annual inspection; A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate for the operator, and California Food Handler Cards for anyone else handling food.

How much does a MEHKO permit cost in Santa Cruz County?

$470 home evaluation fee. County fees change. Confirm the current amount with the health department before applying.

Home-cook market guide

MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation) Permit in Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz County is listed as a California jurisdiction participating in the MEHKO program.

Last reviewed: August 13, 2026

A legal pathway exists for qualifying cooks; this is not blanket permission for every cook or dish. A cook in Santa Cruz County must obtain local MEHKO approval and follow the jurisdiction's permit, menu, food-safety, labeling, and operating requirements before selling meals.

What this means for a DineDash cook

DineDash can provide profile, menu, ordering, and payment tools to an eligible home cook in Santa Cruz County, California. The cook remains the food seller and is responsible for confirming that the kitchen, menu, disclosures, handling, and transaction comply with the rules that apply at the time of sale.

During onboarding, provide accurate location, kitchen, certification, permit, and menu information. Do not publish a dish until every required approval is in place.

Read the source: COOK Alliance — California MEHKO participating jurisdictions

Common questions

Can I sell home-cooked food in Santa Cruz County, California?

Santa Cruz County is listed as a California jurisdiction participating in the MEHKO program. A cook in Santa Cruz County must obtain local MEHKO approval and follow the jurisdiction's permit, menu, food-safety, labeling, and operating requirements before selling meals.

Does this mean every dish is allowed?

No. Eligibility depends on the food category, cook, kitchen, permit or registration status, labeling, handling, transaction, fulfillment method, and local rules.

Does DineDash issue food permits?

No. DineDash provides marketplace tools. Cooks must obtain and maintain the permits, registrations, training, and approvals required by their regulators.

Apply to cook on DineDash

Create your cook profile and submit accurate kitchen, location, menu, and compliance information for review.

Start cook onboarding

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This page is general educational information, not legal advice. Laws, agency guidance, and local participation can change. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before operating.