By Brittney Sherman — programs, restaurant, Silicon Valley, small business
In March 2023, the Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) ordinance and permit fees were adopted by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, authorizing home-based retail food facilities. Under this program, food is prepared, cooked and served from a private residence at a maximum of 90 meals per week. Due to recent fee relief, the MEHKO application ($435) and permit ($635) fees have been waived through March 2024.
Program History: In January 2019, AB 262 authorized individuals to operate restaurants out of their private residences. In September 2022, SB 972 approved MEHKO operators to expand their offerings by collaborating with no more than two Compact Mobile Food Operators for sidewalk vendor sales. In 2023, AB 1325 adjusted the MEKHOS annual gross income cap to $100,000 and expanded the weekly meals to no more than 90.
Learn more about the MEHKO program HERE.