Permits and Licenses

Body Art, Event, Pool/Spa, Food Vendor, UST

Cottage Food Permit

A Cottage Food Operation (CFO) may prepare and package certain non-potentially hazardous foods in a private home-kitchen. The approved food products and categories sold under the CFO program are available on the Approved Cottage Food List.

The Approved Cottage Food List is maintained and distributed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). If an item you wish to sell is not on the approved list, you can apply to add the item on the list by submitting a request to CDPH via their How to Add a Food to the Approved Cottage Food List page.

Please note the following:

  • Non-potentially hazardous food is food that does not require refrigeration or hot holding to maintain food safety. If your proposed item is not shelf stable it cannot qualify as a CFO item and must be prepared in permitted commercial kitchen.
  • CFOs are split into two types: Class A and B. Class A can only sell directly to customers. Class B are able to sell directly or indirectly.
  • Class B CFOs require an inspection of the home kitchen before a permit is issued.
  • CFOs must apply for  Temporary Food Facility ("food booth") Permit to sell at Community Events, such as a farmer's market. 

If you are interested in applying, please submit the following to our department:

  1. Cottage Food Operation Application(PDF, 868KB)
  2. Sample labels for all proposed food items
  3. Payment for annual permit fee
  4. If your residence is on a private water source, it must be tested for Total Coliforms, E-Coli, Nitrates, and Nitrites. All testing must be done at a State Certified Laboratory and results submitted to our department.
  5. Food Handler Certification (within 3 months of becoming registered or permitted)

Useful Links

Cottage Food Operation Introductory Letter

Assembly Bill 1616 was passed and signed into law in September of 2012. It is known as the Cottage Food Bill. It allows persons to prepare Non-Potentially Hazardous foods in their home kitchen. Cottage Food Operators will be required to complete a Food Processor Course in order to open a business. A Cottage Food Operator will have to register with the local Environmental Heal Agency if it is a Class A business, or obtain a Permit to Operate if it is a Class B business. A Class A business will be able to sell only directly to consumers. A Class B business will be able to make indirect sales to local retail food business, in addition to direct sales. View the entire law.

Other information regarding the Cottage Food Bill, including information about the required Food Processor course, can be found at the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch website.

Class A:

This type of CFO can sell home-kitchen prepared foods directly to the public. This includes transactions made via the phone, internet, and any other digital method. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service within the State.

  • Submit the Application for Registration and check the box for Class A Registration.
  • Fill out the Self Certification Checklist, and submit with the application.
  • Include payment for registration.

Class B:

This type of CFO can sell home-kitchen prepared foods directly to the public or indirectly through restaurants and food markets. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service. An indirect sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or third-party delivery service within the State.

  • Submit the Application for a Permit to Operate and check the box for Class B Permitting.
  • Fill out the Self Certification Checklist, and submit with the application.
  • Include payment for the permit.

Please note the following:

  • Non-potentially hazardous food is food that does not require refrigeration or hot holding to maintain food safety. If your proposed item requires to be held cold or hot for safety, this is not a CFO item and must be prepared at in permitted commercial kitchen.
  • This permit or registration is to sell directly or indirectly non-potentially hazardous food and does not include selling at Community Events as a Temporary Food Facility ("food booth").
  • For a CFO kitchen that is connected to a private well or other private water source, include a water sample result testing the water for potability with your application. The water sample must be tested for Total Coliforms, E-Coli, Nitrates, and Nitrites. All testing must be done at a State Certified Laboratory. After approval your annual renewal invoice will include a Private Water Fee.
  • Please also check with the County Tax Collector or City Business Licensing for any business license requirements, and the County or City Planning and Building Agency for any zoning or Use Permit requirements.

Cottage Food Operation FAQ

The information in this FAQ handout is intended to provide a uniform statewide response to questions posed and will be updated as needed. This information should not be construed as a legal interpretation.

1. What is a Cottage Food Operation (CFO)?

A CFO is an enterprise at a private home where low-risk food products are prepared or packaged for sale to consumers. (See #6 for a list of approved low-risk foods.)

2. What is meant by “private home?”

A “Private home” means a dwelling, including an apartment or other leased space, where the CFO operator resides.

3. Are there limitations on the size of CFO’s sales?

Yes, the limit is $50,000 or less in gross sales in annually

4. Can a CFO have employees?

A CFO can have one full-time equivalent employee (not counting family members or household members).

5. What are the two classifications of CFOs?

  1. Class A CFO’s are only allowed to engage in “direct sale” of cottage food.
  2. Class B CFO’s may engage in both “direct sale” and “indirect sale” of cottage food.

6. What cottage food categories are permitted at a CFO?

Only foods that are defined as “non-potentially hazardous” are approved for preparation by CFO’s. These are foods that do not require refrigeration to keep them safe from bacterial growth that could make people sick. The California Department of Public Health will establish and maintain a list of approved cottage food categories on their website and will establish a process by which new foods can be added to the list and other foods can be challenged and removed. The current list includes:

  1. Baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings, such as breads, biscuits, churros, cookies, pastries, and tortillas
  2. Candy, such as brittle and toffee
  3. Chocolate-covered nonperishable foods, such as nuts and dried fruit
  4. Dried fruit
  5. Dried pasta
  6. Dry baking mixes
  7. Fruit pies, fruit empanadas, and fruit tamales
  8. Granola, cereals, and trail mixes
  9. Herb blends and dried mole paste
  10. Honey and sweet sorghum syrup
  11. Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butter that comply with the standard described in Part 150 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. *See Below
  12.  Nut mixes and nut butters
  13. Popcorn
  14. Vinegar and mustard
  15. Roasted coffee and dried tea
  16. Waffle cones and pizzelles
  17. Cotton Candy
  18. Candied apples
  19. Confections such as salted caramel, fudge, marshmallow bars, chocolate covered marshmallow, nuts, and hard candy, or any combination thereof.
  20. Buttercream frosting, buttercream icing, buttercream fondant, and gum paste that do not contain eggs, cream, or cream cheese.
  21. Dried or Dehydrated vegetables
  22. Dried vegetarian-based soup mixes
  23. Vegetable and potato chips
  24. Ground chocolate
  25. Seasoning salt
  26. Flat icing
  27. Marshmallows that do not contain eggs
  28. Popcorn balls
  29. Dried grain mixes
  30. Fried or baked donuts and waffles
  31. Dried hot chocolate (dried powdered mixes or molded hardened cocoa pieces)
  32. Fruit infused vinegar (containing only high-acid fruits such as: apple, crabapple, nectarine, peach, plum, quince, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, grape, huckleberry, gooseberry, loganberry, pomegranate, pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, tomatillo, youngberry, grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, lime, orange).
  33. Dried fruit powders
  34. Dried spiced sugars
  35. Dessert sprinkles (edible) such as sanding and crystal sugars, non-pareils, confetti, sequins, dragees, sugar-shapes, sugar-strands (jimmies), comfits, mini-chocolates, and pralines

*Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butter: Cottage food operations which produce jams, jellies, preserves, and other related products must be sure that their products meet the legal established standards of identity requirements for those products as set forth in 21 CR Part 150. The purpose of the regulation is to maintain the integrity of the food product to ensure consumers consistently get what they expect. The product name and ingredients listed on the label must be factual ad comply with the legal definitions and standards of identity or the product may be considered misbranded. Products made with other ingredients that are not defined in 21 CFR 150 cannot be produced by cottage food operations. Addition of other ingredients or alteration of ingredient profiles changes the chemistry of the food, which can allow the growth of various bacteria and toxins under the right conditions. For example, addition of peppers (i.e. jalapeno pepper) to make pepper jelly is not supported by 21 CFR 150 and the addition of this low acid ingredient could cause the formation of botulism toxin in the product if the proper controls are not used.

7. The food I would like to make is not on the current list. How can I request a food category be added to the list?

Only non-potentially hazardous food categories (foods that do not require refrigeration for safety) that are approved by the California Department of Public Health can be added to the list. If you would like to request a food be added to the list, you can submit a Request to Add a Food Product to the Cottage Food Approved Food List. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval.

The application

8. What is meant by “Direct Sale” of cottage food?

“Direct Sale” means a transaction within the State of California between a CFO operator and a consumer, where the consumer purchases the cottage food product directly from the CFO. Direct sales include, but are not limited to, transactions at holiday bazaars or other temporary events, such as bake sales or food swaps, transactions at farm stands, certified farmers’ markets, or through community-supported agriculture subscriptions, and transactions occurring in person in the cottage food operation. Cottage food items cannot be mailed or shipped to the customer.

9. What is meant by “Indirect Sale” of cottage food?

“Indirect Sale” means an interaction within the State of California between a CFO, a third-party retailer, and a consumer, where the consumer purchases cottage food products made by the CFO from a third-party retailer that holds a valid permit issued by the local environmental health agency in their jurisdiction. Indirect sales include, but are not limited to, sales made to retail shops or to retail food facilities where food may be immediately consumed on the premises. Additionally, CFOs can only sell cottage foods outside their county of residence when the local environmental health agency of the outside county allows it. Cottage food items cannot be mailed or shipped to the customer.

10. What are limitations on Internet sales and delivery of cottage food products?

A cottage food operator may advertise as well accept orders and payments via Internet or phone. However, a CFO must deliver, in person, to the customer. A CFO may not deliver any CFO products via US Mail, UPS, FedEx or using any other third-party delivery service. A cottage food operator may not introduce a CFO product into interstate commerce. 

11. Do I need any special Training or Certification to prepare Cottage foods?

A person who prepares or packages cottage food products must complete a food processor course within three months of becoming registered or permitted. Cottage food operators (CFOs), their employee, and any household member that is involved in the preparation or packaging of cottage foods may take one of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited food handler courses that are currently required for retail food facility food handlers. The courses are available on-line or via a classroom in a variety of languages for a minimal cost. After successfully completing the course, you will receive a food handler card or certificate, which you need to retain as proof that you completed the required training. You must present a copy of this card or certificate for each person involved in preparing cottage foods to your local enforcement agency upon their request, to verify that the training requirement has been completed.

The training course shall be completed every three years for the Cottage Food Operation to continue to operate.

Available food-handler training courses

12. Does a CFO need a permit to operate?

It is important to check with the local planning/zoning departments along with contacting the local Environmental Health agency to determine requirements.

Environmental Health
For “Class A” CFO’s (direct sale only), registration with the local enforcement agency and submission of a completed “self-certification checklist” approved by the local environmental health agency. 
For “Class B” CFO’s (direct and indirect), a permit from the local environmental health agency is required. 
Registrations and permits are not transferable between:

  • Persons
  • Locations
  • Type of food sold
  • Type of distribution

Planning/Zoning
All CFO’s need to obtain approval from their local city or county planning department. The Homemade Food Act gives planning departments several options to consider, so planning department requirements may vary between jurisdictions and may include limitations beyond those described in the California Homemade Food Act.

Other Requirements
Check on other state or local requirements that may be applicable.

13. How much will the registration or permit cost the CFO?

Each local jurisdiction will establish fees that are not to exceed the cost of providing the service. Additional fees may be charged for inspection and/or enforcement activities if the cottage food operation is found to be in violation of California food safety laws on cottage food operations.

14. Will my CFO Registration/Permit allow me to sell at other retail venues?

There may be health permits required to sell at other locations, such as Certified Farmer’s Markets or Swap Meets. Please check with your local enforcement agency for additional permit requirements.

15. How often will a CFO be inspected?

  • Class A CFO kitchens and food storage areas, referenced in the law as the “registered or permitted area,” are not subject to initial or routine inspections.
  • Class B CFO kitchens and food storage areas are inspected initially during the permit application review, and then annually thereafter.
  • Class A and B (Other Inspections) The local environmental health agency may access, for inspection purposes, the registered or permitted area where a cottage food operation is located only if the representative has, on the basis of a consumer complaint, reason to suspect that adulterated or otherwise unsafe food has been produced by the cottage food operation or that the cottage food operation is found to be in violation of applicable regulations.

16. What are the CFO’s operational requirements?

All CFOs must comply with the following:

  • No domestic activity in kitchen during cottage food preparation
  • No infants, small children, or pets in kitchen during cottage food preparation
  • Kitchen equipment and utensils shall be kept clean and in good repair
  • All food contact surfaces, equipment, and utensils shall be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before each use
  • All food preparation and storage areas shall be free of rodents and insects
  • No smoking in kitchen area during preparation or processing of cottage food
  • A person with a contagious illness shall refrain from working
  • Proper hand-washing shall be completed prior to any food preparation or packaging
  • Water used in the preparation of cottage food products must be potable. Contact your local environmental health agency for requirements if your water source is a private well. Cottage food preparation activities include:
    • Washing, rinsing, and sanitizing of any equipment used in food preparation.
    • Washing and sanitizing hands and arms.
    • Water used as an ingredient of cottage food.

17. What are food labeling requirements for cottage foods?

All cottage food products must be properly labeled in compliance with the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 343 et seq.), and the label shall specifically include:

  • The words “Made in a Home Kitchen” in 12-point type.
  • The name commonly used to describe the food product.
  • The name of the cottage food operation which produced the cottage food product.
  • The CFO city, state, and zip code. If the CFO is not listed in the current telephone guide for that city, the street address must be listed as well.
  • The net quantity in both English and metric units. For example, 8oz (226g).
  • The registration or permit number of the CFO which produced the cottage food product and, the name of the local enforcement agency where the registration or permit was issued.
  • The ingredients of the food product, in descending order of predominance by weight, if the product contains two or more ingredients.
  • Any of the eight major food allergens in the product must be identified on the label. The eight major food allergens are milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans.

In a permitted retail food facility (such as a restaurant, market, or deli), cottage food products served without packaging or labeling shall be identified to the customer as homemade on the menu, menu board or in another easily accessible location that would reasonably inform the consumer that the food or an ingredient in the food has been made in a private home.

18. What is my legal responsibility as a Cottage Food Operator in ensuring that my food product is safe?

Cottage food operators and/or their employees shall not commit any act that may cause contamination or adulteration of food. This would include making foods that are not on the approved food list and or making foods under unsanitary conditions or with spoiled or rancid ingredients. A cottage food operation that is not in compliance with the requirements of the California Retail Food Code (CalCode) would be subject to enforcement action taken by the local environmental health agency and/or the California Department of Public Health.

19. What is my liability as a cottage food business operating out of my home?

You should check with your homeowner insurance company or your landlord if you are operating out of a rental property. Many homeowner insurance policies will not extend liability coverage to liabilities arising out of home-based businesses.

 

Submission

Please email all new applications to enviroh@mendocinocounty.gov.

Payments may continue to be made: in person, by mail, or online.

 

 

Septic Tank

Non-Standard Septic Inspections

On-Site Sewage (Septic) Systems & Water Wells

Resources

Site Evaluator Selection Tips(PDF, 86KB)

Regulations

Site Evaluation Report Forms

County Policies

Application Forms

Graywater Design

Educational Brochures

Inspection Forms

Graphics

Design Calculation Check Sheets

Payments

Environmental Health accepts credit card and debit card payments online.

If you do not have a Facility # and Invoice #, please put your name or the address in question in those boxes so we can match your application to your payment. 

We also accept credit/debit card payments in the office at 860 N Bush Street in Ukiah, OR 752 Franklin Street in Fort Bragg.

 

Why Get a Dog License?

License Application Form(PDF, 242KB)

If your dog is ever missing, a license tag provides a quick and accurate way of notifying you if someone else finds your pet. It also provides proof that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies, as required by law.

Once your dog has been assigned a license, the number and information about your dog is permanently filed in our computer records. Your dog keeps the same license tag number for life.

The owner of every dog over the age of four months is required by law to ensure that his or her pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. You must purchase a license:

  • Within 30 days after reaching the age of four (4) months, or
  • Within 30 days of acquiring the dog, or
  • Within 30 days after entering the jurisdiction.

Dog License Fees

Service Fee
1 Year Altered Dog $34.00
1 Year Unaltered $70.00
3 Year Altered Dog $82.00
3 Year Unaltered Dog $194.00
Duplicate License/Tag $10.00
Delinquent Licensing Penalty $43.00
Delinquent Licensing Penalty - unaltered $83.00
Potentially Dangerous/Vicious Dog License $147.00

Notes:

  • There will be no prorating when purchasing a 3 year dog license.
  • All license sales are final and no refunds will be granted.

Renew a Dog License

Mendocino County residents can renew their dog license online.

Online License Renewal

MCAC License Application(DOC, 38KB)

As a reminder your dog must have a current rabies vaccination and on file. If your dog's rabies vaccination is expired the dog license will not be considered valid. Once your dog's rabies vaccination certificate is received Animal Care Services will enter the information into our computer database. PDF & JPG files can be uploaded.

Upload Rabies Records

When processing your pet license online please have your Pet License Statement Letter with you. You will need to enter the Animal ID number A###### and the Person ID number P###### to go through the licensing process. The Animal ID & Person ID numbers are on the letter near the top right corner.

You can process additional dog licenses by choosing the "Add another item to Cart" option then hitting the save button.

There will be a fee of $2.95 for an E-check. There will be a credit card fee of $2.00 if the amount is $0.00 - $50.00 dollars, $2.95 if the fee is $50.01 - $100.00 dollars and each additional $100.00 dollars is an additional $2.00.

Your Pet License Statement Letter will be mailed to you approximately 30 days prior to the expiration of your dog(s) current license.

Dog licenses with "late fees" have to be paid in full in order for Animal Care Services to process the dog license and for the dog owner to be in compliance with Chapter 10.12 Licensing & Permits. When paying your "dog license late fees" online please select $40.00 for an altered dog or $70.00 for an unaltered dog.

If you have any questions on making the online payments or uploading your rabies vaccine record, please call the Animal Shelter at 707-463-4427 between the hours of 09:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Important Licensing Information

  • Failure to obtain a license, or to renew the license by the expiration date will result in a late fee.
  • Rabies vaccination of dogs (a prerequisite for licensing) has been highly effective as an animal and public health measure, and is especially important in areas like ours where the potential threat of exposure to rabies from wildlife is a significant concern. The primary rabies vaccination is good for one year. The second vaccination is given one year later. Subsequent (or booster) vaccinations are valid for three years.
  • A dog’s license tag must be securely fastened to the dog’s collar or harness and worn by the dog at all times. Dog licensing is the best way to ensure your pet is identifiable, if found, and is also a visible means of ensuring that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
  • Dog license fees are not refundable.
  • Dog licenses assist in the identification of injured or sick animals which allows additional funds being spent by Animal Care Services during an emergency situation. If Animal Care Services knows there is an owner for the licensed or micro-chipped injured or sick animal it may be the difference between life or death of your pet animal. Unfortunately only a small percentage of the yearly budget is allocated for situations involving injured or sick animals. Animal Care Services assist approximately (100) injured or sick animals each year. Some of these injured or sick animals come into the Animal Shelter with dog licenses and/or microchips and some don't. If your pet animal is licensed or micro-chipped and impounded at the Animal Shelter, Animal Care Services will immediately attempt to contact you to make you aware of your injured or sick animal. Please license & microchip your pet animals to avoid possible euthanasia in an emergency situation.
  • Make check & money orders payable to: Animal Care Services - 298 Plant Road, Ukiah, CA 95482

Community Benefit

  • Dog Licensing subsidizes Animal Care Services spay & neuter programs. This is key to reducing shelter intake numbers, euthanasia rate and animal care costs.
  • Dog Licensing increases the rate of lost animals being returned back to their owners.
  • Dog Licensing decreases euthanasia due to the animal being identified at time of impound.

A marriage license may be obtained by appearing in person in the office of the County Clerk. Couples will need to complete an application. The Marriage License Application is available both online and in our office. A current picture ID is required for each party. Appointments are also required for marriage licenses and ceremonies.

Marriage License Application(PDF, 40KB)

Please call 707-234-6819 to schedule an appointment.

If either party is not at least 18 years of age, a court order must be obtained, and the minor must appear with a parent or legal guardian.

If a dissolution has taken place within the last 90 days, you must bring a certified copy of the final dissolution.

Marriage Ceremonies

A civil marriage ceremony may be performed in the office of the County Clerk. In-office marriage ceremonies may include a maximum of four guests in the office. If more than four guest the ceremony will have to be conducted outside, please limit your guest to no more than 10. 

Fee Schedule

Fees Cost
Regular Marriage License $95.00
Confidential Marriage License $97.00
Marriage Ceremony (performed in office of County Clerk)
A confidential license is not available to minors. The confidential marriage will not be made a part of the public record. In order to obtain a certified copy after you are married, you or your spouse must appear in person and show identification.		 $50.00
Witness Fee $10.00

Encroachment Permits

When applying for an Encroachment Permit, please allow at least ten (10) business days to process your request.

Transportation Permits

When applying for a Transportation Permit, please allow at least two (2) business days to process your request.

Pay Online with AllPAID

Adopt-A-Road

Please contact our office at 707-463-4363 for questions or additional information.

Permit Search

Look up Encroachment and Transportation Permits using this Permit Search Tool.

The function of Vital Statistics is to register all births and deaths that occur in Mendocino County, issue burial permits, provide certified copies of birth and death certificates, register Confidential Morbidity Records (CMRs) for communicable diseases.

Applications

Fees

Description Fee
Birth Certificate $31
Death Certificate $26
Burial $12

Records for all years, including current year can also be purchased from the County Assessor Clerk Recorder.

Business License

How you apply for a Mendocino County Business License depends on where your business operates and the type of business you are applying for. Use the guide below to ensure your application is submitted to the correct department to help avoid delays.

Where do I apply?

Where you apply depends on where your business operates. Choose the tab that fits your business.

Fixed Location

If your business operates in the unincorporated area of the county and you have a physical location (commercial or home base) in unincorporated Mendocino County:

  1. Download the application.
  2. Fill it out completely.
  3. Submit your application and payment to Planning and Building.

Business-License-Application-Packet-08192026.pdf(PDF, 946KB)

Out of County/No Fixed Location

If your business is out of county, a mobile business (food truck, mobile services, vendor, etc.) or you do not operate from a fixed location in the unincorporated area of the county, then you need to apply through the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office:

  1. Download the application.
  2. Go through the checklist in the packet carefully.
  3. Submit your application to the Mendocino County Tax Collector, 501 Low Gap Rd, Room 1060, Ukiah, CA 95482.

Out of County Business License Application(PDF, 843KB)

If your business is within city limits (Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits or Point Arena) you must contact the corresponding city for guidance on how to apply for a city business license.

Department Review

The Department in which you submit your application will complete the review. If approved, the Tax Collector will issue the license. Questions? Call 707-234-6875 or email ttc@mendocinocounty.gov

Important Regulations

Business Licenses are regulated by County Ordinances. Please review the ordinances below for detailed requirements.

Cannabis Licenses

Apply for Cannabis Facilities Business License

Ordinance No. 4394, which adopted Chapter 6.36 – Cannabis Facilities Businesses and Chapter 20.243 – Cannabis Facilities, is effective November 16, 2017, and provides for business licenses and zoning requirements for the following cannabis-related business types:

  • Processing Facilities
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Testing Laboratories
  • Retailers/Dispensaries
  • Retailers/Nurseries
  • Distribution Facilities
  • Micro-businesses

Complete the applicable license application and submit to the Tax Collector along with the applicable fee:

Term of License: Cannabis Facilities Business Licenses shall be issued on an annual basis and shall be renewed annually. The period of the annual license shall commence July 1 of each year and expire June 30 of the following year. The initial license may be issued for a shorter or longer period of time to best align with the July 1 through June 30 time period; in such instances, fees will be prorated on a quarterly basis.

Cannabis Business Tax

Cannabis Business Tax – Ordinance No. 4361 which adopted Chapter 6.32 - Cannabis Business Tax imposes cannabis related taxes on all commercial cannabis businesses.

Cannabis Cultivation Regulations

Ordinance Adopting Chapter 10A.17 - Medical Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance and Chapter 20.242 - Medical Cannabis Cultivation Site, Adopted April 4, 2017.

Please note: If your business type is solely cultivation, a business license is not required. See the Cannabis Division for more information regarding the cultivation permit process.

Updates

Cannabis Business Tax Revisions Effective September 24, 2024

Calendar Year 2024 Notice of Minimum Tax Due and Appeals Process

 

Beekeeper Permit

All beekeepers within the county are required to register their colonies with the County Commissioner. The purpose of registration is designed to bring beekeepers and pesticide applicators together by tracking and safeguarding hive locations across California. Beekeepers can register at their County Department of Agriculture or through Calagpermits/BeeWhere. The registration fee is $10 per beekeeper. Beekeepers are also required to make notifications to the county of origin and destination county, within 72 hours of any hive movement. Beekeepers can register through BeeWhere to receive bee-toxic pesticide application notifications from growers that have commercial crops within a mile of the beehive locations.

Industrial Hemp

California requirements for industrial hemp cultivation can be found in Division 24 of the California Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) and in Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). It is important to understand the cultivation requirements outlined in laws and regulations. Information is available from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) website.

In accordance with FAC Sections 81003 and 81004 and CCR Section 4901, industrial hemp growers and breeders are required to register with the county agricultural commissioner prior to planting. Mendocino County Ordinance Chapter 10A.18 places additional restrictions on industrial hemp cultivation above state requirements.

CalAg Permits

Certified Producer Certificate

A Certified Producer Certificate (CPC) is required for all agricultural products that are to be sold
at the market. CPCs must be filled in completely, including varieties of all commodities. For example, Tomato is a commodity and Sweet 100 is a variety of that commodity. We are no longer able to accept “various” or “unknown” as a variety so please know what you are planting and planning to sell when you supply our office with your information. Look under forms for a sample CPC. These forms are not valid until they are signed and embossed at the Agricultural Commissioners office.

Please note: Due to the time intensive process of creating CPCs, we are unable to process CPCs on a same day basis. Please be prepared to drop off, or send, your information along with a valid phone number so we can call you when the CPC is ready for pick up.

 

Cannabis Cultivation Business Licenses ("CCBL")

New applications and renewal applications must be applied for in Accela.

Cannabis Cultivation Regulations

Accela

Applicants and Licensees can sign on to the Citizen Access Portal through Accela and create their account.

The Accela Citizen Access Portal houses all existing Cannabis Cultivation Business Licenses ("CCBL") and is where one will apply for any new CCBLs with the county. The portal is also where applicants and licensees will upload all required documents.

Use Accela to:

  • Apply for a new CCBL
  • Renew an existing CCBL
  • Apply for a modification on an existing CCBL
  • Upload requested/required documents
  • Pay fees online
  • Check the status of your CCBL

Sign on to the Accela Citizen Access Portal

Accela Citizen Access Portal

Please note, for licensees with the State who already have an Accela account, you will need to make a new account for Mendocino's Accela portal. At this time there is not a system in place for linking your county license with your state license.

Know Your Zone Before Applying

Check your zone by following the steps on this guide: How to Find your Zone(DOCX, 743KB):

eTRAKiT

If your site is in one of the following zones, you cannot cultivate cannabis.

No cultivation in:

  • RL: Rangeland
  • FL: Forest Land
  • TP: Timber Production

Should your site address not populate, or your zoning code not be listed, please call the Assessor’s office to retrieve your zoning code. Mendocino County Assessor’s Office: (707) 234-6800

For Agents Trying to Link with Their Clients' Accounts

Agents and clients will both need to create accounts. A client will need to list their agent on their newly created account, along with the agent's email. The agent's email should match the email used in the creation of the agent's Accela account. The matching emails should automatically link client accounts to agent accounts. Please contact our office if this automation is failing at (707) 234-6680.

Accela How-Tos

Cannabis Districts

Mendocino County amended its cannabis regulations on December 4, 2018, to establish two new types of Combining Districts: Commercial Cannabis Accommodation Combining Districts (Opt-In Districts) are areas intended to support continued operations by existing growers, and Commercial Cannabis Prohibition Combining Districts (Opt-Out Districts) are areas where commercial cannabis operations would be restricted. Below are the Combining District maps.

Opt-In District Maps

Opt-Out District Maps

Cultivation License Types

The following CCBL types may be applied for and granted provided the applicant and the legal parcel (or legal parcels, subject to section 10A.17.070(D)(3)) that contains the cultivation site are determined to be in compliance with all applicable conditions of this Chapter and Mendocino County Code Chapter 20.242:

(1) "Type C" for small outdoor cultivation of cannabis without the use of artificial lighting not to exceed a maximum of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of total plant canopy.

(2) "Type C-A" for small indoor cultivation using exclusively artificial lighting not to exceed a maximum two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of total plant canopy within a structure or structures.

(3) "Type C-B" for small mixed light cultivation using supplemental artificial lighting not to exceed a maximum of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of total plant canopy.

(4) "Type 1" for medium outdoor cultivation of cannabis without the use of artificial lighting of two thousand five hundred one (2,501) to a maximum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of total plant canopy on one (1) legal parcel not less than five (5) acres in size.

(5) "Type 1A" for medium indoor cultivation using exclusively artificial lighting of two thousand five hundred one (2,501) to a maximum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of total plant canopy within a structure or structures.

(6) "Type 1B" for medium mixed light cultivation using supplemental artificial lighting of two thousand five hundred one (2,501) to a maximum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of total plant canopy on one (1) legal parcel not less than five (5) acres in size.

(7) "Type 2" for large outdoor cultivation of cannabis without the use of artificial lighting of five thousand one (5,001) to a maximum of 10,000 square feet of total plant canopy on one (1) legal parcel not less than ten (10) acres in size.

(8) "Type 2A" for large indoor cultivation using exclusively artificial lighting of five thousand one (5,001) to ten thousand (10,000) square feet of total plant canopy on one (1) legal parcel.

(9) "Type 2B" for mixed light cultivation using supplemental artificial lighting of five thousand one (5,001) to a maximum of ten thousand (10,000) square feet of total plant canopy on one (1) legal parcel not less than ten (10) acres in size.

(10) "Type 4" for the cultivation of cannabis nursery stock and/or seed production which shall not exceed a maximum of twenty-two thousand (22,000) square feet of total plant canopy on one (1) legal parcel. Seed production activities, if any, shall be described in the application for a Type 4 CCBL. The legal parcel shall not be less than five (5) acres in size, provided, however, that legal parcels in industrial zoning districts are not subject to this parcel size restriction. Any on-site sales of nursery products which were produced on and occur on a parcel within the Timberland Production, Rangeland or Forestland zoning districts shall be limited to CCBL Holders only.

Resources

 

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