Fresno County is gearing up to allow residents to store, prepare, and serve food from their homes. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that will set up a two-year pilot program to allow for in-home kitchen operations starting in 2027.

In-Home Kitchen Operations

The program, known as Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs), was made possible by California lawmakers through assembly bills AB626 and AB377. The state legislature passed the bills to introduce a new legal pathway for residents to participate in the food service industry.

According to board vice chair Luis Chavez, the new program is an “entrepreneur pipeline” that will provide a “first break” for young entrepreneurs who may one day want to own their own truck or brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Enforcement and Regulations

Some residents, including local restaurant owner Lorraine Salazar, have expressed concerns about the lack of “parity” in how brick-and-mortar establishments and these new in-home operations will be enforced. Restaurants can face about four inspections within a twelve-month period from the local health department, while MEHKOs may face one, according to state law.

Fresno County staff said that their enforcement goes above and beyond state guidelines by requiring at least one inspection every 12 months, as well as requiring monthly reporting from the in-home kitchens on how their business is going.

Transient Occupancy Tax

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors also unanimously agreed to put a Transient Occupancy Tax on this year’s general election ballot. If approved, the county stands to gain about $4.5 million in general tax revenue that will predominantly be paid for by tourists and non-locals.

Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.