Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Don Horsley, District 3
Subject: Participating in issuing Microenterprise Home Kitchen permits
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution stating support for implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 626, regarding microenterprise home kitchens, in San Mateo County and appointing Supervisors Canepa and Horsley to a subcommittee to assess and report on implementation of AB 626 in San Mateo County.
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BACKGROUND:
AB Bill 626 (Eduardo Garcia) was introduced in the California State Assembly on February 14, 2017 and, in January of 2018, the bill was approved by the State Assembly on a vote of 66-1. It was subsequently approved by the State Senate by a vote of 36-0. Then Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law on September 19, 2018, and it became effective on January 1, 2019.
The author of AB 626, Assemblymember Garcia, represents a diverse district and, in sponsoring this legislation, he noted that the preparation and sale of foods by microenterprise home kitchens (MHKs) creates significant economic opportunities for Californians who most need them, including women, immigrants, and people of color. Assemblymember Garcia also stated that permitting and regulation of MHKs would increase public health safeguards in existing informal food economies and would improve access to healthy foods for communities where there may be limited options.
DISCUSSION:
AB 626 allows local agencies (cities and counties) to adopt an ordinance or a resolution that would authorize the permitting of MHKs, subject to the various requirements set forth in the law. If the County adopted such an ordinance or resolution, AB 626 would allow for a low cost and accessible way for independent, small-scale cooks to establish food preparation businesses from their homes, selling meals to diners who are served on site or as take out o...
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