← What's Cookin' Tonight

Homemade Food in National City: Farmers Markets and Home Cook Permits

National City sits in the South Bay, close to several certified farmers markets nearby. This guide maps out those markets and walks a resident through getting permitted to cook, whether as cottage food or from a home kitchen.

Farmers markets near National City

Distances are approximate, measured in a straight line.

Become a permitted cook in National City

Cottage food (packaged goods)

To sell cottage food from National City, you will need a Home Occupation Permit and Business License from National City. In National City, DEHQ approval comes first, so you do not submit a business license with your DEHQ application. Requirements are set by the city, so confirm the current steps with the local office at (619) 336-4341. See the San Diego cottage food guide for the full process, and the county CFO zoning requirements for how city approval fits in.

Home kitchen meals (MEHKO)

A home kitchen permit (MEHKO) is issued countywide through DEHQ, not by the city. Check with National City about any business license requirements before you list. San Diego MEHKO guide has the full process.

How What's Cookin' Tonight fits

Cottage food and home kitchen cooks who are permitted can reach neighbors in National City through What's Cookin' Tonight, a pickup marketplace that lists permit-verified cooks only.

Cook with What's Cookin' Tonight

Nearby cities

See the other South Bay guides:

Sources: County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality.