Community Development
California Assembly Bill 626 (AB 626), also known as the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) Act, is a State law enacted in 2018 that allows individuals to prepare and sell meals directly from their home kitchens. The law provides a legal framework for small home-based food businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the food industry with lower startup costs.
On June 12, 2024, the Long Beach City Council approved the Health and Human Services Department's recommendation to accept a grant and conduct a study for the practicality of MEHKO during the period of June 30, 2024, through May 31, 2025. The Department evaluated the feasibility of the MEHKO Act within the City of Long Beach and conducted outreach throughout 2025. On June 10, 2025, the City Council directed the City Attorney’s Office to draft a MEHKO ordinance.
Amendments to Title 21 (Zoning Regulations) of the Long Beach Municipal Code will require a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Upon recommendation from the Commission, the ordinance will return to the City Council for final consideration and adoption. Upon City Council adoption, the ordinance changes to Title 21 will be submitted to the California Coastal Commission for review and certification.
Zoning Code Amendment
A Zoning Code Amendment was drafted to establish new definitions and zoning regulations for MEHKO businesses. The proposed amendment was considered by the Planning Commission on December 18, 2025, and forwarded to the Long Beach City Council on March 10, 2026 and April 14, 2026. Comments on the draft code amendment can be sent to Maryanne.Cronin@longbeach.gov.
Contact Us
Subscribe to receive updates and information on upcoming events at LBCD LinkLB.
- Login or create a LinkLB account.
- Under "Select Notifications" scroll down to "Community Development"
- Click "Initiatives & Programs"
For more information or questions, email lbcd@longbeach.gov.
