Los Angeles County will begin accepting applications for home kitchen permits in October 2024, providing aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to run small restaurants from their homes. This initiative aims to enable residents to turn their culinary skills into a viable source of income. However, the new regulations have sparked concerns among some community members regarding issues like traffic, air quality, and public health.
Liu Liufan, a Chinese resident of El Monte, shared his observations during the pandemic when several of his friends became “private chefs,” selling homemade food such as buns, dumplings, and various meal boxes. He noted that these homemade offerings became highly sought after, providing convenience and affordability for neighbors and friends. Liu himself frequently ordered from these home kitchens, allowing him to avoid the rising costs and tipping associated with dining out. Yet, he pointed out that as more home kitchens have emerged in his community, the influx of customers and vehicles has increased. This surge raises safety concerns, especially for children playing on sidewalks in front of their homes.
Others express apprehension that the proliferation of home kitchens could pose risks to public health and air quality. An immigrant from Taiwan highlighted that in Taiwan, there are stricter regulations governing commercial and home cooking to prevent adverse effects on residential air quality. He questioned whether the community’s air quality could be safeguarded if Los Angeles County fully embraces home kitchens. Additionally, the increase in waste generated by these home kitchens is another focal point of concern for residents.
Ms. Chen Xiaochuan, a resident of San Gabriel, acknowledged the value of home cooks and kitchen entrepreneurs during times of high inflation, as they provide affordable and delicious food options. However, she emphasized the necessity for stringent government oversight. She cited examples of food trucks in areas like San Gabriel, which have become a common sight, often obstructing drivers’ sightlines. This can lead to safety hazards for public transit. Moreover, she expressed concern that the health department’s oversight of mobile food vendors is not as rigorous as that of brick-and-mortar restaurants, potentially endangering both legitimate restaurant owners and the public’s food safety.
With the opening of home kitchens in Los Angeles County, the responsibility for processing permit applications and conducting health inspections will fall to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
