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Staff analysis: The noise limitations are those provided in PMC Chapter 9.04 (Noise), and are based on the General Plan. D. Size. Cottage food operations shall occupy no more of a residence than the lesser of: (1) thirty percent (30%) of the floor area of the dwelling excluding garage area; or (2) the area permitted by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health Food Safety Division. Staff analysis: To ensure that a cottage food operation is ancillary to the residence, staff set limitations on the amount of space that can be used for the cottage food operation. E. No Siqnage or Outdoor Sales. Cottage food operations shall not install or post signage or advertisements identifying the cottage food operation at the site or building where the operation is located. No outdoor sales shall be allowed at the site of the cottage food operation. Staff analysis: As with other home occupations, the proposed standards do not allow for signage, and also prohibits outdoor sales. The intent is to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood and not encourage persons driving by to stop to look at or patronize the operation, and not create a commercial area within a residence. F. No dining. If direct sales are proposed at the site of the cottage food operation, no third parties or customers shall be permitted to dine at the cottage food operation. Staff analysis: While State law mandates that "direct sales" must be allowed to occur at a cottage food operation (so long as the operation meets requirements, such as parking), this standard makes it clear that cottage food operations may only sell approved food products at the site, but that the cottage food operation may not serve food for consumption at the site. Food service implicates more traffic, longer parking times, need to provide restrooms, and other health and safety issues. G. Code Requirements. While the use of a residence for a cottage food operation shall not constitute a change of occupancy for purposes of building and fire codes, to the extent that building modifications are proposed (e.g. install or move walls for storage areas, add a new electrical panel for a range, etc.) the cottage food operation shall meet all requirements of Title 20 (Buildings and Construction). Staff analysis: Per State law, a cottage food operation in a residence is not a change in occupancy for building and fire code purposes. However, applicable building and fire permits would still be required should a cottage food operator choose to physically alter their residence. P12-1753, Cottage Food Operations Planning Commission Page 6 of 8