Cottage Food Operations: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Arlington Heights and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights residents may operate cottage food businesses under the Illinois Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act. Illinois law permits the sale of certain homemade food products directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen or health department inspection. Annual sales are capped at $75,000 for cottage food operations. The Village may require a business license.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Illinois's Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act allows Des Plaines residents to sell certain homemade shelf-stable foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen. Cottage food annual gross sales are capped at $75,000 with required labeling. Cook County Department of Public Health registration is required, and Des Plaines home occupation rules still apply to signage and traffic.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | 410 ILCS 625/4 Cottage Food Act | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | $75,000 | - |
| Labeling | Required with home kitchen disclaimer | Required on all products |
| Inspection | Not required for cottage food | - |
| Village License | May be required | - |
| Revenue Cap | - | $75,000/year |
| Home Kitchen Cap | - | $50,000/year |
| Registration | - | Cook County Health |
| Sales | - | Direct to consumer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Arlington Heights?
Yes. The Illinois Cottage Food Act permits the sale of baked goods and other shelf-stable foods from home kitchens. Products must be properly labeled and annual sales cannot exceed $75,000.
Do I need a health inspection to sell cottage food?
No. Cottage food operations are exempt from health department kitchen inspections. Products must include a label stating the kitchen has not been inspected.
Can I sell homemade food online?
Yes. Online sales with local delivery or consumer pickup are permitted. If customers pick up from your home, keep traffic within normal residential levels to comply with home occupation zoning rules.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my Des Plaines home?
Yes. Illinois's Cottage Food Act allows direct sale of approved shelf-stable foods up to $75,000 annual gross sales. Required labeling and Cook County Health registration apply.
What foods can I sell under cottage food rules?
Shelf-stable baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, roasted coffee, popcorn, and granola. Potentially hazardous foods require a Home Kitchen Operation license.
Can customers pick up food at my home?
Technically allowed by state law, but Des Plaines's home occupation traffic rules make farmers market sales or delivery the safer compliance route.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Des Plaines compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool