Arlington Heights vs Skokie
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Skokie, IL?
Arlington Heights and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Illinois's Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act (Public Act 100-0580, amended by PA 102-0633) allows Skokie residents to sell certain homemade shelf-stable foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000. Required labeling applies, and Skokie home occupation rules still restrict signage and customer traffic.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 required |
| Sales Method | - | 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.
Skokie FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my home in Skokie?
Yes. Illinois's Cottage Food Act allows sale of approved shelf-stable foods directly to consumers with annual gross sales up to $75,000. Required labeling and Cook County Health registration are needed.
What foods can I sell under the cottage food law?
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 Skokie home?
Technically yes under state law, but Skokie's home occupation rules restrict customer traffic. Selling through the Skokie Farmers Market or direct delivery is the preferred route.
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