Arlington vs North Richland Hills
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington, TX and North Richland Hills, TX?
Arlington and North Richland Hills have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington follows the Texas Cottage Food Law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, which allows individuals to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen without a food-establishment license. Annual gross sales are limited, required labeling must be used, and the foods must be sold directly to consumers. A food-handler certificate is required.
View full Arlington rules →North Richland Hills, TX
Tarrant County
North Richland Hills follows Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, the Texas Cottage Food Law, which allows home producers to sell approved non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a retail food license. Gross sales are capped at $50,000 annually and proper labeling is required.
View full North Richland Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | North Richland Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | TX H&S Code §437 | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | $50,000 gross | - |
| Food Handler Course | Required | - |
| Labeling | Required by statute | - |
| City Permit | Not required beyond home occupation | - |
| State Law | - | TX H and S Code 437 |
| Sales Cap | - | $50,000 gross annually |
| License Required | - | None beyond food handler |
| Allowed | - | Non-hazardous home foods |
| Banned | - | Meats, raw dairy |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my Arlington home?
Yes. Baked goods that do not require refrigeration, such as cookies, breads, and most cakes, are permitted cottage foods under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437. You must complete a food-handler course, label each package with the required information, and stay under the annual sales cap.
Do I need a Tarrant County health permit for a cottage food business?
No. The Texas Cottage Food Law exempts qualifying home-based food producers from local health department permits and inspections, as long as they sell only approved non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers and follow the labeling rules.
Can I ship cottage food from my Arlington home to customers?
Yes. Texas law allows cottage food operators to sell by phone or internet and deliver or ship products by mail to consumers within Texas. Shipping across state lines is not covered by the Texas exemption and would require compliance with federal and destination-state rules.
North Richland Hills FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my NRH home?
Yes under the Texas Cottage Food Law with up to $50,000 in gross sales, a food handler certificate, and proper labeling. You may sell direct to consumers but not to resellers.
Do I need a city license to run a cottage food business?
No special city license is required. Texas law preempts local licensing for qualifying cottage foods, but home occupation rules still apply to traffic and signage.
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