Cottage Food Operations: Bellaire vs Houston
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Houston, TX?
Bellaire and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code Chapter 437) allows Bellaire residents to sell certain homemade foods directly to consumers without a food establishment permit or city inspection. Annual sales are capped at $75,000. Products must be non-potentially hazardous foods prepared in the producer's home kitchen and sold directly to consumers within Texas.
View full Bellaire rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 437) allows Houston residents to produce and sell certain foods from home without permits, inspections, or licenses. No municipal zoning ordinance can ban cottage food operations. Annual revenue is capped at $50,000 (increasing to $150,000 effective September 1, 2025).
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sales Cap | $75,000 per household | - |
| City Permit | Not required under state law | - |
| Sales Method | Direct to consumer only | - |
| Online Sales | Permitted with delivery in TX | - |
| Inspections | Exempt from city health inspection | - |
| Governing Law | - | Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 437; SB 541 |
| Permits Required | - | None for cottage food operations |
| Revenue Cap | - | $50,000 (increasing to $150,000 Sept. 1, 2025) |
| Training | - | Food handler safety course required |
| Zoning Protection | - | Cannot ban CFPOs from residential use |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellaire FAQ
Do I need a Bellaire permit to sell homemade food?
No. Texas Cottage Food Law preempts local regulation. You do not need a city food establishment permit to sell eligible homemade foods directly to consumers, though home-business zoning rules still apply.
What foods can I sell under the cottage food law?
Eligible products include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried herbs, dry mixes, popcorn, nuts, granola, pickled fruits and vegetables, and fermented vegetables. Products must not require refrigeration for safety.
Can I sell cottage food online in Texas?
Yes. HB 1926 (2019) authorized online sales and delivery of cottage food products within Texas. You must still comply with labeling requirements and the $75,000 annual sales cap.
Houston FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell food from my Houston home?
No. Texas Cottage Food Law exempts cottage food production operations from permits, inspections, and licenses. You must complete food handler training and label products properly.
Can my Houston HOA stop me from operating a cottage food business?
Texas law prohibits municipal zoning from banning cottage food operations. However, HOA deed restrictions are not zoning ordinances and may impose separate restrictions on home businesses. Consult your deed restrictions.
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