Cottage Food Operations: Bellevue vs Kent
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue cottage food producers are regulated by Washington State under RCW 69.22 via WSDA. Sales up to $25,000 per year of approved low-risk foods like baked goods and jams. A WSDA permit is required.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Washington Cottage Food Law (RCW 69.22) allows home production of certain non-hazardous foods with a state Cottage Food Operation permit. Kent requires a city business license on top of state cottage-food approval.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Cap | $25,000/year | - |
| Permit | WSDA required | - |
| Label | Home-kitchen disclosure | - |
| Sales Channel | Direct-to-consumer only | - |
| Code | RCW 69.22; WAC 16-149 | - |
| State law | - | RCW 69.22 Cottage Food |
| Permit issuer | - | WSDA, not Kent |
| City requirement | - | Kent business license |
| Allowed products | - | Non-hazardous baked goods, jams, candy |
| Sales cap | - | 50,000 dollars annually |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my Bellevue kitchen?
Yes, with a Washington State Department of Agriculture cottage food permit under RCW 69.22. Sales are capped at $25,000 per year and limited to approved low-risk foods sold direct to consumers.
Can I sell cottage food at a Bellevue farmers market?
Yes. Farmers markets are an approved direct-to-consumer channel under the WSDA cottage food program. Products must be properly labeled with the home-kitchen disclosure.
Kent FAQ
Can I sell homemade salsa?
Salsas are potentially hazardous and require a commercial kitchen or a cannery license. They are not allowed under the WA cottage food program.
Can I ship cookies out of state?
No. Cottage food operations must be direct in-person sales within Washington. Interstate shipment requires a commercial food license.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Kent 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