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Cottage Food Operations: Bellevue vs Seattle

How do cottage food operations rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?

Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.

Bellevue, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

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 β†’

Seattle, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Washington Cottage Food Act (RCW 69.22) lets residents make non-hazardous foods at home and sell up to $25,000 per year with a WSDA permit. King County also requires compliance with KCC 21A.30.080 home occupation rules.

View full Seattle rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBellevueSeattle
Sales Cap$25,000/year$25,000/year
PermitWSDA requiredWSDA Cottage Food
LabelHome-kitchen disclosure-
Sales ChannelDirect-to-consumer only-
CodeRCW 69.22; WAC 16-149-
State Law-RCW 69.22
Sales-Direct-to-consumer only
County Rule-KCC 21A.30.080

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.

Seattle FAQ

Can I sell homemade food from my King County home?

Yes, under the Washington Cottage Food Act (RCW 69.22) with a WSDA Cottage Food Operation permit. You can sell up to $25,000 per year of approved non-hazardous foods directly to consumers, and you must also meet unincorporated King County home occupation rules.

What foods are prohibited under the Washington Cottage Food Act?

Potentially hazardous foods that require refrigeration are prohibited β€” including cheesecake, custard pies, meat products, fresh salsa, canned vegetables, and most dairy-based products. Approved foods include baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, dried herbs, and granola.

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