Cottage Food Operations: Deer Park vs Houston
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Deer Park, TX and Houston, TX?
Deer Park and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Deer Park, TX
Harris County
Cottage food operations are governed by Texas state law (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437) rather than local Deer Park ordinances. Texas allows residents to produce and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchen without a food establishment permit. Annual sales are capped at $75,000. Deer Park's home occupation zoning rules still apply to the business activity.
View full Deer Park 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 | Deer Park | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | No food permit for qualifying foods | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | $75,000 | - |
| Labeling | Name, address, ingredients, allergens required | - |
| Sales Channels | Home, farmers markets, online (TX only) | - |
| State Law | HSC Chapter 437, amended HB 1926 | - |
| 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.
Deer Park FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Deer Park?
Yes. Under Texas cottage food law, you can sell baked goods and other non-potentially hazardous foods from your home kitchen without a food permit, up to $75,000 per year in gross sales.
Do I need a Deer Park business license for cottage food?
No food establishment permit is needed, but your home-based cottage food operation must comply with Deer Park's home occupation zoning rules, including limits on traffic and no exterior signage.
What foods can I sell under Texas cottage food law?
Qualifying foods include baked goods, candy, jams and jellies, dried pasta, pickled vegetables, roasted coffee, and trail mixes. Foods requiring refrigeration (cream-filled pastries, meat, dairy) are not allowed without a food manufacturer's license.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Deer Park and Houston 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