Cottage Food Operations: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Illinois's Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act allows Des Plaines residents to sell certain homemade shelf-stable foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen. Cottage food annual gross sales are capped at $75,000 with required labeling. Cook County Department of Public Health registration is required, and Des Plaines home occupation rules still apply to signage and traffic.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Illinois' Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act (410 ILCS 625/4) allows Evanston residents to sell certain homemade food products directly to consumers without a food service license. Cottage food operators may sell up to $75,000 annually (as of 2024 amendment) in non-potentially hazardous baked goods, candies, jams, and other shelf-stable items. Products must be labeled with the operator's name, address, and the statement 'Made in a home kitchen.'
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Cap | $75,000/year | - |
| Home Kitchen Cap | $50,000/year | - |
| Registration | Cook County Health | - |
| Labeling | Required on all products | Required with home kitchen disclaimer |
| Sales | Direct to consumer | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | - | $75,000 |
| License Required | - | No, exempt under state law |
| Eligible Products | - | Shelf-stable baked goods, jams, candy |
| Direct Sales Only | - | Must sell directly to consumer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my Des Plaines home?
Yes. Illinois's Cottage Food Act allows direct sale of approved shelf-stable foods up to $75,000 annual gross sales. Required labeling and Cook County Health registration apply.
What foods can I sell under cottage food rules?
Shelf-stable baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, roasted coffee, popcorn, and granola. Potentially hazardous foods require a Home Kitchen Operation license.
Can customers pick up food at my home?
Technically allowed by state law, but Des Plaines's home occupation traffic rules make farmers market sales or delivery the safer compliance route.
Evanston FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Evanston?
Yes. Under the Illinois Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act, you can sell shelf-stable baked goods, candy, jams, and similar products directly to consumers without a food license, up to $75,000 per year. Products must be properly labeled with a home kitchen disclaimer.
Do I need a business license from Evanston?
You do not need a food service license, but your cottage food operation must comply with Evanston's home occupation zoning rules regarding traffic, signage, and business area limits. Contact the Community Development Department for guidance.
Can I sell cottage food products online?
Illinois allows online ordering for cottage food products, but the exchange must occur in person directly between the producer and consumer. You cannot ship cottage food products or sell through third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
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