Cottage Food Operations: Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Illinois's Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act (Public Act 100-0580, amended by PA 102-0633) allows Skokie residents to sell certain homemade shelf-stable foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000. Required labeling applies, and Skokie home occupation rules still restrict signage and customer traffic.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Cap | $75,000/year | $75,000/year |
| Home Kitchen Cap | $50,000/year | $50,000/year |
| Registration | Cook County Health | Cook County Health required |
| Labeling | Required on all products | Required on all products |
| Sales | Direct to consumer | - |
| Sales Method | - | Direct 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.
Skokie FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my home in Skokie?
Yes. Illinois's Cottage Food Act allows sale of approved shelf-stable foods directly to consumers with annual gross sales up to $75,000. Required labeling and Cook County Health registration are needed.
What foods can I sell under the cottage food law?
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 Skokie home?
Technically yes under state law, but Skokie's home occupation rules restrict customer traffic. Selling through the Skokie Farmers Market or direct delivery is the preferred route.
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