Cottage Food Operations: Evanston vs Skokie
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Evanston, IL and Skokie, IL?
Evanston and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Evanston | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sales Cap | $75,000 | - |
| License Required | No, exempt under state law | - |
| Labeling | Required with home kitchen disclaimer | Required on all products |
| Eligible Products | Shelf-stable baked goods, jams, candy | - |
| Direct Sales Only | Must sell directly to consumer | - |
| Revenue Cap | - | $75,000/year |
| Home Kitchen Cap | - | $50,000/year |
| Registration | - | Cook County Health required |
| Sales Method | - | Direct to consumer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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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