Cottage Food Operations: Renton vs Seattle
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Renton, WA and Seattle, WA?
Renton and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Renton, WA
King County
WA Cottage Food Operation Law (RCW 69.22) allows home sale of certain shelf-stable foods with a WSDA permit. Renton home occupation permit under RMC 4-9-090 is also required. Annual cap is 25,000 dollars.
View full Renton rules →Seattle, WA
King County
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 →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Renton | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | RCW 69.22, WAC 16-149 | RCW 69.22 |
| Permit | WSDA Cottage Food Permit required | WSDA Cottage Food |
| City Permit | RMC 4-9-090 home occupation | - |
| Sales Cap | 25,000 dollars per year | $25,000/year |
| Allowed Foods | Shelf-stable baked goods, jams, dried items | - |
| Sales | - | Direct-to-consumer only |
| County Rule | - | KCC 21A.30.080 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Renton FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Renton home?
Yes, with a WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit and a Renton home occupation permit plus business license. Annual sales are capped at 25,000 dollars.
Can I sell jam at farmers markets?
Yes, jams meeting WSDA acidity and recipe requirements are allowed under the cottage food law. Proper labeling is required on every jar.
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 — 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.
Compare other topics
See how Renton and Seattle 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