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Chesterfield County, VA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Virginia Code Section 3.2-5130
County rule
None; state exemption applies
Allowed foods
Candies, jams, baked goods, dry mixes
Sales channel
Direct to consumer, not for resale
Label required
Prepared without state inspection

Summary

Chesterfield sets no separate cottage food rule; Virginia's home food exemption governs. Under Virginia Code Section 3.2-5130, low-risk foods such as candies, jams, baked goods, and dried mixes may be sold directly to consumers without a state inspection if properly labeled.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

candies, jams, and jellies not considered to be low-acid or acidified low-acid food products, dried fruits, dry herbs, dry seasonings, dry mixtures, coated and uncoated nuts, vinegars and flavored vinegars, popcorn, popcorn balls, cotton candy, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, roasted coffee, dried tea, cereals, trail mixes, granola, and baked goods

View official code

Full Breakdown

Home food processing is regulated by the state, not the county. Virginia Code Section 3.2-5130 exempts specified low-risk foods (candies, jams and jellies, baked goods, dried fruits and herbs, roasted coffee, granola, dry mixes, and similar items) from inspection when made at home and sold directly to an individual in Virginia for personal consumption, not for resale. Products must be labeled with the preparer's name, address, and phone, the processing date, and the statement that they were processed and prepared without state inspection. Acidified pickled vegetables carry a $9,000 annual gross-sales cap under a related exemption.

Violations & Fines

Selling non-exempt or mislabeled foods, or selling for resale in retail establishments, falls outside the exemption and is subject to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell homemade baked goods in Chesterfield?
Yes. Baked goods, candies, jams, and other listed low-risk foods may be sold direct to consumers under Virginia's home food exemption if properly labeled.
Do I need a home occupation for a cottage food business?
Food sales from home must also meet Chesterfield's home occupation standards, and the state food exemption in Section 3.2-5130 governs which foods qualify.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesterfield County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Chesterfield County rules

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