Ohio's cottage food law (ORC §3715.01 and §925.25) allows Columbus residents to produce specific non-potentially-hazardous foods in their home kitchens for direct sale without a commercial license. Labels and permitted product categories are defined by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Ohio's cottage food program is operator-friendly compared to many states. A home-based producer can bake and sell cookies, brownies, breads, granola, candy, fruit jams and jellies made with high-acid fruits, and similar shelf-stable items directly to consumers without registering a commercial kitchen. Dairy products, meat products, low-acid canned goods, and most refrigerated foods are excluded.
Products must be labeled with the producer's name and home address, the product name, ingredients in descending weight order, net weight, and the statement "This product is home produced." Sales can occur at farmers markets, roadside stands, from the home, online for pickup or local delivery, or by wholesale within Ohio, subject to ODA inspection of any retail reseller.
Columbus separately requires a home-occupation permit if the business generates customer foot traffic, exterior signage, or deliveries beyond normal residential patterns. Zoning-compliance verification is handled through Building and Zoning Services. Sales-tax registration with the Ohio Department of Taxation is required for sellers meeting the state threshold.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Columbus code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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