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Dakota County, MN Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Minn. Stat. 28A.152
Annual sales cap
$78,000 gross receipts
Registration
State, annual, about $30
Allowed foods
Non-hazardous, home-canned high-acid
County rule
None; zoning still applies

Summary

Cottage food is a statewide program, so Dakota County home cooks follow Minnesota's cottage food law. You may sell non-hazardous home-made foods after registering with the state, with gross receipts capped at $78,000 per calendar year.

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

An individual with gross receipts of $78,000 or less in a calendar year... must register annually with the commissioner. Registration is exempt from licensing.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Minnesota's cottage food exemption, Minn. Stat. 28A.152, lets an individual sell certain home-prepared foods without a food license. Eligible foods are non-potentially-hazardous items and home-canned high-acid or low-water-activity products, such as baked goods, jams, and candies. The seller must register annually with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and stay at or below $78,000 in gross receipts per calendar year. Sales are allowed directly to consumers from the person's home, at farmers' markets and community events, and over the internet for pickup or delivery within Minnesota. Dakota County adds no separate cottage food ordinance, but city home-occupation zoning still governs whether you can operate the kitchen business at your residence.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the sales cap, selling prohibited perishable foods, or selling without registering can end the exemption and require a full food license, with enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, including stop-sale actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell home-baked goods in Dakota County?
Yes. Under Minn. Stat. 28A.152 you may sell non-hazardous cottage foods after registering with the state, up to $78,000 gross receipts a year. City zoning still applies.
Do I need a Dakota County cottage food permit?
No. Cottage food is regulated statewide by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, not the county. You register with the state and follow your city's home-occupation zoning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dakota County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsHome DaycareHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions

All Dakota County rules

Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota home business overview

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