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Clark County, WA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permitting agency
WSDA (state, not county)
Statute
RCW Chapter 69.22
Annual sales cap
$35,000 (HB 1500, 2023)
Allowed foods
Non-hazardous baked goods, jams
Sales channel
Direct to consumer only

Summary

Selling home-baked goods requires a Washington State Department of Agriculture cottage food permit under RCW Chapter 69.22, not a Clark County permit. Only non-hazardous foods (baked goods, candies, jams) sold directly to the consumer are allowed, with gross sales capped at $35,000 per year.

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

"Cottage food operation" means a person who produces cottage food products only in the home kitchen of that person's primary domestic residence in Washington and only for sale directly to the consumer.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Cottage food is a statewide WSDA program under RCW Chapter 69.22 and Chapter 16-149 WAC; Clark County does not issue a separate cottage food permit. A cottage food operation produces non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, stovetop candies, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters) only in the home kitchen of the operator's primary residence, and only for direct sale to the consumer. Products cannot be sold by internet, mail order, or for retail outside Washington. Each label must include the business name, permit number, ingredients, net weight, and the statement: made in a home kitchen not subject to standard inspection. Gross sales may not exceed $35,000 annually.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the $35,000 cap requires ceasing operation or obtaining a food processing plant license; operating without a permit violates state food safety law enforced by WSDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Clark County permit to sell home-baked goods?
No. Cottage food is permitted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture under RCW Chapter 69.22, not the county. You still need a WSDA cottage food permit.
How much can a cottage food business sell?
Gross sales may not exceed $35,000 per year (raised from $25,000 by 2023's HB 1500). Only non-hazardous foods sold directly to consumers are allowed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clark County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Clark County rules

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Cottage Food Operations in Cities Across Clark County

Vancouver, WA