East Renton Highlands Home Business: Cottage Food Operations Rules (2026)

King County residents who want to sell baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, granola, dried herbs, and other non-hazardous foods from their home kitchen must follow the Washington State Cottage Food Act (RCW 69.22) administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The program allows up to $25,000 in gross annual sales of approved non-potentially hazardous foods. Operators must obtain a WSDA Cottage Food Operation permit (application, fee, kitchen inspection, and food safety training). Approved foods must have an acidity (pH 4.6 or below) or water activity low enough to prevent bacterial growth — products like cheesecake, custards, meat, raw seed sprouts, fresh salsa, and most canned vegetables are not allowed. Products must be labeled with the operator's name and address, product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and a disclosure reading Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Direct-to-consumer sales only are permitted — farmers markets, direct delivery, and on-site sales are allowed; selling to retailers, restaurants, or wholesalers is not. In unincorporated King County, the cottage food business must also meet home occupation rules under KCC 21A.30.080, including no walk-in retail traffic beyond residential norms and no outdoor storage. Registration with the Washington State Department of Revenue for B&O tax is required, and a local King County business license is generally needed. Public Health Seattle and King County does not inspect cottage food kitchens but can investigate foodborne illness complaints.