Cottage food is allowed in Federal Way with a WSDA permit ($355). Only non-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, dry mixes) may be sold, capped at $25,000 per year. FWRC 19.270 home-occupation rules also apply.
Washington enacted the Cottage Food Operations Law in 2011, allowing individuals to produce non-potentially-hazardous foods in their primary residence kitchen and sell directly to consumers. WSDA issues the Cottage Food Permit ($355 application fee) after a kitchen inspection. Permitted products include baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, fruit butters, dry herb blends, and dry tea blends. Gross annual cottage food sales are capped at $25,000 (Washington has considered raising this to $35,000 in 2026). Products can only be sold direct-to-consumer at the home, farmers markets, craft fairs, or public venues; internet, mail, consignment, wholesale, and out-of-state sales are prohibited. In addition to WSDA rules, cottage food operators in Federal Way must comply with FWRC Chapter 19.270 home-occupation standards (resident family member, no exterior evidence, 4-customer-per-day limit, no adverse impacts) and obtain a Federal Way business license. Sheds, outbuildings, and non-primary kitchens do not qualify under state law. Questions: WSDA Food Safety at (360) 902-1876 or cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov.
Operating without a WSDA cottage food permit: state civil penalties under RCW 69.22. Violating FWRC 19.270: civil infraction under FWRC 1.15. Exceeding $25,000 cap or selling prohibited products: WSDA permit revocation.
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