Texas Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code Ch. 437) allows Houston residents to produce and sell certain foods from home without permits, inspections, or licenses. No municipal zoning ordinance can ban cottage food operations. Annual revenue is capped at $50,000 (increasing to $150,000 effective September 1, 2025).
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 and Local Government Code Sections 211.032 and 231.282, no municipal or county zoning ordinance can prohibit the use of a home for cottage food production operations (CFPOs). Houston cannot require permits, fees, inspections, or licenses for CFPOs. Operators must complete a basic food handler safety training program, label products with required information, and sell directly to the end consumer. The revenue cap increases from $50,000 to $150,000 on September 1, 2025 under SB 541. Operators may use a registration number on labels instead of a home address. While zoning cannot restrict CFPOs, other city ordinances (parking, noise, signage) and HOA rules still apply. The law explicitly prohibits local government employees from requiring CFPOs to obtain any type of license.
No municipal violations for operating a cottage food business. Exceeding the revenue cap or selling non-allowed food items triggers state-level regulation requiring a DSHS permit.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle cottage food operations.
See how Houston's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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