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Chatham County, GA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

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

Key Facts

Regulator
GA Department of Agriculture
Rule
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-7-19
Allowed foods
Non-hazardous baked goods, jams
Sales
End consumer only, no wholesale
Where made
Home kitchen of a residence

Summary

Georgia lets residents make non-hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, and preserves in a home kitchen as a cottage food operation. Products must be sold directly to the end consumer, with no wholesale or distribution allowed.

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

"Cottage food products" means non-potentially hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, and other non-potentially hazardous foods produced in the home kitchen of a domestic residence... Sale of cottage food products must be to the end consumer. No distribution or wholesale is allowed, including to hotels, restaurants, or institutions.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Georgia's cottage food program is run by the Department of Agriculture under Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Chapter 40-7-19, and it applies to home kitchens in unincorporated Chatham County. Cottage food products are non-potentially-hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, and similar foods produced in the home kitchen of a domestic residence. Sales must be to the end consumer only: no distribution or wholesale is allowed, including to hotels, restaurants, or institutions. Products must be properly labeled. A Chatham County home occupation making cottage foods must still respect Section 2-28's in-home, no-sign limits, but the county cannot ban a compliant cottage food operation from a residence.

Violations & Fines

Selling wholesale, skipping required labeling, or making potentially hazardous foods removes the cottage food status and exposes the operator to Georgia Department of Agriculture enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell homemade food from my Chatham County home?
Yes. Georgia's cottage food rules let you make non-hazardous baked goods, jams, and preserves in your home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers.
Can I sell cottage foods wholesale to a restaurant?
No. Georgia requires sales to the end consumer only; no distribution or wholesale is allowed, including to hotels, restaurants, or institutions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSome RestrictionsHome DaycareSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

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