Kentucky's home-based processor and home-based microprocessor laws (KRS 217.136 and related) allow Louisville residents to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods from their homes with annual registration and labeling requirements. Sales are generally direct-to-consumer at farmers markets, events, and from the residence, not retail or wholesale.
Under Kentucky Rev Stat 217.136 and related cabinet regulations, home-based processors can sell shelf-stable baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, dried mixes, and similar low-risk foods directly to consumers. Home-based microprocessors, a separate registration, can produce acid and acidified foods like pickles and salsas after completing required food-safety training and having a recipe approved by a food science extension agent. All products must be labeled with the producer's name and address, product ingredients, and the state-required disclosure that the product is made in a home kitchen not subject to state inspection. Annual sales are capped under state law. Louisville Metro does not add a local permit layer for cottage food sales, but zoning rules (LMCO home occupation provisions) still apply — no significant customer traffic to the home, no exterior evidence of business, and compliance with any HOA covenants. Farmers market participation requires compliance with the individual market's vendor rules.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Louisville code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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