Tennessee's Domestic Kitchen exemption (TN §53-1-102) allows home production of non-hazardous foods with no revenue cap. No license required. Metro Nashville does not add local restrictions.
Tennessee is among the most permissive cottage food states. TN Code §53-1-102 (Domestic Kitchen Exemption) allows production of non-potentially hazardous foods (breads, cookies, jams, jellies, candies, dry mixes, dried herbs) with NO revenue cap, NO license requirement, and NO inspection as long as products are sold direct-to-consumer. As of 2022, TN law permits sales at farmers markets, online with in-person or shipped delivery within Tennessee, and from home. Products must be labeled with: producer name/address, product name, ingredients in descending order, allergens, net weight, and the disclaimer 'This product was made in a home kitchen and is not subject to inspection by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.' Metro Nashville has no additional licensing layer for cottage food. Commercial kitchen licensing applies only when producing potentially hazardous items (meat, dairy, canned low-acid vegetables).
Selling TCS/hazardous foods under cottage exemption: TDA cease and desist. Labeling violations: warnings then civil penalty up to $500. No Metro-level cottage food penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Nashville, TN
Nashville has no general Metro Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must sta...
Nashville, TN
Nashville has no specific Metro Code ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must remain on the propert...
Nashville, TN
Nashville does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety, nuisance, and historic district rules apply...
Nashville, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Nashville require Metro Codes permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Built-in grills wi...
Nashville, TN
Nashville treats smokers and solid-fuel cooking devices under the International Fire Code Section 308 as adopted by Metro Code. Use on combustible balconies ...
Nashville, TN
Nashville follows the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308 as adopted by Metro Code Title 10. Use of propane grills and open-flame cooking devices on co...
See how Nashville's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.