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Norfolk, VA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Law
VA Code 3.2-5130
Sales Cap
None since 2023
State Permit
Not required
Label Required
NOT FOR RESALE warning
Local
Home Occupation + BPOL

Summary

Norfolk follows Virginia Cottage Food Law (VA Code 3.2-5130) allowing home kitchen production of non-hazardous foods for direct sale. No state permit or inspection required. Annual sales cap removed in 2023 update. Labeling and venue rules apply.

C. The provisions of subsections A and B shall not apply to: ...

3. Private homes where the resident processes and prepares candies, jams, and jellies not considered to be low-acid or acidified low-acid food products, dried fruits, dry herbs, dry seasonings, dry mixtures, coated and uncoated nuts, vinegars and flavored vinegars, popcorn, popcorn balls, cotton candy, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, roasted coffee, dried tea, cereals, trail mixes, granola, and baked goods if such products are (i) those that do not require time or temperature control after preparation; (ii) sold in person in the Commonwealth to an individual for his own consumption and not for resale or consignment; (iii) sold at the private home, at a temporary event that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days, or at a farmers market; (iv) not offered for sale to be used in or offered for consumption in retail food establishments; and (v) affixed with a label placed on the principal display panel or, for a product in packaging not large enough to bear such a label, offered for sale with a sign displaying the name, physical address, and telephone number of the person preparing the food product, the date the food product was processed, and the statement "NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION." Nothing in this subdivision shall create or diminish the authority of the Commissioner under § 3.2-5102 or shall prohibit a resident selling a food product in accordance with this subdivision from advertising such food product on the Internet;

4. Private homes where the resident processes and prepares pickles and other acidified vegetables that have an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lower if such products are (i) sold in person in the Commonwealth to an individual for his own consumption and not for resale or consignment; (ii) sold at the private home, at a temporary event that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days, or at a farmers market; (iii) not offered for sale to be used in or offered for consumption in retail food establishments; (iv) affixed with a label placed on the principal display panel displaying the name, physical address, and telephone number of the person preparing the food product, the date the food product was processed, and the statement "NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION"; and (v) not exceeding $9,000 in gross sales in a calendar year.

Source: Virginia Cottage Food LawView official code

Full Breakdown

The Virginia Home Food Processing Law, commonly called the Cottage Food Law, is codified at Virginia Code 3.2-5130. Virginia is a permissive cottage food state: producers of non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, jellies, dry mixes, granola, candies, herb blends, and similar shelf-stable items) can sell directly to consumers from their home kitchen without VDACS inspection or permit. The 2023 update (HB 1842) removed the prior 3,000 dollar annual sales cap. Sales venues allowed: direct to consumer at the producer residence, farmers markets, roadside stands, festivals, and consumer-direct delivery. Sales through third-party retailers, restaurants, or online interstate are not covered (require full commercial licensing). Labels must include: producer name and address, product name, full ingredient list, net weight, allergen declarations, and the disclosure NOT FOR RESALE - PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION. Norfolk adds: Home Occupation permit through Planning, BPOL business license, and zoning compliance. Prohibited foods include meats, dairy, refrigerated baked goods, and anything requiring time/temperature control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell cookies from my Norfolk home kitchen?
Yes under Virginia Cottage Food Law. You need proper labels, direct consumer sales only, a Norfolk Home Occupation permit, and a BPOL business license from the Commissioner of Revenue.
Can I sell cheesecake or custard pies?
No. Dairy-based refrigerated products require time/temperature control and are outside Virginia Cottage Food Law. Selling them requires a VDACS commercial food establishment license.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Norfolk

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