Pasco, WA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Pasco does not have its own cottage food ordinance; home-based food production is regulated statewide by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) under the state Cottage Food Operation Law (RCW 69.22, implemented through WAC Chapter 16-149). A WSDA cottage food operation permit is required and costs $355 for a two-year permit, renewed every two years. Gross sales of cottage food products may not exceed $35,000 per year. Only low-risk, non-perishable (non-potentially-hazardous) foods are allowed, such as breads, cookies, pastries, candies, jams and jellies, granola, dry mixes, and similar shelf-stable items; perishable baked goods, acidified and low-acid canned foods, pickles, salsas, sauces, fermented foods, juices, and meat jerkies are prohibited. Cottage food may be sold only directly to the consumer in Washington (for example, from the home, at farmers markets, roadside stands, events, or online with pickup/delivery) and may not be sold wholesale, to retail stores, or to restaurants. Before a permit is issued, the home kitchen and permitted areas must be inspected by a WSDA representative, and an annual inspection is required. Product labels must include the business name, product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight, the permit number, and a statement that the product was "made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria." A cottage food business operated from a Pasco home would still need to meet the city's home occupation standards under PMC 25.150 in addition to the WSDA permit.