Durham County, NC Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- May sell directly
- Handmade items, foodstuffs, crafts
- Made where
- On the premises
- Resale of bought goods
- Not allowed
- Hazardous materials
- Prohibited on premises
- Also follow
- NC Ag / DHHS food rules
Summary
Durham's home-occupation ordinance lets residents sell only handmade items, foodstuffs, and crafts made on the premises directly for sale. Reselling bought goods is prohibited, and no hazardous materials may be processed at home.
Only handmade items, foodstuffs, and crafts made on the premises will be offered directly for sale.
Full Breakdown
Under Durham UDO Section 5.4.4, a home occupation may offer directly for sale only handmade items, foodstuffs, and crafts made on the premises. Goods bought or secured for the express purpose of resale may not be sold at retail or wholesale from the home, though receiving and shipping catalog or electronic orders is allowed within the floor-area limits. No hazardous materials may be manufactured, stored, processed, or disposed of on the premises. Home food producers must also comply with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture's home-processing/cottage-food rules and DHHS requirements in addition to the local zoning standards.
Violations & Fines
Selling resale goods or exceeding home-occupation limits is a zoning violation subject to fines and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell homemade food from my Durham house?
Can I resell products I buy wholesale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Durham County
Compare Durham County to another location·View the North Carolina home business overview
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