Rowlett, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Cottage food production in Rowlett is controlled by Texas state law rather than a local ordinance. Under the Texas Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code Chapter 437), a cottage food production operation is exempt from the requirements that apply to food service establishments and does not have to comply with the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Local health departments have no regulatory authority to inspect a cottage food operation or to require any fee to produce, sell or provide samples directly to consumers. This means the City of Rowlett (and Dallas County health authorities) cannot require a cottage food permit or inspection. The state law allows a cottage food operation to earn up to $150,000 in annual gross income while remaining exempt from commercial licensing. Producers must label all food sold to consumers with the operation's name and address and a statement that the food is not inspected by the department or a local health department; foods requiring time and temperature control (TCS) carry additional date and safe-handling labeling. Operators still run their business from home, so Rowlett's home occupation standards (subchapter 77-303D) on size, employees, signage and off-site impacts continue to apply to the home where the food is made.