Simpsonville, SC Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- S.C. Code sec. 44-1-143
- Allowed
- Non-potentially-hazardous foods
- State permit
- Not required (exempt from Reg 61.25)
- City license
- Business license required (10-41)
- Zoning
- Home occupation standards apply (3.3.8)
Summary
South Carolina's Home-Based Food Production law lets you sell non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, candy) made at home without a state retail-food permit. In Simpsonville you still need a City business license and must comply with the home-occupation zoning standards.
A home-based food production operation is not a retail food establishment and is not subject to regulation by the department pursuant to Regulation 61.25.
Full Breakdown
Under S.C. Code sec. 44-1-143, a home-based food production operation is an individual operating from their dwelling who prepares, processes, packages, stores, and distributes non-potentially-hazardous foods for direct sale to consumers or to retail stores, and it is not a retail food establishment subject to DHEC's Regulation 61.25. That state exemption covers items like breads, cakes, cookies, and candies. Simpsonville does not preempt this, but a home baker still needs a City of Simpsonville business license (sec. 10-41) and must meet the home-occupation limits in Zoning Ordinance sec. 3.3.8 (conducted within the residence, incidental, no outdoor storage, limited visitors).
Violations & Fines
Selling potentially hazardous foods outside the exemption, or operating without the required City business license, can trigger state or city enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell homemade baked goods in Simpsonville?
Do I need a health-department permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
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