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

Washington's Cottage Food Law (RCW 69.22 + WAC 16-149) sets a uniform statewide framework administered by WSDA Food Safety Program (360-902-1876, cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov). RCW 69.22.040 caps annual gross sales of cottage food products at $25,000 per operation. RCW 69.22.030 limits sales channels to direct-to-end-consumer in person — farmers markets, farm stands, seasonal events such as harvest festivals, CSAs, and at the producer's home. Internet, mail-order, wholesale, consignment, retail through grocery stores, restaurants, and any out-of-state sales are prohibited (cottage foods may not enter interstate commerce). Permitted product categories under WAC 16-149-020 include: baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, biscotti, brownies, pastries — but not custard, cream, or cheese fillings), candies (fudge, brittle, toffee, hard candy, chocolate), confections, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, dry herbs and herb mixes, dry mixes (cake mix, soup mix), fruit pies (high-acid), granola, jams, jellies, fruit butters, preserves, marshmallows, popcorn and caramel corn, roasted coffee, roasted nuts, and similar shelf-stable, non-potentially-hazardous foods. Prohibited products include meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, eggs, fermented foods, low-acid canned goods, beverages other than fruit juices canned in compliance, and any temperature-controlled-for-safety items. WAC 16-149-040 requires labels with: producer's name, address, and permit number; product name; ingredients in descending weight order with major allergens declared; net weight; and the conspicuous statement 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria. This product is exempt from Washington State Department of Agriculture food processor licensing.' WAC 16-149-050 requires all food preparers to hold a Food and Beverage Service Worker Permit under RCW 69.06 (Yakima County Food Worker Card available at the Yakima Health District, $10 — yakimacounty.us/206/Health-District). The cottage food permit covers a two-year cycle and lists the specific product types authorized. RCW 69.22.070 authorizes WSDA to deny, suspend, or revoke permits for non-compliance. On the local Yakima side, YMC 15.04.120's thirteen home-occupation conditions still apply: only immediate family residents may work there (Condition 8), no walk-in retail beyond goods produced on-premises (Condition 12), no commercial vehicle storage (Condition 7), and no off-site nuisance from baking odors, deliveries, or traffic (Conditions 5, 6). A Yakima City UBI registration through the Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service plus a Yakima Business License (YMC 5.02) is also required.