Henrico County, Virginia cottage food FAQ
Some bakers in Henrico ask whether a county license is still needed when Virginia does not issue a cottage permit. Some people say VDACS will not inspect the exemption path if food stays shelf-stable. Others say you should still call the county.
Some bakers in Henrico ask whether a county license is still needed when Virginia does not issue a cottage permit. Some people say VDACS will not inspect the exemption path if food stays shelf-stable. Others say you should still call the county.
Is there a state cottage certificate?
No. On the § 3.2-5130 path there is no VDACS cottage certificate and no routine kitchen inspection for qualifying shelf-stable foods. A separate Home Food Processing Operation is the inspected route if you need that path.
Do I need a Henrico business license or home occupation approval?
Some people ask how a county license affects taxes. A county privilege license is not your income-tax return. Home occupation in Henrico is conditional, and a local business license may still apply. Confirm with Henrico planning and the Commissioner of the Revenue.
50 states + DC, county zoning, and free PDF reports.
Can I cater from home?
Official notes flag that Henrico prohibits catering from a residence. Porch pickup for cottage food may be treated differently. Do not assume catering rules equal cottage pickup rules. Ask planning before you advertise on-site service.
Next steps (paid guides)
If you want the local permit stack in one packet, get the Henrico County Permit Guide ($26). It covers zoning, health, and business-license steps for this place.
For the full state book, get the Virginia License & Permit Guide ($44) (432 pages). Or unlock the library with the Unlimited Pass ($97), which includes the Virginia guide and every county Permit Guide.
Not legal advice. Confirm with the city or county and with VDACS before you sell.
Crosodo Journal entries are recipe, craft, and cottage-food notes for home bakers. Recipes assume an active starter and basic equipment. Cottage food sales are governed by your state's law — start with the free state directory, check a product with Can I sell this?, or grab a label template. Not legal advice.
