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 county 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
If you want the local permit stack, start with the Henrico County permit page. It covers zoning, health, and business-license steps for this place.
The full Virginia state PDF and every county Permit Guide are included in the Cottage Pro ($15 one time, lifetime access).
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.
