- Home occupation permit required:
- Conditional
- Details:
- NJ requires applicant to confirm local zoning allows cottage food before state permit is issued. Burlington County municipalities have their own zoning ordinances; applicant must contact local zoning board to confirm cottage food operation is permitted in residential zone. If local zoning prohibits, state permit will not be issued.
- Home kitchen:
- New Jersey requires a state Cottage Food Operator Permit ($100 fee, valid 2 years) from NJ Department of Health. Applicant must: (1) first verify local zoning allows cottage food business; (2) obtain Food Protection Manager Certification (not just food handler); (3) provide proof of water potability; (4) submit product questionnaire for each item. Home kitchen not inspected unless complaint or suspected illness. Annual gross sales cap $50,000. Burlington County operators must additionally comply with applicable local municipal laws.
Last verified 2026-05-05. Not legal advice.
