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Charleston County Cottage Food Updates

Local rule changes and news for home bakers in Charleston County, with South Carolina statewide updates below the county news in every email. Every story links to its source.

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What the report says about zoning in Charleston County

Home occupation permit required:: Yes
Details:: City of Charleston requires a Home Occupation permit (application at 2 George St, First Floor) per Zoning Ordinance Sec. 54-211. Home occupation must be incidental to residential use; no retail businesses or activities injurious to health/welfare; no external signage incompatible with residential character; limits on floor area and operations. The completed application constitutes zoning approval. For unincorporated Charleston County areas, county-level home occupation rules apply.
Home kitchen:: South Carolina cottage food law (S.C. Code §44-1-145) allows non-PHF foods produced in primary domestic residence without registration, permit, or inspection. 2022 amendment (Act No. 208) expanded to allow retail store/grocery store sales and online/mail order. No sales cap. Products must be labeled as produced in unlicensed home kitchen. PHF (potentially hazardous) foods prohibited. City of Charleston requires a Home Occupation permit for home-based businesses per Charleston Zoning Ordinance Sec. 54-211.

Last verified 2026-05-05. Not legal advice.

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Zoning rules & home kitchen setup

u/Crosodo Community Team·6/22/2026·0 views

Local zoning and permits are often the trickiest part of home baking in Charleston County. Discuss home occupation permits, HOA rules, health department visits, kitchen inspections, and what the planning office actually said when you called. Share your experience — not legal advice.