- Home occupation permit required:
- No
- Details:
- Charlottesville city is subject to Virginia cottage food law (Va. Code §3.2-5130), which requires no state permit, registration, or inspection. Virginia does NOT preempt local ordinances — cities and counties may impose additional requirements. Many Virginia localities require a general business license ($30–$100/yr). Charlottesville is an independent city with an active food culture and multiple farmers markets (including the City Market on Water Street). Virginia cottage food law is not preempted locally; Charlottesville may require a local business license. The Charlottesville City Market is a primary sales venue for cottage food producers.
- Home kitchen:
- Va. Code §3.2-5130 provides the home kitchen food processing exemption. No permit, registration, or inspection required at the state level. Local ordinances are NOT preempted — cities and counties may impose additional requirements. Many Virginia localities require a general business license ($30–$100/yr). Sales allowed only at the producer's home or at farmers markets/temporary events (≤14 days). Online sales prohibited (advertising allowed but no e-commerce transactions). Required label: producer name, physical address, phone, processing date, and 'NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION'.
Last verified 2026-05-06. Not legal advice.
