- Home occupation permit required:
- Conditional
- Details:
- Chesterfield County has home occupation provisions in its zoning ordinance. Operators should verify with Chesterfield County Planning Department (chesterfield.gov) whether a home occupation permit is required. Generally, home-based businesses in residential zones must be secondary to residential use, no external evidence of business, limited customer traffic, no employees other than family.
- Home kitchen:
- Virginia cottage food law (Va. Code §3.2-5130) exempts non-TCS shelf-stable foods from licensing and inspection. Permitted items: candies, jams, jellies (not low-acid/acidified), dried fruits, dry herbs, dry seasonings, dry mixes, nuts, vinegars, popcorn, cotton candy, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, roasted coffee, dried tea, cereals, trail mixes, granola, baked goods not requiring temperature control. Pickles/acidified vegetables (pH 4.6 or lower) capped at $9,000/year. Label must state 'NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION'. Chesterfield County requires compliance with home occupation zoning rules.
Last verified 2026-05-05. Not legal advice.
