- Home occupation permit required:
- Yes
- Details:
- VDACS application requires written documentation of zoning approval from the local zoning office before processing. Stafford County has zoning rules for home occupations. Must provide proof of zoning approval for the VDACS permit pathway. The §3.2-5130 cottage food exemption also benefits from zoning compliance.
- Home kitchen:
- Virginia has two pathways: (1) Va. Code §3.2-5130 cottage food exemption — no registration or inspection for direct-to-consumer sales of non-TCS shelf-stable foods (limited list including candies, jams, jellies, dried fruits, dry herbs, nuts, vinegars, popcorn, roasted coffee, cereals, granola, baked goods not requiring temperature control). Pickles/acidified vegetables capped at $9,000/year. Must label 'NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION.' (2) VDACS Home Food Processing Operation permit ($40/year) allows broader foods but requires inspection. Zoning approval required for either pathway.
Last verified 2026-05-05. Not legal advice.
