- Home occupation permit required:
- Yes
- Details:
- Jefferson County Code Title 18 (JCC 18.20.170) establishes a 'Cottage Industry' permit for home-based production businesses, processed as Type II (administrative) or Type III (hearing examiner) depending on scale and nature of the use. Separately, JCC 18.20.200 covers 'Home Businesses' with a supplemental application requiring a site plan, floor plan, and permit fees based on valuation (minimum 3 hours). The Department of Community Development at 621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360-379-4450) handles applications. Port Townsend (county seat, incorporated city) has its own rules within city limits.
- Home kitchen:
- Washington state law (RCW §69.22) requires a biennial permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture for cottage food operations. Permit fees: approximately $125 (inspection) + $75 (public health review) + $30 (processing). Annual kitchen inspection required. Home kitchen must be the operator's primary residence. Jefferson County has a separate 'Cottage Industry' permit process under JCC 18.20.170 for home-based production businesses, processed as Type II or Type III permits depending on use. Home businesses (JCC 18.20.200) also require a supplemental permit application with site plan and floor plan.
Last verified 2026-05-06. Not legal advice.
