Iowa Zoning & Land Use Laws

Cottage Food Law

Iowa Cottage Food Law (Iowa Code Section 137F.1): Iowa allows home-based food production and direct sale of certain non-potentially-hazardous foods without a food processing plant license. Permitted products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, honey, and similar shelf-stable items. Annual gross revenue limit of $50,000 per year. Direct-to-consumer sales only — at the home, farmers markets, community events, and online sales with in-person delivery. No retail or wholesale distribution. Products must be labeled with: producer name and home address, product name, ingredient list in descending order, net weight, and 'Made in a Home Kitchen Not Inspected by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.' No state permit or registration required for operations under $50,000/year. Iowa raised its cottage food revenue cap to $50,000 in recent years. The law is part of Iowa's broader effort to support small agricultural and rural businesses. Operations exceeding $50,000/year must obtain a Food Processing Plant license from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Iowa Cities with Zoning Data