Below are some documents that provide guidance to safely operate your Cottage Food Business.  This is not a comprehensive list and you are encouraged to learn as much as you can about safe food handling. You are strongly encouraged to review the checklist below as it contains contact information for the Office of Zoning Administration (OZA) to obtain the Home Occupancy Permit (HOP) as well as Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) if you need to have scales certified for food items sold by weight. Feel free to contact the Division at [email protected].

Cottage Food Business Frequently Asked Questions:  
Frequently Asked Questions

Cottage Food Business Important Information for Applicants:
Important Information

Cottage Food Business Checklist:  
Checklist

Cottage Food Business Regulations:  
Regulations

The Cottage Food Business Registry Application is below. Once completed, please email a copy to [email protected]  You will receive an acknowledgment email that will detail the next steps. Complete applications will be reviewed within thirty (30) business days. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, a representative from the Food Safety & Hygiene Inspection Services Division will contact you to schedule an inspection. All inspections will take place during normal business hours unless previously approved by a supervisor. To prepare for your inspection, please familiarize yourself with Subtitle K of Title 25 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations. 

Cottage Food Business Registry Application:  
Application 

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certificate:  
CFPM Examination
Application for CFPM I.D. card