Home Bakery (Cottage Food) Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery (cottage food) in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

$10 -- $100 1-2 days (mostly just completing food handler training and confirming zoning) 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: March 12, 2026.

Austin / Travis County Requirements

1 requirement

Austin Development Services — Home Occupation Compliance

Austin's Land Development Code allows cottage food production operations as a home occupation. You do not need a permit, but your operation must comply with home occupation rules: no external signage, no employees on-site beyond household members, and no customer visits that disrupt neighborhood character. Verify your zoning allows home occupation via Austin's Zoning and Cases search tool.

Free (no permit required for cottage food under Texas law)N/A — confirm zoning online before starting

Official government source

Texas State Requirements

4 requirements

Texas Cottage Food Operation (No Permit Required)

Under Texas Health and Safety Code §437 (as amended by SB 541, effective September 1, 2025), no state or local permit, license, inspection, or fee is required for cottage food operations selling non-TCS foods directly to consumers. You may sell baked goods, cakes, cookies, candy, jam, and similar non-potentially hazardous foods. Annual gross sales cap is $150,000.

Free (no permit needed)N/A

Official government source

Texas Food Handler Card

Required for all cottage food operators. Must complete a DSHS-accredited food handler training course and keep the certificate on file. Available online from multiple providers.

$7-$152-4 hours online

Official government source

DSHS Registration (for TCS Foods only)

If you sell time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods — such as cheesecakes, cream pies, or custard-filled pastries — you must register with DSHS. Effective September 1, 2025. Registration is free and requires date-of-production labeling and safe-handling instructions on packaging.

Free1-2 weeks

Official government source

Texas Sales Tax Permit

Required if selling taxable items. Most baked goods sold for off-premise consumption may be exempt; goods sold for immediate consumption are taxable. Consult the Texas Comptroller for your specific situation.

FreeImmediate (online)

Official government source