Fresh Produce & Cottage Foods Sales Home Occupation:
The Colorado Cottage Foods Act, passed in 2012 and amended in 2015, this means the City of Denver will now allow backyard gardeners to sell their produce in a front yard farm stand within the City limits.
Produce includes herbs and whole, uncut fruits and vegetables that were grown by the person selling them. All cottage food products must be labeled so that they may be traced to the seller, must be sold directly to the consumer, and may not be sold for resale (wholesale). Produce grown at an urban farm, a community garden or on another person’s land may also be sold at the grower’s place of residence.
Permits: Who can Apply and How?
Who Can Apply for a Permit?
- Any owner or renter who lives in Denver may apply for a permit. No proof of residency is required.
- Denver properties have different home occupation rules, depending on their zone district. Learn more at www.denvergov.org/homebusiness.
How to Apply for a Permit?
- Review the home occupation rules and limitations, found in Section 11.9.2 of the Denver Zoning Code at www.denvergov.org/zoning
- Fill out, sign and turn in a Home Occupation Application, which can be found at: www.denvergov.org/homebusiness.
- Pay a one-time $20 fee. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted at the City of Denver’s Development Services permit counter; checks are accepted by mail
Considerations & Additional Information:
There are serious considerations that involve food safety, business planning and a deliberate approach to operating this type of farm stand. For resources that will help navigate the process for Denver residents check out the handout below.
https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/696/documents/Single-family_duplex/Handout_Residential_Sales_English.pdf