For what it is worth:
this morning I received an e-mail from the King Co. health dept., answering a question I had about the new law. Aside from answering my question notice what else I was told:

"Regarding the Cottage Food Bill, you are correct that this will be regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture; however, it will be some time (perhaps early 2012 from what I hear) before one can actually obtain a permit as WSDA needs to create new rules to go along with this law. You can contact WSDA at (360) 902-1876 or www.agr.wa.gov ."

Just wanted to put this out there, as I figured on the inspections starting and permits being issued by early autumn, this seems to push that back several months. If those of us starting a business under this law can't begin until 2012, should we wait on those start-up costs (insurance, etc.) until 2010 so that we can claim them for the 2012 tax year? Hope that question made sense.
Also, I noticed in the "new section" of the law, it is very specific about illegal baking - a misdemeanor for the first offence and a LARGE fine - $1000 a day for each violation.

spuddsymom...

I will be dierctly involved with the Rule making, this process should begin in a few weeks. I have been told we should see inspections begin in September, however this is subject to change. Please visit the facebook page I have created for all the latest information!

FH_Cakes. thank you for the facebook page. I read it earlier and was just concerned the HD made it sound like inspections would be even later, but I am just overly anxious to get started! Thank you again.

FH_Cakes Thank you a million times over for your dedication to this law. I do have a question how will zoning work Will our house need to be within certain zoning? My husband and I are currently looking to buy a home so this is something that will need to be considered. I don't know a whole lot about business laws and such. It's time to start doing my homework on that front. Thank you for any info.

MrsBowity...

Thank you! Zoning is different for all of Washington. You will need to contact the City/County you are in or considering to purchase your home in to verify their rules. For instance..I live in unincorporated Clark County, my zoning laws allow me to have a home based business with restrictions on how much sq ft the business takes up, storage of the business and customers coming to my home. In order to avoid paying another fee, I have opted to take the exemption for this year and do delivery only. If I decide to let customers come to my home I will be required to pay a fee of $145 (this allows 6 customers per day). Good Luck!

How would this effect a cupcake business? Will there be some kind of exception to the frosting rule as most recipes for cupcakes call for cream cheese, buttercream or meringue?

JenniF...

Cupcakes or cake..it is no different, as long as the frosting in non-pershiable (meaning it does not require refridgeration)

Thanks for all your hard work!!