Hi there! This is my first post  I've always found great help on Cake Central, so I'm hoping that you guys can help me out again. Actually there is a post on this before but the response was in 2008 and I can't really find the answer I'm looking for.

So, I am thinking of opening a home based cake deco business in Kansas and was wondering if you guys know what the rules & regulations are like. Do I need a permit/ licence? Can I operate from the same kitchen? Are there any other requirements?

Any help would be much appreciated especially if you or you know someone who is doing the same. 

Thanks in advance! 

my only comment is that if it was me i'd just go check with my health department first

then from that see if i need to check with the zoning board, code enforcement, plumbers, electricians, contactors, loan officers, inspectors etc.

some areas are very open to home cake businesses while other areas in the same state are piled high with more strictly enforced rules & regulations  than one can hardly imagine

sometimes even within the same county from incorporated to unincorporated areas there can be a big difference

i wish you the very best -- no flaming hoops to jump through--i hope you have the lighter side of regulations, easy people to comply with

There is a sticky at the top of this forum with loads of info on which states will allow foods to be processed in your home kitchen and sold to the public.  Might be worth browzing through it and see if anyone has chimed in about Kansas.   Here is a link to it so you don't have to search for it http://cakecentral.com/t/586218/new-states-that-license-home-kitchens.  

Looking at the Kansas Depatment of Agriculture website, it would appear that the answer is no.  Here http://www.ksda.gov/faq/?p=1&cid=&filter=&department=5 there is a FAQ type page and has "Can I make foods in my home to sell to the consumer?" and the answer is that you must have a licensed and equipped kitchen that is separate from your home kitchen.  This could be for foods that are considered potentially hazardous though.  That regulation is the same in pretty much all states.  Perishable foods cannot be made in the home kitchen for sale to consumers (think caterers and such).  It could mean that you just need a separate kitchen that doesn't need to be up to commerical regulations, or it could mean that you do need it to be a commercial grade kitchen.  I would call the DOA and see what they have to say.  I wish you luck... sometimes calling the state agencies can be a bit... frustrating... LOL.

Hi -K8memphis & lilmissbakesalot,

Thanks A LOT for the great great information!! Really appreciate it. I will check with the Agricultural dpmt and hopefully I can share what they say later.

Thanks again!! 

Check first with your city first.  I live in Kansas, Wyandotte County, Bonner Springs.  I would be able to do it so not all of Kansas is against. 

The City is the first place to check.   My sister and I decided to open a storefront that actually opens tomorrow!!!  So excited. 

Anyway go to your city and check it out.  Good Luck.

Liz Cooper

EJ's on Oak

Bonner Springs, Ks.

Hi mrsclaus1!!

Sorry it took me a gabazillion years to reply to your post. I just wanted to say thanks for your input and hope that your cake business is thriving! CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

Yes, I will check with the local authorities when before I kick off.