I contacted my church recently to find out if they'd let me rent their kitchen during the week. This morning I got an email back that said they couldn't allow me to use their kitchen at this time for business purposes because there would be "too many legal hoops to jump through." So I thought I would come here and find out from you more experienced folks what these hoops might be, and if there is anything I can do to eliminate them for the church. I don't understand. I'm in NC and could have my home kitchen licensed, but that would mean getting rid of the shih tzu I've had for 7 years, and I can't do that. That's why I was looking for a church kitchen, because I've researched and I can't find any other type of commercial kitchen around here. Thoughts?

Hi Amber - I ran into the same problem where I live. They told me that church kitchens are not inspected by the health department because there is a different set of rules for them. That means that your goods would not be okayed by the health department. Also, running a business for profit in a space that is supposed to be not for profit is another problem. Then, there is the church board that has to approve use, and determining how much rent you would have to pay based on the utility usage. Then they have insurance issues and the liability for them. All in all, it boils down to a nightmare for someone in the administative office... My solution was going to the local community college and teaching cake decorating classes which meant I could use their facility. Maybe if that is an option, you could explore that avenue. Good luck!!

Michelle

Some things that I have wondered about:

1. Would you really be able to prevent someone from using your ingredients? Many Sunday school classes / members do not realize that not everything is available for their use.
2. Summer brings new groups into the building during the week.
Vacation Bible School, where snacks are made in the kitchen.
Youth groups attending activites and studies. What cake would be safe around a group of teenagers?
3. Wednesday night suppers.
4. Weeknight Bible studies. Coffee and light finger foods are often served.
5. Ladies groups and luncheons.
6. If you needed to leave your cakes unattended overnight or while you left, would folks keep their hands off them, or worse, decide they would make a great dessert to take home.
7. Would the church allow the A/C to be kept on during the week?
8. Do you like to decorate with an audience, or folks coming in and out?
I've just wondered how people made it work in an enviroment where things are shared.

That all makes perfect sense, I didn't think about it that way! Well there goes that idea. Dang. It seems like the odds are stacked against me to do this legally so I'm thinking about only doing it for family and friends. I've got two small kids who would have to be with me, that's why a church would have been nice. My husband works 50 hours a week and goes to college full time, and I don't have anyone else who can watch the kids. Maybe I should hang up my decorating hat until they're older and in school.

will they license you if you put the dog outside? That way you have the best of both worlds.

Not sure what the cottage laws are where you are but in Utah, we can be licensed as long as the pet is not free roaming...I have a dog and she loves the backyard and when the weather doesn't permit her to be out, she is. Kennel trained...it seems to work well..I am in the process of getting licensed

Hope all works out for you. Good luck

Yes, but he's an inside dog and has been his whole life. He wouldn't tolerate heat and cold well because he's a little dog so I would worry about him.

A tax-exempt religious organization is free to rent space to for-profit companies without losing tax-exempt status, as long as the profits do not accrue to individual members of the church. IRS Publication 1828 has the relevant info if the church is concerned about this.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

Regarding making things work in shared environments (many rented commercial kitchens are shared), the best way to make sure your stuff is safe is to lock it up.

My dog Is a caryn terrier...like toto from wizard of oz.....she was indoors too until we moved to a rental home where they would only let us keep her if she was predominantly NOT indoors roaming about......the little dogs actually tolerate kennels well and they adjust quickly..who knows she might like ...try it out if it's too cold bring her etc... ....you could try it and see how she does.... I think you could ask if they are in a closed off area of the house when she is out like a baby hexagon gate or something so she could play but be fre roaming....



I am sure you can find a balance..there is so much to do to get this license ..the tasks are daunting especially when it involves making such drastic changes......again good luck in whatever you decide!

I too asked my church if I could use the kitchen to do my business. They had a few questions but eventually approved it. Two days later I found out from the Department of Agriculture that I could run my business out of my own home and regular kitchen. I live in Michigan. Don't give up, you'll find a way to make it work.
God bless,
Keri

i too live in nc, have some great recipes that i want to sell, am looking for a church to rent from. any ideas? i found a culinary kitchen for rent, but have not heard back from the one i called.