We are updating this site for businesses seeking information about starting, growing, or doing business with or in Montgomery County.
Please visit our new site, and let us know what you think. We value your feedback!
The new location for this page is
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/business/start/
Use this kit as a general overview of what it would take to open a food business in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Beyond the general steps required to
start your business there are certain considerations that specifically apply to businesses that are making food products.
When you are starting a food business, there are several considerations that will impact your decisions regarding a location.
The most simple and low-risk food businesses are governed by the Maryland Cottage Food Business Law, and can be made in a home kitchen.
Once you exceed the limits of the Cottage Law, you’ll need to make your product in a licensed kitchen. You can either rent space in an existing commercial kitchen or build your own.
If you decide to build your own space, you will need to familiarize yourself with the County’s zoning regulations and policies.
Montgomery County and jurisdictions throughout the country use zoning as part of an overall approach to strategically regulating land use. The zoning code is used to regulate the form (size, shape height and mass) of a building and the uses that are allowed on the property.
Food businesses that plan to build or remodel a food service facility should review the information available from the Plan Review Division of the Department of Health and Human Servcies.
In addition, please review information available from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services if your plans include building a new facility or altering an existing facility.
Depending on your location, you may fall under one of several municipalities in Montgomery County that have their own planning and zoning requirements:
Commercial New Construction
Commercial Change of Use
Commercial Use & Occupancy
Sign Permits
Montgomery County and
ADA Compliance
PEPCO Business Solutions 301-670-8700
Consumers have choices for electric and gas utility services. You may obtain a complete list of these companies from the Maryland Public Service Commission’s utility listing.
It is a good idea to schedule a preliminary design consultation with the Department of Permitting Services once you have a general idea of what your project will entail.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services issue licenses for a variety of food businesses.
If you plan to sell your products in a retail location, you would be required to obtain a Trader’s License from the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
All business licenses expire on April 30th regardless of when during the year they were purchased. All renewal licenses are effective on May 1st. The license cost is prorated in most cases if you start your business at a later time of the year.
Food licenses expire on January 31st every year and must be renewed annually.
If you plan to sell your food products at a farmer’s market, you may need to complete a Farmers Market License Application and follow Food Sampling Guidelines.
Employers in Montgomery County should be aware of regulations regarding employment practices. Visit the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights for more information.
All food service facilities must be under the immediate control of a Certified Food Service Manager. In addition food service facilities that are required to be under the immediate control of a certified food service manager must have an employee who has completed a food allergen awareness training course, and passed the course test, on premises at all times when food is being prepared or served.
