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NC licensed decorators: What do I need to do to be licensed?

post #1 of 19
12/3/05 at 5:34am
Thread Starter 
icon_smile.gif I am in North Carolina.......and all of my business has come from word of mouth. It is doing okay, but I was wondering about becoming a licensed kitchen in my home. I am considering doing this for a fulltime job...am not sure, but hard considering it. icon_smile.gif
I need ideas, and thoughts and what do I need to do? I have heard that we are one of the 'easier' states to become licensed in...just don't know.
Any help is more than appreciated!
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post #2 of 19
12/3/05 at 5:40am
I'm in NC too and just passed my inspection. We are regulated by the Department of Agriculture, not the Health Department. The biggest issues are: correct temp on the refrigerator, NO pets indoors ever, you (or anyone else in your family) can't be cooking or eating in the kitchen when you are preparing items for sale, and there is a long list if you plan to place items in store for people to pick up.

Each area has their own inpsector, where are you? Contact the Dept. of Ag. and they will give you the number for the inspector in your area.

You also have to have a business license and your home has to be zoned for business. On the zoning side, they will not allow for high traffic in a residential area so you will have to explain to them that you will be delivering the cakes and stuff.

If you want to talk more about it, PM me with your phone number and we'll chat.
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post #3 of 19
12/20/05 at 2:07pm
You also have to charge sales tax as this is a food item. You also cannot use your garage for any kind of storage, even a freezer or fridge. No cats or dogs, not even in the yard, although birds are ok if they are on another floor, not near the storage or food. You cannot put any kind of advertising on your home, or on your vehicle if it is parked in your driveway. (so no signs)

And yes, there is an inspection for each town, and yes, its not the health dept,! I am also getting my business license so I can advertise in our local penny saver, etc. I haven't done the inspection yet, as I have to do some major rearanging in our house and I am waiting till after the holidays for that!

Good luck, I understand we are pretty lucky, our state is very good about allowing us home bakers!
Gotta have more cowbell!
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Gotta have more cowbell!
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post #4 of 19
12/20/05 at 6:26pm
That's interesting about the garage because we are thinking about adding a three car garage with the space for the third car as my kitchen! I wonder if that would work and I could pass inspection that way. I definitely couldn't now because of my indoor pets so I'm waiting until we can add on. I'm planning on being strictly a "home baker" no storefront. Thanks for the information!
Leslie
The only things worth knowing are the things I learned after I knew it all.
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The only things worth knowing are the things I learned after I knew it all.
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post #5 of 19
12/20/05 at 6:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by loriemoms

...No cats or dogs, not even in the yard, ...



ok, I understand about not in the house, but not in the yard? why? like I'm going to go out there and decorate?
Keep on cakin'!
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Keep on cakin'!
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post #6 of 19
12/20/05 at 6:31pm
Hey, I am in NC too! We all need to get together to form a cake club!!!!!!
I called for info too. But they didn't tell me anything about not using the garage or not having a sign on the car. I am not sure I want to be legal at this point. Helen
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post #7 of 19
12/20/05 at 6:38pm
here's a link to the NC division of ICES

http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/ncices/index.html

and here's a link to ICES http://www.ices.org/

one of my first priorities after new year (and hopefully some $$ from $anta will be to join ICES

and then start the process to have a legal business.
Keep on cakin'!
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Keep on cakin'!
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post #8 of 19
12/21/05 at 5:47am
I am in NC too and have contacted the Dept. of Ag. If you do have dogs in the home all is not lost! You have a couple of options.... you can get like a small trailer or a camper to put in your back yard or you can use a kitchen from someone in your family or one of your friends. I t may be a little more inconvient but at least you don't have to give up your pets! thumbs_up.gif
Learning something new everyday!!
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Learning something new everyday!!
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post #9 of 19
12/21/05 at 5:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ncdessertdiva

That's interesting about the garage because we are thinking about adding a three car garage with the space for the third car as my kitchen! I wonder if that would work and I could pass inspection that way. I definitely couldn't now because of my indoor pets so I'm waiting until we can add on. I'm planning on being strictly a "home baker" no storefront. Thanks for the information!
Leslie



Yes, they told me I could use the garage, if i didn't keep any kind of paint, solvents, gas, lawn mower, or an automobile. I didn't ask if you added to the garage and maybe made it a seperate space?

I think the animals they are more concerned about hair, flees and other things that animals carry. My birds are on another floor and never come out, and there are still some questions on them.

My main thing is trying to figure out a "holding area" for waiting for people to come pick up cakes. I think I may have to take over our dining room! (which I only use like for christmas and thanksgiving anyway! haha!)
Gotta have more cowbell!
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Gotta have more cowbell!
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post #10 of 19
12/21/05 at 5:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlnewman

I am in NC too and have contacted the Dept. of Ag. If you do have dogs in the home all is not lost! You have a couple of options.... you can get like a small trailer or a camper to put in your back yard or you can use a kitchen from someone in your family or one of your friends. I t may be a little more inconvient but at least you don't have to give up your pets! thumbs_up.gif



Maybe we should all get together and rent a kitchen together!
Gotta have more cowbell!
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Gotta have more cowbell!
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post #11 of 19
12/21/05 at 5:53am
Maybe we should and that way we can swap secrets! icon_wink.gif
Learning something new everyday!!
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Learning something new everyday!!
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post #12 of 19
12/21/05 at 6:22am
That sounds like a plan!

NC ICES meets on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2005 at the Swift Creek Community Center in Raleigh, NC if anyone is interested.

Leslie
The only things worth knowing are the things I learned after I knew it all.
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The only things worth knowing are the things I learned after I knew it all.
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post #13 of 19
12/21/05 at 11:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ncdessertdiva

That sounds like a plan!

NC ICES meets on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2005 at the Swift Creek Community Center in Raleigh, NC if anyone is interested.

Leslie



Hey cool, that is near me! Do you have any details?
Gotta have more cowbell!
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Gotta have more cowbell!
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post #14 of 19
12/21/05 at 12:39pm
i sure miss it in NC. i wish you'll the best of luck with your in home baking!!!
stacy,
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post #15 of 19
12/21/05 at 7:08pm
For the NC ICES information, Doug has graciously posted a link for everyone.
Leslie
The only things worth knowing are the things I learned after I knew it all.
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