I've been researching getting my home licensed for baking... I already sell by word of mouth.
I have read on here that several of you got licensed without a hitch. But they told me that I have to submit a scale drawing of my kitchen with water inlets marked, all equipment labeled and detailed, etc! 
They said its because selling directly to a customer is "retail".
I thought I was going to get this ball rolling by the first of the year but I just am having trouble getting myself to pull out the graph paper and start measuring. I have three little boys and an "oops" on the way and I totally don't feel like this....
Did any of the rest of you have to do this, or did I just get unlucky?
You live in the suburbs of Philly, right?? Me, too! I did not have a problem getting licensed. Did you call the dept of agriculture?? Are you selling your products to stores or individuals? Selling to stores makes things a little more complicated. If you are just selling random cakes to individuals they should be fine with that. I guess different townships have different rules. I'm assuming you spoke with your township, etc.
Sorry for the difficulties...I hope it gets eaier 
I'm in NE PA - I was wondering if you had to do any major remodeling? ie - 3 basin sink etc?
I'm really wanting to get licenced too!!!!! 
You live in the suburbs of Philly, right?? Me, too! I did not have a problem getting licensed. Did you call the dept of agriculture?? Are you selling your products to stores or individuals? Selling to stores makes things a little more complicated. If you are just selling random cakes to individuals they should be fine with that. I guess different townships have different rules. I'm assuming you spoke with your township, etc.
Sorry for the difficulties...I hope it gets eaier
I live in Lower Bucks. So far the county says I just have to answer to the Dept of Ag and zoning isn't a problem. I am selling to individuals but that is "retail" which means I have to fill out the business plan and draw the diagram to scale of my kitchen, label everything, water inputs, outlets, model and serial numbers of all my equipment, etc.
I haven't had a chance to work on that project yet. 
Did you have to draw a diagram?
I had to do this when I opened my shop. Once I pulled out the grid paper it took about 30 minutes to get it done....and on the labeling...just get it done. Atleast you don't have to go out and find a seperate building, remodel a kitchen and spend thousands doing it! I'm not trying to be rude, but do you know how many bakers on this board wish their states had guidelines for home kitchens? One you get started it will probably move rather quickly...good luck!
I had to do this when I opened my shop. Once I pulled out the grid paper it took about 30 minutes to get it done....and on the labeling...just get it done. Atleast you don't have to go out and find a seperate building, remodel a kitchen and spend thousands doing it! I'm not trying to be rude, but do you know how many bakers on this board wish their states had guidelines for home kitchens? One you get started it will probably move rather quickly...good luck!
I wasn't really complaining but just am not sure how to go about getting it done, or how strict they want the diagram.
I also am still trying to decide if I am going to be able to put forth the effort necessary to keep and maintain and bake in a licensed kitchen at this point in my life.
I am almost sure they just want it drawn to scale. Follow the grid paper and it will be pretty easy. All you are doing is making a detailed map of your kitchen.
I wasn't trying to be snooty...I'm having a bad week with a psycho thinks she's a friend driving me nuts! 
I opened my shop when my son was 4 and in pre-k. If I could do it over again I would have waited atleast another year. I think it's a very personal and tuff decision. I am sure you will make a good one for you and your family!
I live in Upper Bucks and did not hasve to fill out a business plan or any of that stuff. I needed a letter from my township saying taht zoning was not an issue and someone came out from the Dept of Agric. went over the rules, etc. I can't believe there would be that much difference between Upper and Lower Bucks?! I hope it all works out for you! I'm glad I didn't have to go thru all of that.
I live in Upper Bucks and did not hasve to fill out a business plan or any of that stuff. I needed a letter from my township saying taht zoning was not an issue and someone came out from the Dept of Agric. went over the rules, etc. I can't believe there would be that much difference between Upper and Lower Bucks?! I hope it all works out for you! I'm glad I didn't have to go thru all of that.
See that's the thing I don't get...none of this came from this county, it all came from the state Dept of Ag! That is who needs the diagram! Howcome you didn't have to?
That is weird. I wish I knew. I hate that you have to go to the extra trouble. Did you tell them that you know people who haven't had to do any of that?
I did register with the state and I am in the process of getting insurance.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%