Zoning ordinance change to allow home bakeries

Home bakeries will soon be allowed in Commerce residences.

The Commerce Planning Commission voted 4-0 Monday night to recommend that the city council amend its zoning ordinance to allow the preparation, labeling and sale of baked items in “home occupations” under the Georgia Cottage Food Law.

“The law just came into effect in October,” explained planning director David Zellner. “It allows for people who bake cakes in their homes to bake it, label it and sell it without a commercial kitchen.”

The change is made at the request of owners of the Daughtry House, located on South Elm Street, a new event venue. City manager Pete Pyrzenski has endorsed the idea.

Zellner said the Department of Agriculture will conduct a thorough inspection of the residential kitchen to assure consumer safety.

Asked for her comment, the only resident to attend the meeting, Mollie Laboda, supported the concept.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “We can’t let any business large or small go, as far as I’m concerned. It’s something different for the area. It sounds like something we could use.”

The Commerce City Council will vote on the recommendation at its Jan. 14 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Commerce Room of the Commerce Civic Center.