Council refers cottage-kitchen ordinance to joint economic development and rules committees

The Malden City Council voted to refer Paper 263-26, a proposal to allow "cottage kitchens" (home-based preparation and sale of nonperishable food with a special permit), to a joint economic development and rules/ordinance meeting for further vetting.

The sponsor, introduced in the record as Councilor LeWang, said the proposal would allow residents to "apply for special permits and be able to run and have nonperishable food items baked and cooked in their own kitchens and be able to sell that online and sell it at farmers markets." He and other councilors emphasized surrounding communities already allow similar programs and that allowing cottage kitchens could help residents grow micro-businesses into brick-and-mortar operations.

Councilors discussed committee sequencing: some urged economic development first to shape a business and incubator approach, while others suggested joint review with rules and ordinance because the proposal will require ordinance and health-code changes. Councilor Winslow moved and Councilor Luong (recorded as second) moved referral to a joint economic development and rules/ordinance meeting; the motion carried and the paper was referred.

Speakers asked that public-health and planning staff be involved in drafting ordinance language and health-code changes, and several councilors requested to be added as cosponsors. The referral does not enact ordinance changes; it routes the proposal for staff and committee review.