In Hampton, Virginia, cottage bakers are facing limitations due to current zoning laws that prohibit self-serve stands. Recently, the city informed us that they do not recommend revising the ordinance to accommodate home-based small businesses like ours. As passionate bakers trying to grow our own businesses, we find this restrictive and feel it's time for a change.

We're not asking for anything that could disrupt neighborhoods. Our proposal is simple: allow small, regulated stands with specific guidelines like limited operating hours, no employees, and no intrusive signage or noise. These stands would not be permanent structures but simple setups for displaying bread, cookies, and other baked goods. In essence, this is about creating avenues for local cottage businesses to thrive, without interfering with the community's character.

While Hampton does not have agricultural zones like surrounding cities with similar stands, this is an opportunity to innovate and support local small businesses. Can we not create a special permit process that respects the current residential framework but allows exceptions? Our small business coordinator has been supportive and encouraged us to take this to City Council, where we can discuss this during public comments and through direct communications with council members.

We need your support. By signing this petition, you're championing home-based entrepreneurs like myself and others in Hampton. Let’s impactfully advocate for the flexibility to set up cottage food stands, ensuring that our efforts to operate legally and harmoniously are recognized. Please sign the petition to help us encourage city leaders to reconsider and support the development of local cottage industries in our community.