Theresa Kessinger, a North Ogden resident and parent, urged the City Council Thursday to allow cottage‑kitchen businesses under the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s cottage food law so she can provide classroom‑appropriate, allergen‑friendly treats for local children.

Kessinger said her son has multiple food allergies and sensitivities, and current restrictions make it hard for parents to provide shared classroom treats. She told the council she has researched state requirements, including food‑handler permits, kitchen inspection and labeling, and asked the city to permit cottage kitchen operations in North Ogden to increase options for families and support small entrepreneurs.

City Manager John Call and planning staff agreed the change requires a land‑use ordinance amendment. Planning staff told the council that previous applicants have begun the process in past years but often dropped out when they encountered the steps required for an ordinance change; staff said a persistent applicant could succeed. Council members indicated support for the proposal and directed staff to place the item on the planning commission agenda so the commission and council can work through the required ordinance amendments.

Why it matters: allowing cottage‑kitchen operations would change local land‑use rules to permit certain in‑home food businesses that meet state cottage food law requirements. Supporters said it would help families managing allergies, provide affordable options and encourage local entrepreneurship; staff cautioned that the process requires ordinance amendments and applicant follow‑through.

What council directed: the council agreed to proceed with a staff‑led ordinance change process and asked planning staff to add the matter to the planning commission agenda (planning staff referenced adding it in January). Staff and the resident agreed to coordinate so the applicant can “walk alongside us” through the ordinance process.

Quotes from the meeting:
"It is my hope that I could use my small business as an avenue for spreading awareness of the importance for making better food choices for our children and to provide these options for the growing number of our population with food allergies and restrictions," resident Theresa Kessinger said during public comment.

Council and staff noted the state rules: "The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food permits in home food businesses under the cottage food law," Kessinger told the council. City Manager John Call said staff would bring the ordinance change to the planning commission and council for formal consideration.

Next steps: planning staff will schedule the ordinance amendment for the planning commission (staff mentioned January as a possible time to start the process) and will work with the resident and applicants on requirements. Any final permission to operate a cottage kitchen will depend on the successful completion of required land‑use amendments and compliance with state cottage food rules.

Sources: public comment by Theresa Kessinger and staff remarks recorded in the Oct. 14, 2025 council meeting transcript.