Food Service Operation License & Plan Review — Columbus Public Health

What it is. The food service operation license required to operate a restaurant, plus a plan review under the Ohio food-safety rules. A Columbus Public Health sanitarian reviews the equipment, facilities, and design for suitability for the proposed menu; plans are reviewed within ~30 days of payment. For newly constructed facilities, final approval from Building Services is required before the license can be issued.

Who issues it. Columbus Public Health — Food Protection Program (City layer). 240 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 645-7005.

When you need it. Submit plans before construction/remodel; obtain Building Services final approval (new construction); obtain the license before opening.

How to apply. Submit the Food Plan Review Application and fee; build per approved plans; pass inspection; obtain the food service operation license.

Fees. Per the Food Protection Program fee schedule — see source (⟢ VERIFY).

Renewal. Annual (Ohio license year).

What SpoonSeal tracks. The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.

References

• City of Columbus — Food Protection Program — https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Food-Protection-Program — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
• Columbus Public Health — Starting a Food Business Guide — https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/3/public-health/startingafoodbusinessguide.pdf — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02