Food Protection Program

Chicken cooking in a pan with a hand holding a thermometer in one of the pieces that reads 165°F

The Food Protection Program licenses and inspects retail food businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, bars, delis, convenience stores, vending machines, food carts, and food sold at fairs and festivals.

Inspections are done to verify the safety of Columbus' food supply for all people who live, work or visit the cities of Columbus and Worthington.

New Businesses

New Food Business – Complete a plan review packet and send it to our office with a payment to begin the process of getting a license.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Standard Review - May take up to 30 days to review once a payment and completed application are received.
Expedited Reviews (reviewed within two business days) - Requires an additional payment of $1,400 to be submitted with the application and plan review fee.

Process for Submitting Plans and Getting a License

Step 1 - Review our guide before getting started.

Step 2 – Complete an application to tell us about your food business:
- Food Facilities
  - Plan Review Application(PDF, 455KB)
  - Plan Review Application - Spanish(PDF, 3MB)
- Micro Markets - Micromarket Plan Review Application(PDF, 216KB)
- Vending - Vending Machine Application(PDF, 164KB)
Please contact the business office at EH@Columbus.gov or 614-645-7005 if you have any questions.

Step 3 – Begin making changes to your facility to match your approved plans. Get all permits and use approved contractors for permitted work.
Step 4- Contact us at least three business days before you want to open. Before opening, you’ll need to complete an application for a license and pass a final inspection.

Mobile and Temporary Food Licenses

Mobile Food Operations – Requirements for a License

Mobile Licensing Checklist and Plan Review Application(PDF, 390KB)
Mobile Licensing Checklist and Plan Review Application Spanish(PDF, 533KB)
Mobile Food Vending – City of Columbus Licensing Section (additional licensing if selling food within the City of Columbus Jurisdiction, which includes both private and public properties).

Temporary Food Licenses – Applications & Requirements

Submission Deadline - Submit application at least five business days before opening date. Applications will not be accepted on holidays, weekends or the week of an event. No exceptions!
Licenses per Year - Maximum of 10 licenses per year. Each license cannot exceed five consecutive days.

Remodeling a Food Facility

Complete and submit a plan review application if you want to make changes to your licensed food facility. Please get permits if needed and use approved contractors for permitted projects.

Application

Replacing or Adding Equipment That Does Not Require Permits

Complete the Equipment Addition or Replacement form(PDF, 122KB) to document changes in your facility that do not require plan review and email it to EHPlanReview@Columbus.gov.

Examples include:

Replacing like-for-like equipment in the same location as originally approved.
Adding a new piece of equipment that does not require permits and/or does not change the flow of your operation. (Provide drawing showing location of new equipment in facility.)

PLAN REVIEW IS REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• Installing multiple sinks/plumbing fixtures.
• Installing a three-compartment sink.
• Installing a walk-in cooler.
• Installing/modifying a ventilation hood to include fire suppression system.
• Changing the layout of the facility.
• Adding onto the facility.
• Adding a bar to the facility.

Changing Ownership

If ownership has changed, you can’t sell food or beverages to customers until you get a new license. Follow these steps to get a license:

Step 1 - Complete a Plan Review Application to tell us about your building layout, building materials, menu and food safety processes:
- Application- Plan Review Application(PDF, 455KB)
Step 2 – We review your plans within 30 days of receiving an application and plan review fee. If you need your plans reviewed sooner, you can pay an additional $1,250 and have your plans reviewed within two business day. If you meet all requirements, your plans will be approved at this time.
Step 3 – Begin making changes to your facility to match your approved plans. Get all permits and use approved contractors for permitted work.
Step 4- Contact us at least three business days before you want to open. Before opening you’ll need to complete an application for a license and pass a final inspection.