The mission of the License Section is to administer and enforce
all laws, rules and regulations relating to licensing and permit requirements
for various types of businesses, charitable solicitations and users of alarm
systems.
Below is a complete list of licenses that the License Section issues. Each
section contains the following:
- a link to the applicable Columbus City Code;
- any application(s) that is required to
obtain the license; and
- any rules and regulations that may apply to the specific
section of the code.
Information submitted through the City of Columbus' website
may be subject to disclosure pursuant to a public records request. Information
submitted through the City's website may be shared with another governmental
agency if the visitor's inquiry relates to that agency. Certain types of
information (such as electronic payment information) are exempt from disclosure
as public records. If you have questions about the Ohio Public Records laws,
refer to State of Ohio's Revised Code, Section 149.43, Availability of Public
Records.
If you do not have the correct supporting documentation, you will be turned away. For your convenience, the License Section has
installed a secure drop box at 4252 Groves Road which can be utilized to drop
off applications, payments and any other documentation. It is located to
the right side of the employee entrance, which is under the gray awning on the south side of the building. That box is checked
every morning during the work week. Due to a change in City Code, Short Term
Rental licenses will no longer be issued on the day of application.
You can complete the process by coming to the License
Section during normal business hours with your completed application and
required documents or use the below online process:
Please
go to the below link for the license type and print off all paperwork,
including the checklist and FAQs. Complete all paperwork and obtain any
necessary notary certification.
- Obtain
a BCI background check (all but charitable, parade, community market, and alarm
USERS permits) at the License Section Office or at a remote WebCheck location. WebCheck locations can be found at: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/WebCheck/Webcheck-Community-Listing. You must have the WebCheck
outlet that you choose use the reason code: ”Other- required for city license”
and submit your fingerprints with instructions to MAIL the
results to: Columbus Public Safety, License Section, 4252 Groves Road,
Columbus, Ohio 43232. BACKGROUND RESULTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN ANY
OTHER MANNER.
- If
you are out of state, you can follow the instructions under Short Term Rental
licenses below to obtain an out of state background request.
- Obtain
a Letter of Good Standing from the Columbus Auditor’s office/ Income Tax
Division (this is only required for Short Term Rental and Mobile Food Vending Licenses). Required from the City of Columbus Department of Income Tax. Apply online at https://crisp.columbus.gov/_/ . CRISP help line 614-645-8899, 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday.
- Please
contact the License Section by utilizing the link to the appropriate email box
under the type of license for which you are requesting licensure. A
License Officer will contact you to complete the process. You will be
requested to either mail or scan and email your documents to them at a secure
email address. Any notarized documents must be accompanied by a photocopy
of the ID you presented when the documents were notarized. The License
Officer will assist you in payment, which can either be a mailed check (address)
or paid online via our new portal link which the License Officer will supply.
- Once
all paperwork, including BCI results have been obtained, verified, approved and
your payment received, your license will be emailed to you.
- For
Mobile Food Vending, and Vehicle for Hire (owners), you will be required to
have an inspection(s). The License Officer will schedule an inspection
via appointment at a convenient time. Mobile Food Vending will also need
a Propane Pressure Leak Test, Health and Fire Inspections, which will be explained by the License
Officer.
- You
can reach out at any time with questions or follow-up by utilizing the link
associated with the needed license below.
Please keep in mind
all alarm related payments can be made on-line at: https://product.cityalarmpermit.com/FAMSCITIZEN/columbus/
FOOD DELIVERY FEE CAP UPDATE
Please refer to the below linked letter for instructions on
how the fee cap applies to restaurants.
Restaurant Information Letter
Please refer to below link for the City of Columbus Legislation Report.
Legislation Report 2788-2020
For more information contact the below email at:
[email protected]
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND HEARINGS:
March 2023
Vehicle for Hire Board meeting, Thursday, February 30, 2023 at 9:30 am at the
License Section
ATTENTION ALARM USERS
Effective January 27, 2023, all alarm users must
continue to register their information yearly with the City of Columbus (
Columbus City Code 597.02 ). There will no longer be a registration fee
for new and renewal registrations. All false alarm fees are temporarily
suspended until new City Code can be enacted. Please continue to check
here (Columbus.gov/public-safety/license-section/) to learn about future
changes.