Local permits & fees

Clark County, OH — Commercial Kitchen Permits

Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD), Food Safety Program · department site →

Fees change often — always confirm the current amount with the department before you budget.

Restaurant / food-facility permit

Food Service Operation (FSO) / Retail Food Establishment (RFE) License

null - Annual FSO/RFE license fee is set by risk level (1-4) and facility size and is not published online (CCCHD says fee is 'determined by CCCHD' / contact 937-390-5600). A $28.00 state fee (ODH/ODA) is added to every license per the 2026 application.

All retail food businesses in Clark County require an FSO (food prep/service) or RFE (retail sale) license. Risk Level 3 & 4 facilities must have a Level Two certified food-protection manager. 25% late penalty on renewals. $28 state amount confirmed on the 2026 application form.

Plan review — required

Commercial: $410.00 (<25,000 sq ft) / $820.00 (>25,000 sq ft); Non-Commercial: $205.00 (<25,000 sq ft) / $410.00 (>25,000 sq ft); Micro Market: $410.00. (Fee Schedule as of 2026.)

Turnaround: Reviewed within 30 days of submitting plans + fee; plans due at least 30 days prior to construction

Plan-review details & forms →

Food truck / mobile permit

Mobile Food Service Operation / Mobile Retail Food Establishment License

null - Mobile FSO/RFE license fee set by risk level; not published online (contact CCCHD 937-390-5600). $28 state fee applies.

Mobile units licensed same as fixed FSO/RFE by risk level; pre-operational inspection required.

How to apply

Apply / county portal →Forms & applications

Watch out for

Ohio uses 4 risk levels; L1 = prepackaged/fountain drinks, L2 = coffee/non-TCS prep, L3 = cutting raw meat, L4 = reheating bulk TCS / off-site catering.
Every license carries a $28.00 state fee (Ohio Dept of Agriculture / Ohio Dept of Health) on top of the local license fee.
Annual license and mobile fees are NOT published online; only the plan-review fee schedule is public.

Other food-service permits in this jurisdiction

Category	Annual fee	Notes
Caterer	null - Catering is a checkbox add-on on the FSO/RFE license application and is classified as Risk Level 4 (off-site events); fee is set by risk level and not published online.	Licensed as part of the FSO/RFE license; contact CCCHD 937-390-5600.
Bar / limited food service	null - Licensed as an FSO by risk level (typically Level 1-2 for beverages/limited non-TCS prep); fee not published online.
Grocery / market with deli	null - Licensed as a Retail Food Establishment (RFE) by risk level (a deli raises the risk level); fee not published online.	RFE = retail sale of food; FSO = prepared for immediate consumption.
Temporary / seasonal event	null - Temporary FSO/RFE license issued by CCCHD; fee not published online.	Ohio caps temporary licenses; see CCCHD temporary brochure.
Pushcart / mobile vending	null - Mobile FSO/RFE license by risk level; fee not published online. $28 state fee applies.

Ohio statewide rules

Who licenses you, reciprocity, and the state regime.

What equipment you need

Build a tailored equipment checklist for your concept.

Permits & plan review, explained

The stack of approvals before you open.

Sources: ccchd.com · ccchd.com · ccchd.com · observed 2026-08-10