About...

The Environmental Licensing Program is responsible for providing departmental support to the various programs undertaken in the Environmental Health Division.  The unit's primary responsibility is to produce and distribute the various licenses required by certain types of area businesses.

Program Services

Program staff creates and maintains licensing records, accepts and processes licensing payments, and creates and distributes licenses to specific area businesses.  Staff also assist citizens who may have questions about the licensing process.

Who Is The Program For?

Operating licenses must be obtained for those citizens wishing to operate various establishments connected with food sales. This includes restaurants that prepare and sell food, and retail establishments selling packaged food.  Licenses are also required for mobile and temporary food stands and vending machines (go to Food Safety Program).  In addition, licenses are required to operate tattoo and piercing parlors (go to Body Art Program), swimming pools, spas, private water wells, septic tanks (go to Water Protection Program), campgrounds and manufactured home sites (go to Manufactured Home Park Program) as well as  some solid waste facilities (go to Solid Waste Licensing and Inspection Program). 

How To Use The Program

Most licensing activity is done through the mail. This includes the distribution of license applications, receipt and processing of license payments, and the distribution of the finished license. Those wishing to obtain a license, or ask questions about the licensing process, can call the Environmental Health Division at 645-7005.  Those preferring to apply or pay in person can do so by visiting the Environmental Health Division at Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215.  The Licensing Program is located in room N103, in the North Dorm area of Columbus Public Health.

Cost

There are fees for all licenses produced by the Environmental Licensing Program.  The cost varies depending upon the license requested.

Location

The Environmental Licensing Program is located in Room N103 of the Columbus Public Health.

Hours

Office hours are Monday - Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Contact Us

(614) 645-8554
health@columbus.gov