To open a food truck in Columbus, OH, you need to obtain a Mobile Food Service License. The specific requirements for this license vary depending on the type of mobile food unit you plan to operate. Additionally, local regulations may apply, such as obtaining a Peddler’s Permit from the city's Permit Department or Zoning Department.
1. Mobile Food Service License
Purpose: This license is required to operate a mobile food unit in Columbus, OH. The type of mobile food unit you plan to operate, such as concession trailers/trucks, pushcarts, frozen food trucks/carts, catering-type trucks, soft-serve ice cream trucks, or mobile cookers/BBQ pits, will determine specific requirements.
How to Register: You can find the necessary forms such as Mobile Requirements Information, Food Safety Packet/Review of the Rules, and Commissary/Pushcart Agreement Form on the Franklin County Public Health website. For more information, you can contact the designated Inspector for your location. The Franklin County Public Health website has a list of inspectors by area
2. Peddler’s Permit
Purpose: This permit may be required depending on local regulations. It allows you to sell goods in public areas.
How to Register: You can apply for this permit from the city's Permit Department or Zoning Department.
Please note that all food must be prepared in the concession vehicle and not at home. Also, all mobile food units must have an ID containing the company name, city, state, zip code, area code, and phone number.
More Resources
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Columbus Mobile Food Guidelines
- Franklin County Public Health Mobile Food License
- Columbus Public Health Inspection Guidelines
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