Opening a restaurant or other food service operation requires a large investment of time and money. Before planning to invest in a restaurant or other food service operation, please contact the Union County Health Department at (937) 642-2053. Our environmental health staff will walk you through the requirements and process for getting your food service plans approved and/or getting your permit to open. Even if you are considering purchasing an existing food service operation, please call our office.

Under Ohio Food Code, restaurants and/or food service operations are required to be brought up to current code upon change in ownership. Bringing an existing food service establishment up to code could come with additional unplanned costs for a new owner.

NOTE: You will likely need permits from other entities (building, fire, township, liquor control, etc.). Contact these entities for information on their permitting process. 

NOTE: The information listed below are general processes. The licensing requirements for food service operation can vary based on unique factors (menu, food risk level, etc.). We always recommend you start with a call to our office to discuss your plans and specific needs. 

Opening New Restaurant (Brick & Mortar)

The general process for openaing a new restaurant or brick and mortar food service operation is as follows:

1. Submit Facility Plan Review Application (includes site plan, HVAC plan, menu, and plan review fee). May also need to obtain approval from these agencies:

i. Zoning (this may be township and/or the city/village)
ii. Fire Department
iii. Union County Building Dept
iv. Union County Plumbing Inspector
v. Ohio EPA sewage and/or water (if not on public water or sewage system)
vi. Division of liquor control (if applicable)

2. Pre-Licensing Inspection (no fee)
3. Submit License Application and pay fee
4. After licensing, 30 day inspection (no fee)
5. Renew license by March 1 annually.

Application for RFE/FSO Facility Review
Guide for Food Facility Plan Review

Buying An Existing or Closed Restaurant

Food licenses do not transfer upon change in ownership. A new owner of a previous food service operation is required to get a new food license and meet all current code requirements. If equipment changes are planned or a remodel is planned, a facility plan review may be required.

The general process before you can re-open an existing or closed restaurant after a change in ownership:

1. Pre-licensing inspection (no fee)
2. Bring facility up to current code
3. Plan review may be required based upon findings of pre-licensing inspection
4. License Application submitted and fee paid
5. After licensing 30 day inspection (no fee)
6. Renew license by March 1 annually.

New Mobile Food Unit

Food licenses do not transfer upon change in ownership. A new owner of a previous food service operation is required to get a new food license and meet all current code requirements. If equipment changes are planned or a remodel is planned, a facility plan review may be required.

The general process for openaing a new food truck or mobile food unit is as follows:

1. Plan Review (no fee) to include:

a. Menu
b.  List of equipment make and model number
c.  Surface finishes for floors, walls and ceilings
d.  Floor plan
e.  Lighting plan

2. Pre-licensing inspection (no fee)
3. License Application submitted and fee paid
4. Mobile license expires March 1 annually.

Mobile Unit Food License RequirementsMobile Food Application Form

Summary of Licensing Process Before Opening a Food Operation

1. Submit an Application for Facility Review & Pay Fee (this is your plan review)

a. Before a license can be issued by the Union County Health Department, you must also receive approval from the following agencies:

i. Zoning (this may be township and/or the city/village)
ii. Fire Department
iii. Union County Building Dept
iv. Union County Plumbing Inspector
v. Ohio EPA sewage and/or water (if not on public water or sewage system)
vi. Division of liquor control (if applicable)

2. Pre-License Inspection (no fee)
3. Submit a License Application and Pay License Fee
4. Pre-Opening Inspection (no fee)
5. Renew License Annually by March 1

Summary of Licensing Process For Food Trucks

1. Submit a plan for review including layout and menu (no fee)
2. Pre-Opening Inspection (no fee) 
3. Submit License Application and pay license fee. License cannot be issued until inspection complete and fee paid.
4. Renew license annuall before March 1.