Food Truck Permits: Columbus vs Westerville
How do food truck permits rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus and Westerville have similar restriction levels.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Columbus requires mobile food vendors to obtain permits from both Columbus Public Health and the city. A Mobile Food Operation license from Columbus Public Health is required, along with a Columbus peddler/vendor license. Food trucks must pass health inspections and meet commissary requirements.
View full Columbus rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Mobile food vendors in Westerville require a Franklin County Public Health mobile food service license and a Westerville vendor permit under Codified Ordinance 745. Annual vendor fee around 100 dollars. Operation on public property requires additional permission from the Parks and Recreation or Public Service Department.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Health License | Columbus Public Health Mobile Food Operation license | - |
| City License | Peddler/vendor license required | - |
| Commissary | Required for prep, storage, cleaning | - |
| Inspections | Annual health inspection required | - |
| Display | Valid permits must be displayed | - |
| County License | - | Franklin County Public Health ~285 dollars |
| City Permit | - | ~100 dollars annual |
| State | - | Ohio vendors license for tax |
| Public Property | - | Separate special permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
What permits do I need to operate a food truck in Columbus?
You need a Mobile Food Operation license from Columbus Public Health (requiring plan review, health inspection, and commissary kitchen) and a city peddler/vendor license. Both require annual renewal.
Do I need a commissary kitchen?
Yes. Columbus Public Health requires all mobile food operations to have a commissary kitchen for food preparation, equipment cleaning, and supply storage. You must provide proof of a commissary agreement.
Westerville FAQ
Who enforces this in Westerville?
Westerville code enforcement at (614) 901-6400 handles complaints.
Who enforces this in Westerville?
Westerville code enforcement at (614) 901-6400 handles complaints.
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