Inspections

The Food Protection and Public Safety Unit serves as a resource to owners of licensed businesses as well as members of the public. The goal of this unit’s work is to reduce the rate of diseases transmitted through food, recreational water, tattoo and body piercing, as well as preventing environmental hazards in school and campgrounds. In addition, this unit investigates complaints related to Ohio’s Smoke Free Workplace Law. Some of the services provided include, but are not limited to:

• Inspecting restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is sold.
• Investigating reports of possible foodborne illnesses.
• Inspecting public swimming pools and spas.
• Providing training to the regulated community, including pool operators and food service workers.
• Answering citizen inquiries and concerns related to Ohio’s Smoke Free Law.
• Providing information to the public regarding proper food handling practices and recreational water safety.
• Providing consultative services regarding playground safety.

Food Plan Review Application

The State of Ohio requires that all new or substantially remodeled food facilities undergo a plan review approval process. When the facility layout and specifications are submitted, they will be acted upon within 30 days of receipt. Expedited plans will be acted upon within 5 business days.

The facility layout and specifications must be legible, be drawn reasonable to scale and include the following:

1. The type of food service operation or retail food establishment and foods to be prepared or served.
2. The total square footage to be used for the food service operation or retail food establishment.
3. A site plan that includes:
   • The location of the business in a building such as a strip/shopping mall, business building or stadium.
   • The location of the building on site, including alleys, streets, and location of any outside support infrastructure such as dumpsters, potable water sources, and sewage treatment systems.
   • Interior and exterior seating.
4. Entrances and exits.
5. Location, number and types of plumbing fixtures, including all water supply facilities.
6. Plan of lighting.
7. A floor plan showing all fixtures and equipment.
8. Building materials and surface finishes to be used.
9. An equipment list with manufacturers make and model numbers OR spec sheets.

Please note: plumbing plans must be submitted separately to the DPHD plumbing department. All plumbing must be installed and approved in accordance with the Ohio Building Code. For more information on plumbing, please see DPHD plumbing information.

A food plan review fee must be paid in full at the time of submission. The following fees apply:

a. NEW facility <25,000 square feet = $500.00

b. NEW facility >25,000 square feet = $900.00

c. REMODEL <25,000 square feet = $300.00

d. REMODEL >25,000 square feet = $600.00

e. EXPEDITED PLAN REVIEW (5 business days) = $1000.00 + plan review fee

CLICK HERE for Food Plan Review application.