City of Cincinnati - Business Licensing, Permitting, and Regulations

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Business Licensing, Permitting, and Regulations

This page provides a guide to the requirements that commonly apply to businesses in Cincinnati. Please note that with several exceptions, most licensing/permitting is handled with the State of Ohio or Hamilton County rather than the City of Cincinnati.

State of Ohio Requirements:
Businesses in the State of Ohio typically must register with the Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and with the Ohio Department of Taxation. Many businesses must register as a legal entity with the State of Ohio. In addition, employers must follow the requirements of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Lastly, there are State of Ohio licensing/permitting requirements specific to certain types of businesses. More information about all of the above can be found at: http://business.ohio.gov/.

Hamilton County Requirements:
Businesses must apply to the Hamilton County Auditor for a Vendors License, which authorizes a business to make taxable sales and collect sales tax. More information can be found at: http://www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org/vendors.asp.

City of Cincinnati Requirements:
The following are the most common business types that require additional licensing from the City of Cincinnati; however please note that this list may not be comprehensive.

ITEM	DESCRIPTION	AGENCY	CONTACT INFO
All Businesses	New construction or substantial alteration of existing building.	Permit Center	(513) 352-3271
Food Sales	License required for restaurants, food stores, vending machines, and mobile or temporary food operations.	Cincinnati Health Department	(513) 564-1751
Restaurant	Permit required for any building alterations; restaurant operations must also comply with Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) regulations.	Permit Center Metropolitan Sewer District	(513) 352-3271 (513) 557-7000
Contractor	Registration required for contractors (construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.).	Permit Center	(513) 352-3271
Transient Accommodation	Transient accommodation facilities, such as hotels/motels and inns/bed & breakfasts, must be in compliance with the Health Department and must also secure a license from the City Treasurer.	Cincinnati Health Department City Treasurer	(513) 564-1751 (513) 352-6988
Swimming Pools/Spas	Does not apply to swimming pools at a private residence.	Cincinnati Health Department	(513) 564-1751
Tattoo/ Body Piercing	Contact the Cincinnati Health Department.	Cincinnati Health Department	(513) 564-1751
Daycare	Certificate of Occupancy.	Permit Center	(513) 352-3271

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