Open Food Service Business

      Canton City Health Department
                            James M. Adams, R.S., M.P.H., Health Commissioner

                          Promoting and Protecting Health Since 1849

420 Market Ave. North
Canton, Ohio 44702
(330) 489-3231
(330) 489-3335 (fax)
Info@cantonhealth.org

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SO YOU WANT TO OPEN A FOOD SERVICE BUSINESS?

Opening a new food business is a major decision and a major undertaking. Getting started on the right path is a very important step in the success of your business. Click here for Guidelines for Opening a Food Service Operation

Please call the Canton City Health Department in the early stages of your planning, so that we can work hand in hand with you during the planning process. Your plans must be submitted to our department before work has begun so that we can review the plans to be sure that all required equipment is a part of your operation. An Application for Plan Review must be completed and submitted, along with a plan review fee. The fee is based upon the complexity of the menu and whether the operation is commercial or non-commercial. The Application to Review Plans is available for your use; however, please contact our office at (330) 489-3327 to determine the plan review fee. Plans are reviewed by our department within 30 days of submittal and a response letter will be sent to the contact person listed on the application.

You are required to contact the Canton City Building Department at (330) 430-7800 to determine what requirements are applicable for your operation.

When construction is complete, a final inspection will be scheduled by the Canton City Building Department. A sign-off form must be signed at that time by all appropriate building department inspectors BEFORE an application for a food service or food establishment license can be issued. When the sign-off form is returned to our department, a pre-licensing inspection will be conducted. If all requirements have been met, the applicant may apply for a food service or food establishment license.

Fees for a food service or food establishment license vary according to the menu, clientele, and whether the operation is commercial or non-commercial. Licenses are valid until March 1st following the purchase of the license, in most cases.