Apply For A Business License Cincinnati, Ohio
Looking to start a business in Cincinnati, Ohio and need a business license or permit?
If you are looking to begin a business now or soon in the future you should know that the City of Cincinnati requires business licenses and business permits from only certain types of business activities. At this point in time, the city obligates all business owners to obtain permits that encompass these:
- Street Solicitation Permit includes: door to door solicitations, handbills, non-residential, charitable solicitation in the roadway, and for both charitable and non-charitable organizations
- Special Parade Permit
- Block Party and Street Blocking Permit: including block parties, parades and any events involving street closures
- Special Event Permit
- Food Service Permit
- Special Event Liquor Sales License
- Delivery Vendor’s License
- Regular Vendor’s License
- Transient Vendor’s License
- Food Sales License
- Tattoo and Body Piercing Permit
- Transient Accommodation License
Permits are not issued after 4:00 p.m. daily.
What should I do for a Cincinnati Street Solicitor’s Permit or a Transient Vendor’s License?
You will first need to complete the Street Solicitor’s Permit Application found online at Cincinnati Street Permit. You should be aware that you may not solicit in the City of Cincinnati except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. You may not solicit on federal holidays. The term for the permit is only for a period of five consecutive days. A renewal must be completed once it expires each time. The permit fee is $25 and must be included with the remittance of the application, therefore, you will need to either submit it in person or mail it, along with a DMV-issued photo identification. \
The Cincinnati Permit Center combines staff from Buildings & Inspections, the Metropolitan Sewer District, the Health Department, Greater Cincinnati Water Works , the Department of Transportation and Engineering and the Cincinnati Fire Department.
Office Location and Hours:
Permit Center
805 Central Ave., Suite 500
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Walk-Through Permits hours are 7:30 a..m. to 3:00 p.m.
Permits will not be issued after 4:00 p.m.
For a Transient Vendor’s License, you will need to acquire the application issued by the Department of Taxation. This license is defined by someone who “makes sales based on delivery of tangible personal property and certain services at the consumer’s location.” Find the application online at Ohio Vendor License. If you have any questions regarding this type of license please contact (888) 338-6446.
What do I do to apply for a Liquor License in Cincinnati?
First, you will need to discover whether or not you will be able to open a liquor store. Per state law, one liquor license can be issued per population density of 400,000 or more. You may call the State of Ohio Department of Taxation for information regarding whether or not you will be permitted to own or operate a liquor store or establishment. Call (888) 338-6446. Visit the state’s website for details: Ohio Department of Taxation. Next, you will need call and request that the application be mailed or faxed to you: (817) 652-5912. Some cities require their own permitting for alcoholic beverages along with the State of Ohio, however, the City of Cincinnati does not. The only liquor license that the City of Cincinnati issues is the Special Event and Temporary Liquor Permit that only allows for a permit to be granted for the sale of alcohol at a special event for the period of five consecutive days. The application and policy information for the City of Cincinnati can be found at Cincinnati Application and Policy.
What about a Cincinnati, Ohio special event permit?
You will need to completely fill out the City of Cincinnati Special Event application. It is important to note that this application must be completed and filed with the city at least two full weeks prior to the event itself. The application can be found at: Cincinnati Special Events.
Office Location and Hours:
Permit Center
805 Central Ave., Suite 500
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Walk-Through Permits hours are 7:30 a..m. to 3:00 p.m.
Permits will not be issued after 4:00 p.m.
What costs are expected of those who apply for any business permits in Cincinnati, Ohio?
The fees associated with obtaining necessary permits range from $20 to $2,000 approximately. They will be supplying the manpower to operate the event and therefore charge the fee.
- Street Solicitation Permit - $25
- Special Parade Permit - begins at $25,
- Block Party and Street Blocking Permit - begins at $25,
- Special Event Permit - begins at $25,
- Food Service Permit
- Special Event Liquor Sales License - begins at $25,
- Delivery Vendor’s License - $25
- Regular Vendor’s License - $25
- Transient Vendor’s License - $25
- Food Sales License (establishments and mobile) - $145
- Tattoo and Body Piercing Permit - $25
- Transient Accommodation - begins at $200, Health Department and City Treasurer determine the remainder of the fee
Are there any programs to assist business owners in Cincinnati?
Yes. The City of Cincinnati Business Development and Permit Center offers programs in the form of guidance and financial assistance through both grants and loans. Please contact (513) 352-3271 for further details. You may also visit the city’s webpage at Cincinnati Business Development Assistance.
What information will be needed for the City of Cincinnati permits?
If you are one of the specified businesses in which a permit is required, you will need these details:
- Applicant Name
- Business Name
- Applicant’s Phone Number and Address
- Business Owner’s Name
- Business Owner’s Number and Address
- Name of Person in Charge of Solicitation, if applicable
- If Solicitor’s Permit, whether or not the FDA has declared any of the proposed products to be harmful
- Business Service Specifics, ex: What Type of Food Will be Served? Etc.
- Driver’s License Numbers for both Applicant and Business Owner
- Business Type: Individual or Sole Proprietor, Corporation, Partnership, or Other
- Business Website Address
- Date Business Will Commence
- Number of Expected Employees
- Expected Employees’ Information such as Numbers and Driver’s License Numbers
- Certification from the Planning and Zoning Commission
- Signatures of both the Applicant and Business Owner
Will those who apply need other licenses or permits or verification of any kind in Cincinnati?
Yes. It is a requirement to have your business property inspected by the Community Development Department. They verify that your chosen property conforms to all of the City Ordinances for your business type and for safety. To contact the Community Development Department you may call (513) 591-6000. Please have all of your specifics with you regarding the location of your building, age, dimensions, and the like. A Certificate of Occupancy must be issued prior to the commencement of your business.
Any further questions?
You may contact the City Permit Center at (513) 352-3271. The City of Cincinnati hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, you may need to call the Business Development and Permit Center at (513) 352-3271 for information regarding possible financial assistance for your business. The first question contains other essential phone numbers you may need. Walk-in hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is crucial to know that none of the permits will be issued after 4:00 p.m. daily.
City of Cincinnati
Business Development and Permit Center
3300 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45214
Cincinnati Business Development and Permit Center
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