Proposed Changes to Food Shop Licensing and Fees
Cleveland is considering updates to the licensing fees and categories for food service operations and retail food establishments. Introduced via emergency ordinance 905-2026, the measure aims to adjust local licensing costs to ensure the Cleveland Department of Public Health complies with state requirements for annual food program cost analyses under the Ohio Administrative Code.
What's in the file
The ordinance proposes amending Sections 241.05 and 241.35 of the Codified Ordinances to update fee structures for various food-related businesses. According to the Legislative Summary, the proposed changes for 2027 include different rates for mobile, vending, and temporary food shops compared to 2026 rates.
The proposed fee changes for specific categories are as follows:
| Mobile Operation Risk Level | 2026 Fee | 2027 Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| High Risk | $400.00 | $350.00 |
| Low Risk | $200.00 | $175.00 |
| Temporary Food Shop Type | 2026 Fee | 2027 Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 5-day temporary (commercial) | $130.00 | $110.00 |
| 5-day temporary (non-commercial) | $65.00 | $55.00 |
| Commercial Food Service/Retail (<25,000 sq ft) | 2026 Fee | 2027 Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | $224.00 | $218.00 |
| Level II | $246.00 | $242.00 |
| Level III | $440.00 | $436.00 |
| Level IV | $548.00 | $544.00 |
Other provisions in the file include:
- A proposed increase for vending food service operation licenses from $18.30 to $18.79.
- A restructuring of plan review fees for new operations, moving from fixed commercial/non-commercial rates to an initial $100.00 fee plus an hourly rate of $50.00 after two hours of administrative or inspection time.
- A requirement that renewal applications for seasonal or mobile shops be filed by the first day of the new licensing period to avoid a penalty of 25% of the renewal fee.
Who may be affected
- Food service operators and retail food establishments seeking annual licenses or renewals.
- Mobile food service operations and vending food service operators.
- Temporary food shops (both commercial and non-commercial).
- Cleveland Department of Public Health, which oversees the food program cost analysis and licensing.
- Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses, who is authorized to collect the fees.
Status and timeline
August 13, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced and received its first reading.
Residents can verify the details of this proposal and track its progress through the official City of Cleveland Legistar system.
Source record
- File
- 905-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- August 12, 2026
Official documents
- 905-2026-Amend CO 241.05 and 241.35 food shop licenses and fees
- 905-2026-Legislative Summary- Food shop license and fees
- FINAL VERSION City Record October 2, 2026 Page 176