Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

$1000 -- $5000 3–6 months 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Columbus / Franklin County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Columbus Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

A daycare facility in Columbus must obtain a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy from the Columbus Building and Zoning Services Division. The facility must meet all building code requirements for child care use, including restroom-to-child ratios, exit provisions, and space requirements. Zoning approval for child care use is also required.

$500–$2,000 (varies by square footage and scope of work)4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Columbus Fire Department — Fire Inspection and Approval

All childcare facilities in Columbus must pass a fire safety inspection by the Columbus Division of Fire. This includes review of fire suppression systems, egress routes, fire extinguisher placement, and smoke detector installation. Required before occupancy.

$100–$3002–4 weeks
Official government source
3

Columbus Public Health — Child Care Sanitation Inspection

Columbus Public Health conducts sanitation and environmental health inspections of child care facilities. This includes review of food safety practices (if meals are served), water supply, waste disposal, and general sanitation conditions.

$50–$1502–4 weeks
Official government source

Ohio State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services — Child Care Center License

All child care centers in Ohio serving 7 or more children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The license requires background checks for all employees, staff-to-child ratios compliance, facility inspections, and approval of policies and procedures. This is the primary state license.

$200–$500/year (based on licensed capacity)3–6 months (full application and inspection process)
Official government source
2

Ohio BCI and FBI Background Checks

All child care center owners, directors, and employees must complete criminal background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the FBI. Required as part of the ODJFS licensing process. Must be renewed every 5 years.

$35–$60/person (BCI + FBI fingerprinting fees)2–4 weeks per person
Official government source
3

Ohio Department of Health — Child Care Immunization Requirements

Ohio law requires child care centers to verify that enrolled children are up to date on immunizations per the Ohio Department of Health vaccination schedule. Centers must maintain immunization records and submit annual compliance reports.

No direct cost (administrative compliance)Ongoing compliance
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required to hire employees and file payroll taxes. Obtained free from the IRS. Also needed for business bank accounts.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) — Optional but Recommended

Licensed child care centers may participate in the USDA CACFP, which provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to children. Administered in Ohio through the Ohio Department of Education. Not required but provides significant financial benefits.

Free to apply (reimbursement program)4–8 weeks to enroll
Official government source

Official Sources

Related Guides