Your First Call — City Hall
Before spending a dollar on signage, equipment, or buildout — call City Hall. One conversation confirms zoning, what permits you need, and whether your intended use is allowed at your chosen location.
City Hall: (419) 483-4491
Address: 225 E. Main St, Bellevue OH 44811
Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM
Ask for: Building / Zoning Department
Things to know before you call: Your business address / Type of business / Whether you're doing any physical renovation
City of Bellevue Requirements
Zoning Compliance
Every business must confirm that its intended use is permitted in the zone where it will operate. Bellevue has commercial zones (Main St corridor, Sandusky Rd), industrial zones, and mixed-use areas. Zoning map available from City Hall.
Contact: (419) 483-4491
Certificate of Occupancy
Required for any commercial space before opening. If you're moving into an existing space or doing renovations, an occupancy inspection may be required. Contact the Building Department through City Hall.
Contact: (419) 483-4491
Sign Permit
All exterior business signs in Bellevue require a sign permit from the city. Size, placement, and illumination rules apply. Cost is typically minimal. Submit your sign plan to the Building Department before installation.
Home-Based Business
Bellevue allows certain home-based businesses with restrictions on signage, customer traffic, and commercial vehicle parking. Contact City Hall to confirm what's allowed in residential zones.
State of Ohio Licenses
Ohio Business Registration
Register your LLC, corporation, or DBA with the Ohio Secretary of State at ohiosos.gov. Filing fee: $99 for LLC. Required for legal operation and opening a business bank account.
Ohio Sales Tax Permit
If you sell taxable goods or services, register with the Ohio Department of Taxation for a vendor's license. Free at tax.ohio.gov.
Ohio Employer Registration
If you have employees, register with ODJFS for unemployment insurance and Ohio income tax withholding. Apply at jfs.ohio.gov.
Professional Licenses
Contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, child care operators, and other professions require state-level licenses through the relevant Ohio licensing board.
Food Service
Ohio Food Service License
Required for any food establishment (restaurant, food truck, catering, bakery). Apply through the Ohio Department of Health. The local Erie County Health District conducts inspections.
Erie County Health: (419) 627-6601
Food Handler Training
Ohio requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. ServSafe and other accredited programs available online.
Food Truck Requirements
Additional requirements for mobile food units. Ohio Mobile Food License required. Check with the city about approved operating locations within Bellevue.
Liquor Licensing
Ohio Liquor Control
All liquor, beer, and wine permits for Ohio businesses are issued by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.
Contact: (614) 644-2411
Application info →Permit Types
D1 (beer/wine on-premises), D2 (beer/wine carry-out), D3 (liquor on-premises), D5 (liquor carry-out), and specialized permits. The type you need depends on what you sell and how.
Local Approval
Liquor permit applications require local notice. The City of Bellevue and neighbors have an opportunity to object. Contact City Hall about the local approval process before applying.
Building & Construction Permits
Building Permit
Required for any structural change, addition, or renovation. Submit plans to the Bellevue Building Department at City Hall. Fee based on project cost.
Contact: (419) 483-4491
Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC
Mechanical permits required for major electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Licensed contractors typically pull their own permits. Verify your contractor is pulling the required permits.
ADA Compliance
New construction and major renovations must comply with ADA accessibility requirements. Consult your architect or building contractor. ADA checklist available at ada.gov.