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Yoga Studio Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a yoga studio in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

Verified 2026-08-31 6 stops $350–$1,200 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Ohio

2 stops

  1. Ohio Business Registration (Secretary of State)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Ohio Secretary of State. Online filing is available. A Statutory Agent is required for all formal business entities.

    Official government source for Ohio Business Registration (Secretary of State) (opens in a new tab)

    $99 (LLC) or $99 (corporation)1–3 business days (online)

  2. Ohio Vendor's License

    Required if selling taxable retail merchandise (yoga equipment, apparel). Apply through the Ohio Department of Taxation or your county auditor. Drop-in yoga instruction fees are generally not taxed, but ongoing studio memberships may qualify as a taxable 'physical fitness facility service' under ORC 5739.01 — confirm with the Ohio Department of Taxation based on your fee structure.

    Official government source for Ohio Vendor's License (opens in a new tab)

    $50Immediate (online)

City of Columbus / Franklin County

3 stops

  1. Columbus Certificate of Occupancy

    Columbus requires a Certificate of Occupancy for all commercial yoga studios. Studios with more than 49 occupants are classified as Group A-3 assembly occupancy. Apply through the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services.

    Official government source for Columbus Certificate of Occupancy (opens in a new tab)

    No separate fee when the Certificate of Occupancy is issued with a building permit; a Certificate of Occupancy for an existing building not associated with a building permit is $700 (commercial/multi-family) per the City's 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule.2–5 weeks

  2. Columbus Division of Fire Inspection

    Columbus Division of Fire inspects assembly occupancies before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Requirements include fire exits, emergency lighting, occupant load signs, and sprinkler systems where required.

    Official government source for Columbus Division of Fire Inspection (opens in a new tab)

    $0–$2001–3 weeks

  3. Ohio Trade Name Registration (DBA)

    Required if operating under a business name other than your legal name. Filed with the Ohio Secretary of State (ORC 1329.01), not the Franklin County Recorder.

    Official government source for Ohio Trade Name Registration (DBA) (opens in a new tab)

    $39 one-time filing fee ($25 to renew every 5 years)Filed online; typically processed within a few business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $350–$1,200 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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