What are the grease trap requirements in Cleveland, OH?

Food service establishments in Cleveland must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Cleveland?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Grease interceptors sized per Ohio Plumbing Code (based on IPC). Minimum sizing depends on fixture count and drainage load. Typical exterior gravity interceptors: minimum 750-1,000 gallons for full-service restaurants.. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Cleveland, OH

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Cleveland?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Cleveland. Fee: Industrial pretreatment/FOG permit required through Cleveland Water Pollution Control. Fees vary by establishment; contact Cleveland Division of Water Pollution Control for current schedule..

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Cleveland, Ohio. Serving 3,020 food service establishments.

Minimum every 90 days (quarter

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Ohio adopts the IPC as the basis for the Ohio Plumbing Code, though Cleveland's enriched data previously noted UPC — Ohio officially uses IPC-based code)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be cleaned when FOG and settled solids reach 25% of the interceptor's operational depth.

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Industrial pretreatment/FOG permit required through Cleveland Water Pollution Control. Fees vary by establishment; contact Cleveland Division of Water Pollution Control for current schedule.

Max Fine Up to $10,000 per day per violation under Cleveland Codified Ordinances. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Grease interceptors sized per Ohio Plumbing Code (based on IPC). Minimum sizing depends on fixture count and drainage load. Typical exterior gravity interceptors: minimum 750-1,000 gallons for full-service restaurants.
Pumping Frequency	Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be cleaned when FOG and settled solids reach 25% of the interceptor's operational depth.
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Industrial pretreatment/FOG permit required through Cleveland Water Pollution Control. Fees vary by establishment; contact Cleveland Division of Water Pollution Control for current schedule.
Maximum Fine	Up to $10,000 per day per violation under Cleveland Codified Ordinances. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.
Inspections	Cleveland Division of Water Pollution Control conducts routine inspections. Risk-based frequency; typically annual for compliant FSEs. Non-compliant establishments subject to increased inspection frequency.
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Ohio adopts the IPC as the basis for the Ohio Plumbing Code, though Cleveland's enriched data previously noted UPC — Ohio officially uses IPC-based code)
Ordinance Ref.	Cleveland Codified Ordinances, Chapter 551 (Sewer Use); Ohio Plumbing Code (OAC 4101:3); IPC 2015 Chapter 10 (Traps, Interceptors, and Separators), Section 1003
Authority	City of Cleveland Division of Water Pollution Control; Cleveland Department of Public Utilities; Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD)

Additional Notes

Cleveland's FOG enforcement involves coordination between the City and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), which operates the regional wastewater treatment system. NEORSD has its own pretreatment program that FSEs must comply with. Cleveland Heights (a separate municipality) has its own grease regulations documented separately. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health also plays a role in food establishment inspections that include grease trap compliance. Ohio's plumbing code is based on the IPC (note: the seed data listed UPC but Ohio officially adopted IPC-based state plumbing code).

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.

Contact Information

Phone 216-201-2000

Cuyahoga County Board of Health: 216-201-2000

Official Sources

Size Your Grease Trap for Cleveland

Our free calculator uses IPC (Ohio adopts the IPC as the basis for the Ohio Plumbing Code, though Cleveland's enriched data previously noted UPC — Ohio officially uses IPC-based code) code requirements to recommend the right size.

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