What are the grease trap requirements in Columbus, OH?

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

Do I need a grease trap permit in Columbus?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Columbus. Fee: No separate FOG permit fee published; covered under sewer use provisions.

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

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 750 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors (GGIs); smaller point-of-use traps per plumbing code sizing. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Columbus, OH

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Columbus, Ohio. Serving 3,059 food service establishments.

At minimum every 90 days, or w

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Ohio adopted IPC as base plumbing code)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At minimum every 90 days, or when FOG and solids reach 25% of the interceptor capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee No separate FOG permit fee published; covered under sewer use provisions

Max Fine $10,000 per day per violation under Columbus City Code

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	750 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors (GGIs); smaller point-of-use traps per plumbing code sizing
Pumping Frequency	At minimum every 90 days, or when FOG and solids reach 25% of the interceptor capacity
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	No separate FOG permit fee published; covered under sewer use provisions
Maximum Fine	$10,000 per day per violation under Columbus City Code
Inspections	Inspections conducted annually or as needed; new facilities inspected within first 6 months
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Ohio adopted IPC as base plumbing code)
Ordinance Ref.	Columbus City Code Chapter 1145 - Sewers and Drains; Columbus Public Health and Division of Sewerage and Drainage FOG regulations
Authority	City of Columbus Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD), Industrial Pretreatment Program

Additional Notes

Columbus requires FSEs to have approved grease interceptors. Kitchen wastewater must be routed through the interceptor. Dishwashers may or may not be required to discharge through the interceptor depending on the facility. The city requires waste hauler manifests and maintenance logs retained for 3 years.

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