Section 6.17 Contractor Licensing

• Library: Construction Law 2016 Supp

2. (§6.17) Contractor Licensing

Contractors performing construction-related work typically need to be licensed, either with the state or with the appropriate local governmental authority, to legally conduct their work. Municipal construction codes typically identify:

· which contractors need licenses;

· the classifications and requirements for licensure;

· the application process;

· the amount of any fees; and

· the municipality’s authority to suspend or revoke the license.

Contractor licenses are differentiated by general trade category, e.g., demolition contractor, electrical contractor, elevator contractor, etc., and then by class. Class I licenses are usually reserved for experienced contractors and permit the licensees to perform the broadest scope of work within the particular trade. Lower license classes typically allow the licensees to perform a more limited scope of work within the trade.

To obtain a contractor’s...