(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CONSTRUCTION. Includes, but is not limited to: cement or concrete contracting; masonry contracting; carpenter contracting; excavation contracting; all building trade contracting which includes within limitation to electrical, plumbing, roofing, painting, remodeling, siding, rough framing; all phases of new construction; alterations, additions, repairs of structures and any items requiring a permit within the licensing jurisdiction of the county.
CONTRACTOR. Any person, firm, or corporation who is engaged in the act of construction, supervision of construction, or excavation on any property within the licensing jurisdiction of the county. A licensed CONTRACTOR shall be required on all construction other than that which is owned and occupied by permittee as his or her primary residence or is an existing commercial structure under his or her ownership.
(B) License required.
(1) It shall be unlawful to engage in business in the county as a contractor without first having obtained a license, unless the construction is on the permittee’s primary residence or an existing commercial structure under his or her direct ownership. However, if the improvements to the commercial property constitute a structural improvement, a licensed contractor will be required, regardless of ownership.
(2) No licensed contractor shall allow his or her name to be used by any other person directly or indirectly, either to obtain a building permit or to perform work outside their personal supervision. A license is not assignable and shall be valid only for the individual/company in whose name it is issued.
(C) Fees.
(1) Upon the filing of any application for a contractor license, the applicant shall pay the county the appropriate fee as designated in Chapter 21 of this zoning title. These fees shall be utilized to help defray necessary administrative costs of processing the applications as required.
(2) All licenses shall be paid on the basis of a full year and shall take effect when issued and shall terminate on December 31 (a grace period of 30 days will apply) in the year for which issued. If the contractor allows a license to expire, an additional fee may apply.
(3) Any person who has a valid contractor’s license shall not be required to secure an additional license for other building trades with the exception of electricians and plumbers.
(4) Any contractor who fails to have a current contractor license while working in Lawrence County shall be subject to double the current fee.
(D) Subcontractors. Any person doing business as a subcontractor shall be construed as engaged in the business of construction for which a license is required by this section.
(E) Compliance with regulations. It shall be the duty of all contractors to comply with all ordinances relating to the construction of buildings or other structures and all laws or ordinances pertaining to regulating the activities engaged in.
(F) Revocation of license. Any contractor’s license may be revoked by the County Commission for any violation(s) of any ordinance relating to the construction of buildings, the use of roads, or any other ordinance relating to the work performed by such contractor. Such revocation may be in addition to any fine imposed for violating the section.
(G) Insurance or bonds.
(1) No permit shall be issued for the construction of a building or structure in the county, or for the repair or alteration of any building or structure, unless a certificate or other proof is filed showing that the contractor is licensed by the county and carries worker’s compensation insurance with limits that comply with state worker’s compensation law. Contractor must also carry public liability insurance with single limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate and shall provide their state excise tax license number.
(2) Before any contractor doing any work for the county on any street or highway or on any building or premises owned by the county commences work, he or she shall file with the County Zoning Administrator a certificate or other proof showing that he or she carries worker’s compensation and public liability insurance as required by ordinance and the terms of his or her contract.
(Ord. 14-01, passed 6-6-2014, Ch. 13, Art. 3; Ord. 22-04, passed 4-11-2023)