An “A” contractor can contract to perform all or any part of a project that falls under the “A” classification. California Code of Regulations section 834(a) states “…a general engineering contractor shall operate only within those areas defined in Section 7056 of the [B&P] Code.” Therefore an “A” contractor could take a contract to build a fence or pour concrete if the work was originally or currently part of the type of projects listed in B&P Code section 7056 (airports, roads and similar “fixed works”).

Section 7057(a) broadly defines general building contractor as a contractor whose principal business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts; however, framing or carpentry projects may be performed without limitation. In some instances, a general building contractor may take a contract for projects involving one trade only if the general contractor holds the appropriate specialty license or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work.

Subsections (b) & (c) of section 7057 specifically define the situations in which a “B” contractor may take a prime contract or subcontract.

Any projects, or portions thereof, that are identified under section 7057 as appropriate for the “B” General Building classification may be completed by a “B” contractor through the licensee’s own forces, and/or by overseeing (superintending) the work of properly licensed subcontractors.

A prime contract is a contractual relationship made between the owner of the property and the contractor. A subcontract is when the contractor does not have a direct contractual relationship with the owner of the property. For example, the subcontractor contracts with the prime contractor.

A “B” contractor can take a prime contract or subcontract for:

1. framing or carpentry projects; or
2. projects that require at least two unrelated building trades other than framing or carpentry (cannot count framing or carpentry as one of the two unrelated trades); or
3. any specialty projects (even if less than two unrelated trades) for which the “B” contractor also holds the required specialty class.

A “B” contractor may take a prime contract for any specialty project (even if less than two trades); if the “B” contractor holds the specialty classification or subcontracts the work to an appropriately licensed specialty contractor.

As provided in B&P section 7057(b), a “B” contractor cannot take any subcontract (a subcontract is when the “B” does not have a direct contractual relation with the owner of property) for any single trade project (excluding framing or carpentry), unless he/she holds the required specialty license classification. For example, a “B” contractor may take a prime contract (contract directly with the owner of the property) to roof a home, then subcontract the work to a licensed roofing contractor. However, a “B” may not take a subcontract to roof a home, then subcontract the work out.

Section 7057 (c) prohibits a “B” contractor from taking a contract for any project that includes work covered under a C-16 (Fire Protection) or C-57 (Well Drilling) classification, unless the “B” contractor either holds the C-16 or C-57 class or subcontracts the work to a properly licensed specialty contractor.

If the work is part of an overall general building project, then yes, the “B” contractor could obtain a roofing permit and perform or subcontract the work.

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines chattels as: “an item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate, freehold, and things (as buildings) connected with real property.” Example: A tool or equipment shed is a structure that is designed to house “chattels.”

This is sometimes the case when yard lighting or a pre-manufactured spa or an outdoor barbecue is part of the landscaping contract.

A C-27 contractor may obtain permits and contract for such work, provided the work is part of or incidental to an overall landscaping project.

A C-27 contractor may contract and pull permits for “nonwatertight” patio covers or outdoor decks.

Patios with lattice type covers can be built by either a general building (“B”) contractor, a carpentry contractor (C-5), or a landscaping contractor.

Generally, there are no restrictions on the size, height, or type of deck that a landscaping contractor can contract or pull permits for. However, certain structural work may be precluded. A review will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Only if the perimeter wall is part of a total landscaping project.

“…landscape systems and facilities…which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land…” (Board Rule 832.27)

A landscaping contractor, general building contractor, or carpentry contractor would be appropriate if carpentry skills are required. A masonry wall would require either a landscaping or masonry contractor.

A C-36 Plumbing Contractor may contract and pull permits for installation of a seepage pit or other components of a septic system. An “A” General Engineering or C-42 Sanitation System Contractor may also perform this work. All three licenses are appropriate to install or repair all septic systems.

“A” General Engineering, C-36 Plumbing, C-42 Sanitation System, and C-34 Pipeline Contractors may install and/or repair building sewers. A “B” General Building Contractor may perform this work if it falls within the scope of work of a general building contractor as defined in B&P section 7057.

Removal of underground storage tanks requires the Hazardous Substance Certification in addition to the appropriate license classification.

An “A” General Engineering Contractor is appropriate to install and/or remove underground storage tanks for any purpose whatsoever at any location.

A C-36 Plumbing Contractor is appropriate to install and/or remove any underground storage tank that provides a service to a building. This includes storage tanks for service stations.

A C-61/D-40 Limited Specialty Service Station Equipment Contractor is appropriate to install and/or remove underground fuel storage tanks with a capacity of up to 20,000 gallons at service stations or any other site.

A “B” General Building Contractor is appropriate to install and/or remove an underground storage tank only if such work is performed within the meaning of B&P section 7057, the definition of a general building contractor.

No. A C-8 contractor can only work with wood when it is part of a formwork for concrete.

The installation and inspection of electrical work in public swimming pools (required by Senate Bill 873) may be done by either an engineering (“A” ) contractor, electrical (C-10) contractor, swimming pool (C-53) contractor, or a pool & supply maintenance (C-61/D-35) contractor.

Generally, structural changes are inappropriate for the C-39 contractor on a reroof/repitch. However, certain projects may require special consideration and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.

B&P section 7026.12 is very specific. It states:
“The installation of a fire protection system, excluding an electrical alarm system, shall be performed only by a contractor holding a fire protection contractor classification…” as defined in the California Code of Regulations section 832.16 Fire Protection Contractor “…or by an owner-builder of an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, if not more than two single-family dwellings on the same parcel are constructed within one year…”.

If the installation of a sign falls under the definition of contracting (B&P 7026), the following licenses would be appropriate:

• C-10 Electrical or C-45 Electrical Sign would be required for electrical signs;
• C-45 Electrical Sign or C-61/D-42 Limited Specialty would be required for nonelectrical signs.

(Note: Installation of any sign that comes under the purview of the Outdoor Advertising Act [California Administrative Code, Title 4, Chapter 6] does not require a contractor’s license. Billboards are the most common and these types of installations require registration with the Department of Transportation.)

Yes, B&P section 7048 (Small Operations) provides an exemption from licensure for minor work if the aggregate contract price, including labor, materials, etc. is less than $500. This exemption does not apply if the “minor work” is part of a larger project. Example: A homeowner is having a kitchen remodeled at a total cost of $6,000 and decides to sublet the flooring work which is only $300. The person doing the flooring would not be exempt from licensure because the overall cost of the project was over $500. In addition, jobs cannot be broken down into hourly fees in order to sidestep the $500 threshold.

B&P section 7049 provides an exemption from licensure for any “construction or operation incidental to the construction and repair of irrigation and drainage ditches of regularly constituted irrigation districts, reclamation districts, or to farming, dairying, agriculture, viticulture, horticulture, or stock or poultry raising, or clearing or other work upon the land in rural districts for fire prevention purposes”. However, if a licensed contractor performs work included in the agriculture exemption, CSLB has jurisdiction over complaints. (B&P 7049)

Any individual, or group of individuals, who own the property on which they plan to construct, alter, repair, improve, or remodel a building or structure. Also, a tenant may be considered an owner/builder (case-by-case).

An owner/builder is exempt from licensure, but there are limitations. A license is not required if:

1. The owner/builder does the work himself or herself or through his or her own employees with wages as their sole compensation and the structure(s) is/are not intended for sale.
2. The owner/builder contracts with properly licensed subcontractor(s). This exemption applies to the construction of a single-family residential structure and limits the number of structures intended or offered for sale to four or fewer in a calendar year.
3. Number of structures is unlimited if the owner/builder contracts with a general building (“B” ) contractor.

A homeowner improving his or her principal place of residence is exempt from licensure if all of the following exist:

1. The work is performed prior to sale;
2. The homeowner resides in the residence for the 12 months prior to completion of the work; and,
3. The homeowner has not taken advantage of this exemption on more than two structures during any three-year period.

Property owners are prohibited from performing well-drilling work covered under the C-57 Well Drilling classification.

Yes. The owner/builder exemption would apply to an individual who builds homes for resale under any of the following conditions:

1. Licensed tradesmen are hired to perform all work on the project (provided no more than four structures per calendar year are intended for resale).
2. A licensed general contractor is hired to perform and/or subcontract the completion of all work on the project. (No restriction on the number of structures completed per calendar year.)
3. The owner/builder performs the work, all or in part, and resides in the completed structure for one year prior to resale. (Applies to not more than two structures in a three-year period.)

Yes–for example, grading and paving a road can be performed by either a general engineering (“A” ) contractor or an earthwork & paving (C-12) contractor.

Structural Pest Control Operators are not required to hold a contractor’s license when operating within the scope of their license. Only a Branch 3 Licensed Structural Pest Control Operator may contract and pull permits for the repair or replacement of wood damaged by wood-destroying pests or organisms.

(Structural Pest Control Act, Chapter 14, Article 1 Section 7505 and Article 4 Section 8560). The key is replacement of damaged members.

Individuals who install, maintain, monitor, sell, alter or service burglar alarm systems are exempt from licensure under the Contractors License Law (B&P section 7054) provided they are licensed by BSIS. Fire alarm work is subject to Contractors License Law and requires a C-10 Electrical license.

Any time licensed contractors advertise their services, whether on paper, over the air waves or on the Internet, a license number must appear. This includes but is not limited to letterhead, business cards, any type of directory listing, airwave transmissions, newspaper ads, vehicle lettering, or any form of advertising.

No, as long as the advertisement includes a statement that the individual does not hold a contractor’s license (B&P 7027.2).

Under Labor Code Section 3800 subsection (a) city and county building departments “…shall require that each applicant for the permit sign a declaration under penalty of perjury verifying workers’ compensation coverage or exemption from coverage as required by Section 19825 of the Health and Safety Code.”

The CSLB is required to maintain a record of workers’ compensation coverage or exemption. This information is available on the Board’s web site,www.cslb.ca.gov, and by calling the Board’s toll-free automated assistance number, 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

Any city or county which requires the issuance of a permit shall also require a written and signed statement from a licensed contractor stating that he or she is licensed, the number of the license and that it is in full force and effect. Contractors are required by law to provide this information. (B&P section 7031.5)

If the individual pulling the permit is exempt from licensure under the Contractors License Law then he or she must provide a written and signed statement giving the basis for the alleged exemption.

B&P section 7159(d) states that a down payment for any home improvement contract may not exceed $1,000 or ten percent of the contract price (excluding finance charges), whichever is less. The down payment for a swimming pool may not exceed $1,000 or ten percent of the contract price (excluding finance charges), whichever is less.

If there are no violations of the Contractors License Law, the Contractors State License Board has no jurisdiction over the firing or hiring of a contractor.

Consumers can contact any CSLB office and request a copy of the pamphlet Consumer Guide to Filing Complaints, which explains the complaint process. Information can also be found on the Board’s web site, www.cslb.ca.gov, and by calling the Board’s toll-free automated assistance number, 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

There is a “confidential” box on the complaint form for individuals who wish to remain anonymous. However, this limits the type of complaints investigated since the Board cannot mediate a workmanship complaint with a licensed contractor unless the contractor is informed of the details of the job (site, homeowner, complainant issues).

The Board has jurisdiction over licensed contractors for up to four years from the date of an illegal act for patent defects and up to 10 years for latent “structural” defects [B&P 7091(a)(b)]. Jurisdiction for unlicensed contractors is up to four years from the date of the illegal act. [B&P 7028(d)].

Based on California Code of Regulations (CCR), the three elements below are required for a defect to be considered a “structural” defect as referenced in B&P 7091:

1. There is a failure or probable failure in the load-bearing portions of a structure;
2. The failed portions were not constructed in compliance with the code (this requires a violation notice from the building official); and
3. The failure or condition results in the inability to use the affected portion of the structure for the purpose for which it was intended.

A legal action regarding an alleged breach of an express written warranty must be filed within the duration of that warranty.

Complaints within the Board’s jurisdiction involve failure of a licensed contractor to fulfill the terms of an agreement, including poor workmanship; the requirement of a down payment in excess of the amount allowed by law; job abandonment; failure to pay subcontractors or material suppliers; building code violations; use of false, misleading or deceptive advertising; violations of the Home Improvement Act; and violations of the Swimming Pool Act.

Fraud is a cause for disciplinary action (B&P Code, Section 7116).

There is no minimum documentation required to pursue a complaint. However, the contractor must be identifiable and there must be an alleged violation of the Contractors License Law. All complaints are reviewed to determine whether they are within the jurisdiction of the Contractors State License Board.