Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance amends licensing sections in Chapter 3381 of the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, section of Chapter 4114 of the Columbus Building Code, Title 41, and various sections of Title 11, Water, Sewer and Electricity Code, in order to remove local testing requirements for locally registered contractors. This includes Home Improvement Contractors, Sign Erectors and Sewer Contractors. This change will not affect or change the requirements for becoming a Journeyperson Plumber.
This change is a result of the current testing company no longer offering these tests and the limited number of applicants not being conducive to other companies entering this market. However, while the testing requirements are being removed, all other current standards for work experience remain and as such, work experience must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate board of review before a license would be issued. Language is being added to provide for emergency permitting for the completion of work when an unlicensed contractor is removed from a work site.
Code language creating a new license classification paralleling the existing Sewer Contractor is also being added for both Water Contractors and Combined Sewer and Water Contractors to better regulate those that work on water supply mains and lines prior to the meter and coverage under the scope of work that requires permits as plumbing related work.
These code changes were reviewed by the Columbus Building Commission at their January 20, 2009, meeting and the Columbus Building Commission recommended the changes for approval. Additionally, the Boards of Review for Sign Erectors, Plumbers, and Home Improvement Contractors have also reviewed and recommended approval of this code change.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend sections in Chapter 3381 of the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, Chapter 4114 of the Columbus Building Code, Title 41, and various sections of Title 11, Water, Sewer and Electricity Code, in order to remove local testing requirements for locally registered contractors; to create a new classification of Water Contractor; and to provide for emergency permitting for the completion of work when an unlicensed contractor is removed from a work site.
Body
WHEREAS, this ordinance amends licensing sections in Chapter 3381 of the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, sections of Chapter 4114 of the Columbus Building Code, Title 41, and various sections of Title 11, Water, Sewer and Electricity Code, in order to remove local testing requirements for locally registered contractors; and
WHEREAS, this change affects applicants for Home Improvement Contractor, Sign Erector and Sewer Contractor; and
WHEREAS, this change will not affect or change the requirements for becoming a Journeyperson Plumber; and
WHEREAS, this change is a result of the current testing company no longer offering these tests and the limited number of applicants not being conducive to other companies entering this market; and
WHEREAS, while the testing requirements are being removed, all other current standards for work experience remain and as such, work experience must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate board of review before a license would be issued; and
WHEREAS, code language creating a new license classification paralleling the existing Sewer Contractor is also being added for Water Contractor to better regulate those that work on water supply mains and lines prior to the meter and coverage under the scope of work that requires permits as plumbing related work; and
WHEREAS, code language adds new requirements that persons working on sewer and/or water lines first obtain authorization from the Director of Public Utilities who is to adopt regulations setting forth minimum standards based on qualifications and experience for such work; and
WHEREAS, code language is being added that allows for the completion of work to be permitted and completed when it is found that the work was started by an unlicensed contractor and leaving such work in the uncompleted state would result in an emergency in the form of loss or damage to a property; and
WHEREAS, the Boards of Review for Sign Erectors, Plumbers, and Home Improvement Contractors have each respectively reviewed and recommended approval of this code change; and
WHEREAS, these code changes were also reviewed by the Columbus Building Commission at their January 20, 2009, meeting where the commission recommended these changes for approval and adoption; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the existing Section 4113.17 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4113.17 Fees--Refund.
(A) Unless specifically indicated in the fee schedule, department refund policy or this code, all fees are not refundable.
(B) In the event of a refund, a refund service fee, as indicated in the fee schedule or department refund policy, and any costs for services already provided, shall be deducted from the amount to be refunded.
(C) The eligibility, process, and any required refund fee shall be as indicted in the Department refund policy. Any fee submitted to the department for property which is later determined to be located outside the city shall be eligible for a refund, minus any fees for services already provided including the refund fee as indicated in the fee schedule.
(D) The director, or designee, may waive the refund fee if he or she finds that the refund is necessary because of an error on the part of a city employee. In the event any refund due is less than the required refund fee, no balance shall be due or returned.
Section 2. That the existing Section 4113.37 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4113.37 Building permits.
(A) General Construction. This section deals with permits for general construction and does not include permits required for the mechanical and electrical trades.
(B) Required.
(1) No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate permit for each such building or structure from the building official and paying the fee prescribed in the fee schedule.
(2) Pre-approval(s) Required. When a certificate of zoning clearance, a certificate of appropriateness, or certificate of approval, is required, all that apply shall be obtained prior to filing for an application for a building permit. Failure to obtain the required pre-approval(s) prior to commencing an installation is subject to, but not limited by, the penalty provision of C.C. Chapter 3116. Referral(s) to the appropriate regulatory agency(s) may be obtained from the department.
(3) Maintenance Work. No building permit is required for maintenance work which is made of the same material of which the building or structure was originally constructed; however, such work shall in no way, be the type of work that could be considered an alteration or rehabilitation to the building or structure. Interior or exterior painting does not require a permit; however, a certificate of appropriateness shall be required for exterior painting of any building or structure listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties or is within an architectural review commission district. Within the university impact district, exterior painting and maintenance work involving replacement-in-kind does not require a certificate of approval.
(C) Parking Lot.
(1) No person shall commence to construct, enlarge, alter, improve or convert a parking lot in the city, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate permit for each such parking lot from the building official and paying the fee prescribed in the fee schedule.
Exception: A separate permit need not be obtained for the construction of a parking lot if said parking lot is shown on the plans and included in the permit for the building or structure.
(2) Pre-approval Required. When a certificate of zoning clearance, certificate of appropriateness, or certificate of approval is required, all that apply shall be obtained prior to filing an application for a parking lot. Failure to obtain the required approval(s) prior to commencing an installation is subject to, but not limited by, the penalty provision of C.C. 3116. Referral(s) to the appropriate regulatory agency(s) may be obtained from the department.
(3) A permit is not required for the routine maintenance of a parking lot, such as patching holes, sealing, or striping without changing the number of available spaces.
(D) Not Required. A building permit is not required for the following types of installations; however, an installation within the scope of either subsection (D)(1) or (D)(3) of this section that is either listed on the Columbus register of historic properties or located within an architectural review commission district, requires a certificate of appropriateness in accordance with C.C. Chapter 3116:
(1) Playground equipment located on residential, commercial or public property;
(2) A mobile or manufactured home located in a mobile or manufactured home park which is licensed by the local or state board of health;
(3) An unheated, one (1) story, detached building that is accessory to a one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwelling and contains less than one hundred sixty-nine (169) square feet of gross floor area.
(E) Building Permit Issuance. A building permit may be issued:
(1) To an appropriately licensed home improvement contractor duly licensed with the department or to the owner of a one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwelling to do the work with his or her own hands or see that the work is properly accomplished under his or her direct supervision;
(2) To the owner of a single unit in an existing multi-family dwelling to do the structural work within his or her own unit with his or her own hands or see that the work is properly accomplished under his or her direct supervision;
(3) For a completed one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwelling, to the general contractor duly registered with the department, who originally constructed the dwelling in order to remodel or construct an addition on that same dwelling;
(4) To the owner of any existing building other than a one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwelling to do the structural work within his or her own unit with his or her own hands or see that the work is properly accomplished under his or her direct supervision;
(5) To a general contractor duly registered with the department for any building other than a one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwelling to perform the structural work with his or her own hands or see that the work is properly accomplished under his or her direct supervision;
(6) Any person acting on the behalf of, or as an agent for, an owner to obtain a building permit shall be a general contractor duly registered with the department.
(F) Use of Name. No department licensed or registered contractor, or occupying homeowner shall allow the use of his or her name by any person, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining a building permit to do any work.
(G) Emergency Work.
(1) Where an emergency exists, work may be commenced prior to obtaining a building permit; however, application for a permit shall be made as soon as possible the same day or as soon as the department office is open for business. An emergency includes, but is not limited to, structural, mechanical or electrical system failures.
(2) Where an emergency exists, work may be commenced prior to obtaining a certificate of appropriateness or certificate of approval on any building or structure that is either listed on the Columbus register of historic properties, or is within an architectural review commission district or within the university impact district; however, an application for a certificate of appropriateness or a certificate of approval shall be made as soon as possible on the same day or as soon as the appropriate department office or section is open for business.
(H) Interim Permit. Where work is commenced by an unlicensed or unregistered contractor the chief building official may issue a one-time interim permit provided:
(1) The unlicensed or unregistered contractor makes application to the department on an application form prescribed for such license or registration, with proof of bonding and liability insurance together with the nonrefundable fee as prescribed by the fee schedule. The applicant shall posses the minimum qualifications as set fourth in chapter 4114 of this code which shall be verified by the chief building official.
(2) The applicant satisfies the working without permit fee assessed against the work. The fee shall be as prescribed in the fee schedule.
(3) The work is inspected by a building inspector to determine code compliance.
(4) The applicant does not have a prior history of violating the building code.
This one-time interim permit may be revoked by the building official with due cause.
Section 3. That the existing Section 4114.107 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.107 Work of department-licensed contractor and licensed journeyperson plumber.
(A) It shall be unlawful to undertake or perform work of any department-licensed contractor, or trade, as defined in this Building Code within the corporate limits without first obtaining a department-issued license.
In addition, it shall be unlawful for any person other than an owner, officer, partner, or employee of a department-issued licensed contractor, to represent or advertise him or herself, for or without compensation, either publicly or privately, as being ready, willing or able to contract to undertake or offer to undertake, to plan for, lay out, supervise, install and/or make additions, alterations or repairs for any work within the scope of any department license required to perform such work, unless such work will be performed under the auspices of a department-issued license as required by this chapter. Such department-issued license shall have been authorized by the relevant board of review and subsequently issued by the department.
(B) The requirements of subsection (A) above shall apply to any work within the scope of a department-issued license for work in any new or existing building or structure, which shall include one (1) -, two (2) -, and three (3)-family dwellings, governed by either the Columbus Building Code or the Ohio Building Code (OBC) or the Residential Code of Ohio (RCO).
(C) The department requires and issues licenses for the following types of contracting:
(1) Home improvement - general contractor.
(2) Home improvement - limited contractor.
(3) Sewer contractor.
(4) Water contractor.
(5) Other contractors as specified in this chapter.
A department-issued home improvement contractor license in the specific craft or trade as defined hereafter in this chapter, is required to perform such work in, or on, any one (1)-, two (2)-, and three (3)-family dwelling within the corporate limits.
(D) The department requires and issues a license for journeyperson plumber.
(1) No OCILB licensed specialty plumbing contractor shall employ any person to work at the trade of journeyperson other than a duly licensed journeyperson plumber licensed by the department.
(2) No person shall engage in or work at the trade as journeyperson plumber until he or she shall have first procured a department-issued journeyperson plumber's license.
(3) No department-licensed journeyperson plumber shall contract or carry out a contract for the construction, installation, repairing or altering of any plumbing, or furnish plumbing material therefor, within the corporation limits of the city, or represent or advertise himself, either publicly or privately, as being ready, willing or able to contract to perform such work or furnish such material within the corporation limits of the city.
(E) No home improvement general contractor license, home improvement limited contractor license, or sewer contractor license shall be required of any person when acting in the particular capacity or particular type of transaction set forth in this subsection as follows:
(1) A tradesperson who performs labor or services for a department-licensed contractor for wages, salary, or compensation of any type, manner, or form provided such person is a direct employee or a legally leased tradesperson under the direct supervision of the department-licensed contractor.
(2) Any retail clerk, clerical, administrative, or other employee of a department-licensed contractor.
Section 4. That the existing Section 4114.119 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.119 Work as a sub-contractor.
(A) A department-licensed or department-registered contractor home improvement general or limited contractor, a licensed sewer contractor, a registered OCILB licensed specialty contractor, a registered general contractor, a registered demolition contractor, and a registered certified fire alarm and detection and/or fire protection company, with proper and current license or registration, may perform work as a sub-contractor of a primary contractor or registrant who has proper and current license or registration and who has a permit to perform the work. The sub-contractor shall not be required to obtain a second permit and pay fees based on the number of devices, etc., already paid by the primary contractor or registrant. The sub-contractor shall obtain a permit to perform that part of the work being sub-contracted and shall pay the relevant minimum fee indicated in the fee schedule.
(B) The registration and certification requirements of the subcontracting company shall coincide with that of the primary contracting company as required to cover that work being sub-contracted.
Exception: A licensed home improvement limited contractor duly licensed by the department may work as a sub-contractor of a home improvement general contractor, also duly licensed by the department, but only within the scope of work of the home improvement limited contractors licensure.
(C) The sub-contractor's permit application shall be made in the name of the sub-contractor and shall indicate all of the following information:
(1) The work to be sub-contracted;
(2) Shall identify the primary contractor or registrant;
(3) The permit number issued to primary contractor or registrant; and
(4) Under the miscellaneous space, state "sub-contractor."
(D) Both the primary contractor and the sub-contractor, or the primary registrant and the sub-registrant, shall be responsible for the work as regulated by the Columbus Building Code.
Section 5. That the existing Section 4114.303 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.303 Composition of boards.
(A) Each board of review shall be composed of seven (7) voting members and a secretary. Four (4) voting members of a board in attendance at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Exception: The board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers shall have eight (8) voting members. The eighth voting member of this board shall be the administrator, or designee of the Department of Public Utilities, of the division of sewerage and drainage.
(B) The building services inspection supervisor of the relevant trade and/or craft of the board of review shall be the secretary to such board. The secretary of a board of review is not a voting member of the board.
(C) All boards of review, except the board of review of general and home improvement contractors, shall have the following membership:
(1) Two (2) OCILB licensed specialty contractors, whose trade or craft shall be relevant to the business of the board of review on which they serve. Both contractors shall be duly registered with the department. In addition, such OCILB licensed specialty contractors shall be actively engaged in the type of contracting of their OCILB specialty license. Of the two (2) OCILB specialty contractors, one (1) shall operate their business under a collective agreement with a recognized labor organization, and one (1) shall not.
Exception: A department-licensed sewer, water or combined sewer/water contractor, with current, valid license and actively engaged in the business of sewer, water or combined sewer/water contracting, may occupy one (1) of the registered contractor positions in lieu of one (1) of the registered OCILB licensed specialty contractor position on the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers. The required labor organization relationship, however, shall not be compromised.
(2) Two (2) journeypersons, whose trade or craft shall be relevant to the business of the board of review on which they serve and, in addition, shall be actively engaged in such relevant craft or trade. Of the two (2) journeypersons, one (1) shall be employed under a collective agreement with recognized labor organization, and one (1) shall not.
(3) Three (3) public members, each of who are familiar with the construction industry relevant to the board of review on which they serve.
(D) The membership of the board of review of general and home improvement contractors shall be as follows:
(1) Two (2) department-licensed home improvement general contractors with current, valid licensure whom shall be actively engaged in home improvement general contracting.
(2) Two (2), department-licensed home improvement limited contractors with current, valid licensure whom shall be actively engaged in home improvement limited contracting.
(3) Two (2) department-registered general contractors with current, valid registration whom shall be actively engaged in the work of a registered general contractor. Of the two (2) registered general contractors, one (1) shall operate their business under a collective agreement with a recognized labor organization, and one (1) shall not.
(4) One (1) public member, who is familiar with the construction industry relevant to the board of review of general and home improvement contractors.
(E) No member of any board of review shall be employed or affiliated with the same business entity or entities of another. No public member shall have a direct or indirect interest, as defined in C.C. 501.02, in any thing, place or business that is required to be licensed by the Columbus City Codes.
(F) Except for the secretary, all members of a board of review shall be legal residents of the city or of the counties therein situated and appointed for a term of three (3) years by the director of the department. The term of each board member shall continue until a successor is appointed. The director may remove any member of the board, except the secretary and the administrator or designee of the division of sewerage and drainage, for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or misconduct in office. Each voting board member, except for the administrator or designee of the division of sewerage and drainage, shall receive payment for each meeting attended in accordance with the administrative salary ordinance.
(G) If a board of review would be comprised of less than a majority of its voting members who are legal residents of the city by the appointment of a non-resident of the city, the director shall only appoint a legal resident of the city.
Section 6. That the existing Section 4114.305 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.305 Duties and powers of the boards of review.
(A) General Duties and Powers. Each board of review shall have the following general duties and powers:
(1) To make, adopt, and from time to time, alter its own rules or procedures for the conduct of its meetings and proceedings;
(2) To select its own officers in accordance with the by-laws adopted by the board;
(3) To perform other related duties required either by this Building Code or as directed by the chief building official or the department;
(4) To adjudicate a complaint filed with the appropriate board of review against a department-registered OCILB licensed specialty contractor, the holder of a department-issued license or other department contractor registration. Such a complaint, however, shall be within the limits of the authority, competence, concern, intension, or responsibility of the board of review receiving the complaint;
(5) To suspend or revoke the relevant department-issued license or registration of a contractor who, after notification and hearing:
(a) Shall have been found to have violated the terms of this chapter, or
(b) Shall have failed to obtain proper permits or failed to obtain a registration certificate or failed to obtain inspection as provided by law as required by the applicable building code relating to the inspection and approval of such work, within the city; or
(c) Shall have been shown to be persistent and habitual violators of the laws of the state, the provisions of this Building Code or other ordinances of the city relating to the construction, installation, or repair of buildings within the city of Columbus.
(B) Specific Duties and Powers. The boards of review shall have the additional specific duties and powers as hereinafter indicated in this subsection:
(1) The board of review of general and home improvement contractors is authorized and empowered to review the qualifications as established in Section 4114.505, of all applicants who have passed the appropriate written examination(s) and thereupon have made proper application for the department's license to engage in the business of a general or limited home improvement contractor. For those applicants who the board has found to meet all such qualifications, the board shall certify their names to the department for the issuance of the appropriate home improvement contractor's license.
(2) The board of review of general and home improvement contractors shall review the qualifications as established in Section 4114.903, of all applicants who have made proper application to obtain a demolition contractor registration from the department. For those applicants who the board has found to meet all such qualifications, the board shall certify their names to the department for the issuance of a demolition contractor's registration.
(3) The board of review of general and home improvement contractors shall adjudicate matters pertaining to a department-issued home improvement general or limited licensed contractor, department-registered general contractor, and/or a department-registered demolition contractor.
(4) The board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers, is authorized and empowered to review the qualifications as established in Section 4114.505, of all applicants who have passed the appropriate written examination(s) and thereupon have made proper application for a department-issued license as a sewer, water or combination sewer/water contractor or a journeyperson plumber. For those applicants who the board has found to meet all such qualifications, the board shall certify their names to the department for the issuance of the appropriate license for which the application was made.
(5) The board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers shall adjudicate matters pertaining to a department-issued licensed sewer contractor, a department licensed water contractor, a licensed journeyperson plumber, a department-registered OCILB licensed plumbing contractor, a department registered backflow technician, and a department-registered fire protection/suppression company, which result from Section 4114.537, Section 4114.727, or Section 4114.937 as applicable.
Exception: The board of review of warm air heating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors shall adjudicate matters pertaining to a department-registered fire alarm and detection equipment and/or fire protection/suppression company pertaining to kitchen exhaust systems resulting from Section 4114.937.
(6) The board of review of electrical contractors shall adjudicate matters pertaining to a department-registered OCILB licensed electrical contractor, and/or a registered fire alarm and detection equipment company, resulting from Section 4114.727 or Section 4114.937 as applicable.
(7) The board of review of refrigeration contractors shall adjudicate matters pertaining to a department-registered OCILB licensed refrigeration contractor, which result from Section 4114.727.
(8) The board of review of warm air heating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors shall adjudicate matters pertaining to a department-registered OCILB licensed warm air heating and air conditioning contractor (HVAC), and a department-registered OCILB licensed hydronics (steam and hot water) contractor, and a fuel gas piping contractor., resulting from Section 4114.727.
(9) The board of review of general and home improvement contractors and the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers, are empowered to review, and recommend needed changes, in the content of the examinations for a department-issued license authorized by them to the chief building official. However, before any change in the content of such examination is made, it shall require the approval of the chief building official.
In addition, the board of review of general and home improvement contractors and the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers may promulgate rules or procedures governing the filing, handling and disposition of complaints concerning and examination or the grading thereof.
(10) The appropriate board of review of general and home improvement contractors and the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers, are empowered to review the qualifications, as established in Section 4114.505, of all applicants who have passed the relevant written examination(s) for a department-isued license for hich they have filed a completed ation.
(C) In the event there ceases to be an aroved testing agency to provide the examinatin(s) equired by C.C. 4114, the director shall immediately notify, in writing, the board of review of generaland home improvement contractors and the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers of this fact. The director shall also issue a statemet, in writing, of pocy and procedure to be used until such time an approved testing agency has been identified by the director.
Section 7. That the existing Section 4114.503 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959,
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is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.503 Application for department-issued license.
(A) A person desiring to be a department-licensed home improvement general or limited contractor, or sewer contractor, including or a journeyperson plumber, shall apply to the department on an application form prescribed therefor for such license, together with the nonrefundable fee prescribed by the fee schedule.
(B) The application for a department-issued license shall be confirmed and signed under oath by the applicant. The application for a license shall contain the following information:
(1) Name of the applicant;
(2) Date of birth;
(3) Current residence and business address(es) of the applicant;
(4) Current residence and business telephone number(s) of the applicant;
(5) Dates of previous licenses or registrations with the department, if any; and
(6) Other information deemed necessary by the department.
(C) The application for a license, that as a prerequisite requires an examination, or examinations, shall be submitted to the department no later than one (1) year after the date on which a passing score was achieved on any required examination given by an approved testing agency. After one (1) year from the date that a passing score was achieved on any required examination for a department-issued license, the passing score for that examination shall become invalid. When more than one (1) examination is required for a department-issued license, all examination scores shall be valid. Only valid examination scores shall be acceptable when making an application to the department. Additionally, the application shall be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting of the relevant board of review.
(D) In addition, the applicant shall also furnish a statement of experience with the application for a department-issued license. The statement of experience shall encompass the period of required experience as set forth in the qualifications for the type of license for which the application is made. The statement shall clearly and concisely provide the following information:
(1) List of employer or projects with dates of same as applicable; and
(2) Detailed work-related information about the employment or projects so listed; and
(3) The length of time devoted to each such employment or project listed; and
(4) The name of the employer or other responsible person with direct knowledge of the work performed by the applicant during such employment or project listed; and
(5) A statement, made by the applicant, of the schooling and training the applicant has obtained shall also be included.
(E) The statement of experience shall be notarized.
(F) Before an application may be approved for any applicant for a home improvement general or limited contractor's license, sewer contractor's license or a journeyperson plumber's license to be issued by the department, the applicant shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be not less than eighteen (18) years of age; and
(2) Be a United States citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Section 8. That the existing Section 4114.505 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.505 Minimum experience qualifications for a department-issued license.
(A) Home Improvement General Contractor License. The applicant for a home improvement general contractor license shall have a minimum of three (3) full years of "hands-on" installation experience in the one (1)-, two (2)-, and three (3)-family home improvement field.
(B) Home Improvement Limited Contractor License. The applicant for a home improvement limited contractor license in the following fields of specialization shall have a minimum of one (1) full year of "hands-on" installation experience in that field for which a license is applied for:
(1) Residential roofing;
(2) Residential siding, windows, and doors;
(3) Residential wood deck installation;
(4) Residential basement waterproofing;
(5) Residential prefabricated fireplaces and wood or coal stoves;
(6) Residential masonry fireplaces;
(7) Residential fencing;
(8) Residential sidewalks and driveway approaches;
(9) Residential exterior lathing and stucco;
(10) Residential swimming pool and spas;
(11) Residential asphalt paving; and/or
(12) Residential irrigation sprinkler.
(C) "Hands-on" experience shall be characterized by the active personal involvement of the applicant in the activity directly related to the type of license for which an application was made. Such active personal involvement shall have provided for the acquisition of practical experience, knowledge, and mechanical aptitude in the physical installation, operation, control, adjustment, repair, and maintenance of the specific trade or craft.
(D) Sewer, Water, or Combined Sewer/Water Contractor License. All applicants for either a Sewer Contractor License or a Water Contractor License shall demonstrate prior approval from the Department of Public Utilities in a manner as prescribed by such department.
The minimum experience required for an applicant for a sewer contractor's license shall be evidenced in writing and shall have been obtained in any of the following ways:
(1) Two (2) consecutive full year's experience under the supervision of a Columbus or other recognized jurisdiction's licensed sewer contractor; or
(2) Three (3) cumulative, nonconsecutive full year's experience under the supervision of a Columbus or other recognized jurisdiction's licensed sewer contractor; or
(3) A current, valid license as a sewer contractor in another recognized city, county, or state; or
(4) Two (2) full years of experience working on sewer system(s).
(1) Have a minimum of five (5) full years of experience in the plumbing trade installing building services plumbing systems and apparatus including potable water systems; or, completed a United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Training (USDOL, BAT) certified plumbing apprenticeship program.
2) Satisfactorily complete and pass, with a grade of at least seventy (70) percent, the written examination(s) as prescribed herein. The required examinations shall be administered by an approved testing agency as identified by the chief building official and approved by the appropriate board of review. In the event there ceases to be an approved testing agency to provide the examination(s) required by C.C. 4114, the director shall immediately notify, in writing, the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers of this fact. The director shall also issue a statement, in writing, of policy and procedure to be used until such time an approved testing agency has been identified by the director. After one (1) year from the date that a passing score was achieved on any required examination for a department-issued license, the passing score for that examination or examinations shall become invalid unless an application for licensure has been made.
An applicant's failure to pass the required examination shall not operate to deny the applicant the right to take such examination at a future scheduled date, provided the applicant makes proper application for such later examination with the approved testing agency.
(F) Alternatively, in lieu of the above requirements of Section (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) above, an applicant for any license may be:
(1) An engineer, registered in Ohio, in the specific field of work for the type of license for which application is made; or
(2) A graduate engineer, with at least one (1) full year's experience as a designer or installer in the specific field of work for the type of license for which application is made.
(G) Determination of a Full Year. A "full year" of experience, where required in sections (A) through (F) above, shall be based on twelve (12) consecutive calendar months during which the applicant shall have been gainfully and verifiably employed for not less than sixteen hundred (1600) working hours at the specific craft, trade, or profession for which an application for a department-issued license has been made.
Section 9. That the existing Section 4114.507 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.507 Examinations required for a department-issued license.
No examination shall be required.
(A) Before submitting an application to the department, to become a department-licensed home improvement general or limited contractor, sewer contractor, or a journeyperson plumber, an applicant shall have done the following:
(1) Satisfactorily complete and pass, with a grade of at least seventy (70) percent, all written examinations as prescribed by the relevant board of review for the type of license for which an application will be made with the department. The required examinations shall be administered by an approved testing agency identified by the director. The required examinations shall include:
(a) An approved examination based on practical trade, craft(s), skill(s), and knowledge and, in addition, the applicable code(s) for the specific type of license applied for; and
(b) An approved examination similar to the current business and law examination required by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) for licensed specialty contractors.
Exception: The applicant for a journeyperson plumber's license is exempt from the Business and Law examination.
(B) After one (1) year from the date that a passing score was achieved on any required examination for a department-issued license, the passing score for that examination or examinations shall become invalid.
(C) An approved examination shall be an examination that has been reviewed and recommended for use to the chief building official by the appropriate board of review and subsequently approved for use by the chief building official.
Section 10. That the existing Section 4114.509 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.509 Re-examination for a department-issued license.
No examination shall be required.
(A) An applicant's failure to pass any required examination for a home improvement general or limited contractor's license, a sewer contractor's license, or a journeyperson plumber's license shall not operate to deny the applicant the right to take such examination at a future scheduled date, provided the applicant makes proper application for such later examination with the approved testing agency.
(B) All persons who have taken the required examination shall have the right to review their examination papers and the correct answers to the examination in accordance with the approved testing agency's written procedures for such review. Any applicant who has taken an examination may file a written complaint with the board concerning the examination or the grading thereof.
(C) Pursuant to Section 4114.305, the board of review of General and Home Improvement Contractors and the board of review of plumbing and sewer contractors and of journeyperson plumbers may promulgate rules or procedures governing the filing, handling, and disposition of such complaints.
Section 11. That the existing Section 4114.511 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.511 Certification for a department-issued license.
(A) After completing a review of the qualifications of those applicants for a home improvement general or limited contractor's license, a sewer contractor's license, or a journeyperson plumber's license, the relevant board of review shall certify the names of the eligible applicants to the department, whereupon the department, within five (5) working days shall, by certified mail, notify the applicants of their eligibility.
(B) The eligible applicant for a department-issued license shall pay for and have completed the processing of the license at the department within ninety (90) calendar days after notification the relevant board of review has certified him or her. Failure to complete the entire licensing process within thirty (30) calendar days after notification by the department shall create liability for payment of the late charge prescribed in the fee schedule; after ninety (90) calendar days, the applicant's certification for a license shall be voided.
4114.515 Bond requirement for a department-issued contractor license.
(A) Before the department issues a home improvement general or limited contractor's license, or a sewer contractor's license under the provisions of this chapter, and prior to each renewal thereof, each holder of such a department-issued license shall, in a manner prescribed by the department, give a bond, which shall be maintained at all times thereafter, to the department. A department-issued license shall not be issued or renewed without meeting this bond requirement.
(B) The bond required for the holder of a department-issued license shall be of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00). The bond shall have good and sufficient surety approved by the department. The bond shall be on a form prescribed by the department.
(C) The bond shall be conditioned to save the city harmless from all loss and damage to persons or property which may be occasioned in any way, by accident or the want of care of or skill on applicant's part, in the prosecution of the work.
(D) Such bond shall provide for payment to the city for damages to the city or city property in the course of performance of work.
(E) Failure to maintain such bond in good standing shall be cause for immediate suspension by the department of the department-issued license.
(F) The individual named on the department-issued home improvement general or limited contractor's license, or a sewer contractor's license, shall sign the bond submitted for a department issued license or the renewal thereof, regardless of any assignment to a business concern.
(G) When an individual has more than one (1) such department-issued contractor's license, or contractor registration with the department, one (1) twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000.00) bond will be sufficient for all such licenses and registrations expiring with the department during the same time frame.
(H) No bond shall be required of the holder of a journeyperson plumber license.
(A) Before the department issues a home improvement general or limited contractor's license, or a sewer contractor's license under the provisions of this chapter, and prior to each renewal thereof, each holder of a department license shall, in a manner prescribed by the department, provide proof of liability insurance, which shall be maintained at all times thereafter, to the department. A department-issued license shall not be issued or renewed without meeting this insurance coverage requirement.
(B) The liability insurance required for the holder of a contractor's license issued by the department shall be written with an acceptable insurance company licensed to do business in the state of Ohio. The liability insurance shall afford limits of liability no less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for damages to a single person, and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for one (1) occurrence.
(C) Failure to maintain such liability insurance coverage in good standing shall be cause for immediate suspension by the department of the department-issued contractor's license.
(D) No liability insurance coverage shall be required of the holder of a journeyperson plumber license.
No proof of workers compensation coverage shall be required of the holder of a journeyperson plumber license, home improvement general or limited contractor's license, or a sewer contractor's license.
All applicants for journeyperson plumber licenses, home improvement general or limited contractor's licenses, or a sewer contractor's licenses shall adhere to all city tax regulations.
(A) The provisions of this section concerning renewal only apply to home improvement general and limited contractor's licenses, sewer contractor's licenses and journeyperson plumber licenses, licenses issued by the department.
(B) A home improvement general or limited contractor's license, a journeyperson plumber's license and a sewer contractor's license which emanated from an examination approved by one of the department's board of reviews, and license issued by the department, shall expire at the end of the quarter designated for persons whose surnames initial letter falls within that quarter's range as follows:
Quarter |
Range of Initials |
Expiration Date |
Fall Quarter |
A through F |
December 31 |
Winter Quarter |
G through L |
March 31 |
Spring Quarter |
M through R |
June 30 |
Summer Quarter |
S through Z |
September 30 |
(1) An applicant with these types of licenses for renewal shall be exempt from reexamination provided:
(a) The application for renewal is filed and the renewal process is completed within thirty (30) calendar days following the expiration of such license formerly held by the applicant; and
(b) If such former license has not been revoked for cause by a relevant board of review.
(2) Failure to renew, and/or not complete the renewal process of these types of licenses within thirty (30) calendar days following its expiration date, shall require a new application. that the applicant appear before the relevant board of review for consideration of reinstatement of the department-issued license, if reinstatement is desired.
(3) The application to appear before the board of review shall be made within thirty-one (31) calendar days subsequent to the thirty (30) days following the expiration date of the license. Thereafter, a license may only be obtained by applying for a new license with the department.
(4) An applicant's appearance before the board of review for consideration of reinstatement of a license shall require the payment of the fee prescribed by the fee schedule.
(5) A license that has been reinstated by the relevant board of review shall require the payment of the license fee and the late fee as prescribed by the fee schedule for such reinstatement.
(6) The license reinstatement process shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the board of review's approval for reinstatement. The applicant's failure to complete the reinstatement process with the department's license section within the required thirty (30) calendar days shall result in the board of review's approval for reinstatement for a license being void. Thereafter, a license may only be obtained by applying for a new license with the department.
(C) A home improvement general or limited contractor's license, a sewer contractor's license, and a journeyperson plumber's license may be renewed at any time during the ninety (90) calendar days prior to its expiration date; however, such early renewal shall comply with the requirements for such renewal.
(D) A bond submitted for department-issued license renewal shall be signed by the individual who has qualified for the license, regardless of any assignment to a business concern.
(E) A person whose department-issued license has expired shall not perform any work governed by this code until a renewal of the license by the department is issued, nor shall the department issue a permit to a license-holder with an expired department-issued license. A late fee, as prescribed by the fee schedule, shall be added to the renewal fee if the application for renewal is received after the date of expiration of the license.
(F) A department-issued license holder, or his or her licensed business, which fails to correct work, which does not comply with this Building Code, shall be denied the renewal of his or her license until compliance with this Building Code shall have been secured.
No department-issued home improvement general or limited contractor's license, or a sewer contractor's license, license shall be transferable. No holder of a departmental license of either a home improvement general or limited contractor's license, or a sewer contractor's license, issued by the department, shall allow their name to be used by any other person either for the purpose of performing work or obtaining a permit. No holder of a department-issued license shall permit or allow any person to perform work under authority of a permit granted to the license-holder unless such other person is either a direct employee or a legally leased tradesperson, which is under the direct supervision of the license-holder or licensed-business.
Exceptions: (A) A licensed home improvement general contractor duly licensed by the department may work as a sub-contractor of another duly licensed home improvement general contractor also licensed by the department, in accordance with Section 4114.119.
(B) A licensed home improvement limited contractor duly licensed by the department, may work as a sub-contractor of another duly licensed home improvement limited contractor or of a duly licensed home improvement general contractor also licensed by the department, in accordance with Section 4114.119.
(C) A licensed sewer contractor duly licensed by the department may work as a sub-contractor of another duly licensed sewer contractor also licensed by the department, in accordance with Section 4114.119. A licensed water contractor duly licensed by the department may work as a sub-contractor of another duly licensed water contractor also licensed by the department, in accordance with Section 4114.119.
Section 18. That the existing Section 4114.531 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4114.531 Assignment and issuance of a department-issued license to a business concern.
(A) A home improvement general or limited contractor's license and a sewer contractor's license shall be issued in the name of the individual who successfully met the qualifications and passed the examination or examinations as required by this chapter. However, said individual, at the time of applying for said department-issued license, or at any time thereafter, may assign, his or her rights to a license to a business concern with whom he or she is associated as a legal, full-time officer, proprietor, partner, or employee, and may designate that his or her license shall be issued in the name of said concern. In such event, such license shall be issued in the name of said business concern and said concern shall be known as the licensed-business. The individual applicant shall not be issued a license in his or her own name during the period he or she is associated with said business concern. In such event, the license shall state on its face the name and position in the business concern of the individual who has qualified for the license under the terms of this Chapter. No individual may be named on more than one (1) license within a trade at the same time.
(B) The license-holder is responsible to immediately notify the licensing section of the department of any change of status of their department-issued license.
(C) In the event the individual named on the department-issued license becomes disassociated from the licensed-business, the license shall become null and void (90) calendar days after such disassociation, except where another license-holder becomes associated with the business concern and the business concern so notifies the department in writing. During this ninety (90) day period, the work on existing permits may be followed through to completion, but no new work shall be commenced.
(D) In such event, a new department-issued license, setting forth the name of the new licensed individual, shall be issued to the licensed-business. A nonrefundable fee, as prescribed by the fee schedule, shall be required for the issuance of this new license within the same license year.
(E) There shall be a ninety (90) calendar day waiting period on the transfer of assignment of a license from one company to another, unless it had been in the department-issued license of the licensee him or herself.
Exception: Upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of whichever of the following conditions having occurred that caused the termination of the currently licensed-business, the ninety (90) day period may be waived by the chief building official:
(1) Closure of the licensed-business because of Chapter 7 bankruptcy;
(2) Dissolution of the licensed-business that is a corporation, limited liability partnership (LLP), or a limited liability corporation (LLC) that was filed and recorded and in good standing with the Secretary of State of Ohio; or
(3) Merger or consolidation of the licensed-business with a corporation, limited liability partnerships (LLP), or a limited liability corporations (LLC) that are filed and recorded and in good standing with the Secretary of State of Ohio.
The provisions of this exception may be implemented only once in any (24) twenty-four thirty-six (36) consecutive month period.
(F) When a department-issued license is assigned to a business concern, all work carried on by the licensed-business shall be deemed to be carried on under the personal supervision of the person named in the department-issued license. Therefore, any violations of the terms of the department-issued license, or of this Building Code, shall be imputed to the department-issued license-holder named therein. The department-issued license-holder shall be actively engaged in the business and shall be readily available for consultation with the department within two (2) business days after notification.
(G) No license-holder shall permit his or her department-issued license to be used in more than one business at any time. It shall be cause for revocation by the department of the license issued to a business concern if it shall be shown that the license-holder is not, or is no longer, a legal, full-time officer, proprietor, partner, or employee of said business concern. No department-issued license-holder shall be entitled to be named in any department-issued license who shall have outstanding against them, as an individual, or as an a full-time officer, proprietor, partner, or employee of a business concern, any suspension or revocation of another department-issued license or department registration. However, another qualified department-issued license-holder who is a full-time, proprietor, partner, or employee may be substituted upon proper application therefore.
Exception: The license of a journeyperson plumber shall not be assigned.
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4114.533 Elective suspension (escrow) of a department-issued license.
(A) A license holder other than Journeyperson Plumber home improvement general or limited contractor, or sewer contractor, may place their department-issued license in elective suspension (escrow) upon a written request and payment of the fee as prescribed by the fee schedule for such placement to the department's license section at any time. The written request shall be submitted with his or her application for the immediate establishment of the elective suspension (escrow) status or to occur in lieu of their contractor license renewal. The license-holder shall pay the fee as prescribed by the fee schedule and obtain, a department-issued contractor license elective suspension (escrow) renewal each year as herein before regulated. During the period of the elective suspension (escrow) the license-holder shall not be required to obtain or furnish the required of elective suspension (escrow), the license-holder shall not perform any work of a department-issued licensed contractor and no permits shall be issued to such license-holder.
(B) A journeyperson plumber ma place his or her license in elective suspension (escrow) upon ritten request and payment of the fee as prescribed by the fee schedule for such placement, to the department's license section. The written request shall be submitted with hi or her application for renewal o change of license status. The license-holder shall pay the fe as prescribed by the fee schedule for, and obtain a department-issued journeypron plumber's license elective suspension (escrow) renewal each year as herein before regulated. For the duratin of the elective suspension (escrow), the licensed individual shall not perform any work of a licensed journeyperson plumber.
(C) A home improvement general or limited contractor license, a sewer contractor, or a journeyperson plumber license may be placed in elective suspension (escrow) indefinitely. However, such license shall be renewed each year by payment of the fee prescribed by the fee schedule for such placement. Failure to renew a license that is in elective suspension (escrow) or re-establish a license that is in employment escrow status in accordance with Section 4114.535 shall be sufficient cause for such license to become immediately canceled by the department without recourse. Reestablishment of a home improvement general or limited contractor license, a sewer contractor license, or a journeyperson plumber license shall be only accoplished by making a new application for such department-issued license with the department.
(D) Upon notification to te department's license section and paying the fee as prescribed in the fee schedule, and providing evidence f all rquired documentation the elective suspension (escrow) status of a department-issued license shall be rmoved. Thereafter, the department-issued licensed-holder may perform the workof his or her licensed craft or trade as a department-licensed contractor and obtain prmits, or work as a journeypeson plumber, as applicable.
(A) Upon a written request to the department, an individual, who has a current, valid department-issued license under this chapter as a home improvement general or limited contractor, sewer contractor, journeyperson plumber, and who is employed as a full-time inspector by the department, or a Ohio Board of Building Standards certified building department, or a Ohio county health department, in such a related field of inspection, may place their department-issued license in a continuous employment escrow status with the department.
(B) The department-issued license-holder shall be employed as a full-time inspector as described heretofore for the duration of the employment escrow status. In addition, the license-holder will also be exempt from the payment of any fee or renewal requirement of the department for such license, but only for the period of time in which their department-issued license is in this employment escrow status.
(C) A department-issued license that is in employment escrow status shall become invalid, unless its validity is re-established within ninety (90) calendar days after the cessation of such required inspection employment status of the license-holder. Re-establishment of the license shall occur with a written request to the department for either reactivation or elective suspension (escrow) of the department-issued license already in employment escrow status. In addition, the payment of the prescribed fees in the fee schedule and all of the requirements for reestablishment of the license with the department for either a license renewal or elective suspension (escrow) status, as applicable, shall be required.
3381.10 Licensing regulations.
A. The board of review of general and limited sign erectors shall consist of five (5) members: one (1) public member and four (4) members who are actively engaged in the sign industry; two (2) of whom shall be license-holders. The director or his or her designee shall serve as a nonvoting secretary for the board.
No member of any board of review shall be employed or affiliated with the same business entity or entities of another. No public member shall have a direct or indirect interest, as defined in C.C. 501.02, in any thing, place, or business that is required to be licensed by the Columbus City Codes.
If a board of review would be comprised of less than a majority of its voting members who are legal residents of the city by the appointment of a non-resident of the city, the director shall only appoint a legal resident of the city.
B. The board members shall be appointed by the Director for a term of three (3) years and shall be residents of the city or Franklin County or a county abutting Franklin County. The term of each board member shall continue until a successor is appointed. Each board member shall be reimbursed in accordance with the administrative salary ordinance for each meeting attended. Three (3) members of the board in attendance shall constitute a quorum. The board shall meet as often as required by the bylaws.
C. Duties and Powers of the Board of Review.
1. To review the qualifications as established in C.C. 3381.12, of all applicants who have passed the appropriate written examinations and who have filed a complete application with the department. For all such applicants who have met the qualification requirements of this chapter, the board shall then certify the names of the qualified applicants to the department for the issuance of the appropriate license.
2. To suspend or revoke the license of sign erectors who have violated the terms of this graphics code or who have failed to take out proper permits as required by law, or who have been shown, after proper hearing, to be persistent and habitual violators of the laws of the state, the provisions of this graphics code, or other ordinances of the city relating to the construction, installation, or maintenance of graphics, or relating to the inspection and approval of such work.
3. To make, adopt, and, from time to time, alter its own rules of procedure for the conduct of its meetings and proceedings, and to select its own chairperson chairman.
D. Any and all decisions of the board of review may be appealed to the graphics commission, as provided by C.C. 3382.
E. In the event there ceases to be an approved testing agency to provide the examinations required by this chapter, the director shall immediately notify, in writing, the board of review of general and limited sign erectors. The director shall also issue a statement, in writing, of policy and procedure to be used until such time as an approved testing agency has been identified by the director.
3381.11 License application.
(A) A person desiring to be a department-licensed limited or general sign erector shall apply to the department on an application form prescribed for such license, together with the nonrefundable fee prescribed by the fee schedule.
(B) The application shall be confirmed and signed under oath by the applicant. The application shall contain the following information:
(1) Name of the applicant;
(2) Date of birth;
(3) Current residence and business address(es) of the applicant;
(4) Current residence and business telephone number(s) of the applicant;
(5) Dates of previous licenses or registrations with the department, if any; and
(6) Other information deemed necessary by the department.
(C) The application for a license, that as a prerequisite requires an examination, or examinations, shall be submitted to the department no later than one (1) year after the date on which a passing score was achieved on any required examination given by an approved testing agency. After one (1) year from the date that a passing score was achieved on any required examination, the passing score for that examination shall become invalid. When more than one (1) examination is required, all examination scores shall be valid. Only valid examination scores shall be acceptable when making an application to the department. Additionally, the application shall be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting of the board.
(D) In addition, the applicant shall also furnish a statement of hands-on experience with the application. The statement of experience shall encompass the period of required experience as set forth in the qualifications for the type of license for which the application is made. The statement shall clearly and concisely provide the following information:
(1) List of employer or projects with dates of same as applicable; and
(2) Detailed work-related information about the employment or projects so listed; and
(3) The length of time devoted to each such employment or project listed; and
(4) The name of the employer or other responsible person with direct knowledge of the work performed by the applicant during such employment or project listed; and
(5) A statement, made by the applicant, of the schooling and training the applicant has obtained shall also be included.
(E) The statement of experience shall be notarized.
(F) Before an application may be approved for any applicant, the applicant shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be not less than eighteen (18) years of age; and
(2) Be a United States citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
(G) "Hands-on" experience shall be characterized by the active personal involvement of the applicant in the activity directly related to the type of license for which an application was made. Such active personal involvement shall have provided for the acquisition of practical experience, knowledge, and mechanical aptitude in the physical installation, operation, control, adjustment, repair, and maintenance of the specific trade or craft.
(H) Determination of a Full Year. A "full year" of experience, where required in sections (A) through (F) above, shall be based on twelve (12) consecutive calendar months during which the applicant shall have been gainfully and verifiably employed for not less than sixteen hundred (1600) working hours at the specific craft, trade, or profession for which an application for a department-issued license has been made.
Section 23. That the existing Section 3381.13 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3381.13 License examination.
No examination shall be required.
(A) Before submitting an application to the department to become a licensed general or limited sign erector contractor, an applicant shall have done the following:
(1) Satisfactorily complete and pass, with a grade of at least seventy (70) percent, all written examinations as prescribed by the board or review. The required examinations shall be administered by an approved testing agency identified by the director. The required examinations shall include:
(a) An approved examination based on practical trade, craft(s), skill(s), and knowledge and, in addition, the applicable code(s) for the specific type of license applied for; and
(b) An approved examination similar to the current business and law examination required by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) for licensed specialty contractors.
(B) After one (1) year from the date that a passing score was achieved on any required examination for a department-issued license, the passing score for that examination or examinations shall become invalid.
(C) An approved examination shall be an examination that has been reviewed and recommended for use to the chief building official by the appropriate board of review and subsequently approved for use by the chief building official.
Section 24. That the existing Section 3381.14 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3381.14 Re-examination.
No examination shall be required.
An applicant's failure to pass an examination shall not operate to deny the applicant the right to take such examination at a future scheduled date, provided the applicant makes proper application for such later examination. Any person who has taken the required examination may inspect his or her examination papers.
Any applicant who has taken an examination may file a written complaint with the board of review concerning the examination or the grading thereof. Pursuant to C.C. 3381.10(C), the board may promulgate rules or procedures governing the filing, handling and disposition of such complaints.
Section 25. That the existing Section 3381.19 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3381.19 Expiration and renewal of license.
A. A sign erector's license shall expire at the end of the quarter designated for persons whose surname's initial letter falls within that quarter's range as follows:
Quarter |
Range of Initials |
Expiration Date |
Fall Quarter |
A through F |
December 31 |
Winter Quarter |
G through L |
March 31 |
Spring Quarter |
M through R |
June 30 |
Summer Quarter |
S through Z |
September 30 |
1. An applicant with this type of license for renewal shall be exempt from re-examination provided:
a. The application for renewal is filed and the renewal process is completed within thirty (30) calendar days following the expiration of such license formerly held by the applicant; and
b. Such former license has not been revoked for cause by the board of review of general and limited sign erectors.
2. Failure of the applicant to renew and/or not complete the renewal process of this type of license within thirty (30) calendar days following its expiration date shall require a new application that the applicant appear before the board of review of general and limited sign erectors for consideration of reinstatement, if reinstatement is desired.
3. The application to appear before the board of review shall be made within thirty-one (31) calendar days subsequent to the thirty (30) days following the expiration date of the license. Thereafter, a license may only be obtained by applying for a new license with the department.
4. An applicant's appearance before the board of review for consideration of reinstatement of a license shall require the payment of the fee prescribed by the fee schedule.
5. A license that has been reinstated by the board of review shall require the payment of the license fee and the late fee as prescribed by the fee schedule for such reinstatement.
6. The license reinstatement process shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the board of review's approval for reinstatement. The applicant's failure to complete the reinstatement process with the department's license section within the required thirty (30) calendar days shall result in the board of review's approval for reinstatement for a license being void. Thereafter, a license may only be obtained by applying for a new license with the department.
B. A license may be renewed at any time during the three (3) month period prior to its expiration date; however, such early renewal shall comply with renewal requirements.
C. A license-holder, or licensed business, who fails to correct work which does not comply with this code, shall be denied renewal of his or her license until compliance with this code has been secured.
D. A person whose department-issued license has expired shall not perform any work governed by this code until a renewal of the license by the department is issued, nor shall the department issue a permit to a license-holder with an expired department-issued license. A late fee, as prescribed by the fee schedule, shall be added to the renewal fee if the application for renewal is received after the date of expiration of the license.
Section 26. That the existing Section 1101.05 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1101.05 Revocation of Authorizations and Licenses.
In case any person (including employees) has or is violating any of the provisions of this Article One or any of the prescribed rules and regulations of the Department of Public Utilities, such person shall have a the authorization or license as a sewer builder contractor,or plumber, water contractor, or sewer/water contractor or shall be an employee of such licensee, the license shall be revoked by the director of public utilities or board or officer issuing such authorization or license, and such person or licensee, in addition thereto, shall be subject to C.C. 1101.99.
Section 27. That the existing Section 1103.02 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1103.02 Permit for work on pipes.
No plumber, water contractor, or sewer/water contractor shall make any attachments, additions to or alterations in any city service pipe, cock or any fixture connected with the service water pipes, unless he or she shall first procure a permit from the administrator of the Division of Power and Water for such work, and shall make a written return of the same, as prescribed in the rules and regulations of the Division of Power and Water.
Section 28. That the existing Section 1103.04 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1103.04 Street opening permit.
Before permits for extending connections are issued the plumber, water contractor, or sewer/water contractor must present a permit from the director of public service authorizing him to open the street in which the connection is to be made. No licensed plumber, water contractor, or sewer water contractor shall be granted a permit for work to be done by a person not in the employ of such plumber, water contractor, or sewer/water contractor.
Section 29. That the existing Section 1103.05 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1103.05 Permission to let water into premises.
No plumber, water contractor, or sewer/water contractor, after making any connection with the service pipe or after making repairs or putting in any new attachment, shall leave the stopcock open or let the water into the premises without permission from the Director of Public Utilities.
Section 30. That Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby supplemented with the creation of a new section numbered 1103.06, reading as follows:
1103.06 Water Contractor Authorization
No person shall work on City of Columbus water line systems without first obtaining the following:
(a) Authorization from the Director of Public Utilities to work on such lines; and
(b) A license issued as prescribed in Chapter 4114 through the Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors and of Journeymen Plumbers.
The Director shall adopt rules setting forth the minimum standards based on qualifications and experience for granting such authorizations.
Section 31. That the existing Section 1131.02 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1131.02 Application and Examination for Sewer Contractor Authorization
Any person desiring to engage in the business of sewer building in the city shall make application to the Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors and of Journeymen Plumbers and shall undergo such examinations as described in C.C. 4114.507. Licenses will be issued as prescribed in Chapter 4114.
(a) Authorization from the Director of Public Utilities to work on such lines; and
(b) A license issued as prescribed in Chapter 4114 through the Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors and of Journeymen Plumbers.
The Director shall adopt rules setting forth the minimum standards based on qualifications and experience for granting such authorizations.
Section 32. That the existing Section 1131.05 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1131.05 License suspension or revocation.
Any authorization or license provided for in this chapter may be suspended by the Administrator of the Division of Sewerage and Drainage or the Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors and of Journeymen Plumbers for the violation of any of the rules or regulations of the Department of Public Utilities relative to sewer building in the city, and no permit shall be issued until such times as the violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the Administrator of the Division of Sewerage and Drainage.
Any authorization or license provided for in this chapter may at any time be revoked for incompetence, fraudulent use or a violation of the law of the state or the ordinances of the city relative to sewer building as prescribed in Chapter 4114. After revocation, no authorization or license shall be issued to such party until at least one (1) calendar year has elapsed.
Section 33. That the existing Section 1133.01 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1133.01 Only licensed sewer contractors or water/sewer contractors to make excavations.
It shall be unlawful for any person, except a sewer contractor or water/sewer contractor duly licensed by the Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors and Journeymen Plumbers, to make any excavation in any public right of way, easement or private property, for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, repairing, examining or locating any sewer, drain, catch basin, inlet, manhole, flush tank, trap or any other sewer or drain appurtenance.
Section 34. That the existing Section 1133.04 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1133.04 Regulations for sewer contractors or water/sewer contractors.
It shall be unlawful for any sewer contractor or water/sewer contractor, licensed as set out in this chapter, to do any work that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
Section 35. That the existing Section 1133.10 of the Columbus City Codes. 1959, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1133.10 Notification for inspection.
The licensed sewer contractor or water/sewer contractor shall schedule an inspection through the Sewer Permit Office at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to commencing work on a sewer. No person shall backfill any part of the service lateral installation until it has been inspected and approved by the Sewer Inspector.
Section 36. That the fee for a Water Contractor License or a Combined Water/Sewer Contractor License and fees for all related transactions be set at the same rate as that for a Sewer Contractor License and related transactions.
Section 37. That sections 4113.17, 4114.37, 4114.107, 4114.119, 4114.303, 4114.305, 4114.503, 4114.505, 4114.507, 4114.509, 4114.511, 4114.515, 4114.517, 4114.519, 4114.521, 4114.527, 4114/529, 4114.531, 4114.533, 4114.535, 3381.10, 3381.11, 3381.13, 3381.14, 3381.19, 1101.05, 1103.02, 1103.04, 1103.05, 1131.02, 1131.05, 1133.01, 1133.04 and 1133.10 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby repealed.
Section 38. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.