New York, NY – City to Require License for Builders

New York, NY – The City will soon enact legislation requiring the city's more than 600 home builders to get licenses before they erect any more homes here.

Currently, most subcontractors, like plumbers and electricians, must be licensed. But general contractors who supervise home construction operate without licenses. "It's sort of amazing that in the year 2007 New York City does not license home builders," said City Council Minority Leader James Oddo (R-S.I.), the measure's prime sponsor.

The bill would authorize the police to seize the vehicles and tools belonging to any general contractor caught building a home without a license. It also calls for six months of prison time, a $5,000 fine and an additional $5,000 civil penalty.

Builders must prove they are insured and financially solvent and must offer warranties for all work performed. The license fee would be $200 for the first two years, then $100 every two years. The company would also have to provide information on anyone who owns at least 10 percent of the firm.

The Mayor's Office agreed to support the measure after Oddo removed a provision requiring background checks.