DEMOLITION LICENSING

A new specialty license is available for demolition contractors. This license is officially entitled “Certified Building Demolition Specialty Contractor”. Testing for this type of license has not yet been fully vetted and no exams are available as of yet.

This license has been added so that individuals and businesses who work solely with the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to demolish, if not prohibited by law, steel tanks 50 feet or less in height; towers 50 feet or less in height; other structures 50 feet or less in height, other than buildings or residences over three stories tall; and buildings or residences three stories or less in height. Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to restrict or limit in any manner the scope of work authorized by law of other contractor classifications.

In English this means that someone who holds this license can demolish any residential or commercial structure under 4 stories. If a 4 story or taller structure is involved, then the license holder must hold a valid Certified General Contractor License.

This is a wonderful addition to the licenses because previously a Division 1 License (CRC, CBC or CGC) would need to have been procured for demolition. The change in applications that occurred in 2012 made it impossible for a demolition contractor to obtain one as they only ask for new construction or remodel projects on the application now. A demolition contractor cannot give either. This caused a serious gap between law and practice.

The team at Licenses, Etc. will definitely keep you up to date with any new information as it becomes available.