CHAPTER 552
An Act to amend and reenact § 54.1-1117 of the Code of
Virginia, relating to licensing of contractors by localities; civil penalty.
[H 1277]
Approved April 4, 2012
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 54.1-1117 of the Code of Virginia is
amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 54.1-1117. Licensing of certain contractors by
localities; qualifications and procedure; registration of certain persons
engaged in business of home improvement; civil penalty.
A. Except as to contractors currently licensed under the
provisions of § 54.1-1106, the governing body of
every city, county or town any locality
shall have the power and authority to adopt ordinances, not inconsistent with the
provisions of this chapter, requiring every person who engages in, or offers to
engage in, the business of home improvement or the business of constructing single-
single-family or multi-family dwellings, in such city, county
or town locality, to obtain a license from such city,
county or town locality.
B. The governing body of every city,
county or town locality adopting ordinances
pursuant to this section may require every applicant for such license, other
than those currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, (i) to
furnish evidence of his ability and proficiency; and (ii) to successfully
complete an examination to determine his qualifications. The governing body
locality may designate or establish an agent or board and establish the
procedures for an examination according to the standards set forth in this
chapter and in the regulations of the Board for Contractors. Except contractors
currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, licensure may be
refused to any person found not to be qualified. Persons not currently licensed
pursuant to § 54.1-1106 may be required to furnish bond in a reasonable
penal sum, with reasonable condition, and with surety as the governing body
deems necessary. The governing body may provide for the punishment of
violations of such ordinances, provided that no such punishment shall exceed
that provided for misdemeanors generally.
C. A locality may by ordinance establish a civil penalty that
may be assessed when a person or business falsely represents to a customer or prospective
customer that such person or business has a valid contractor's license issued pursuant
to the provisions of § 54.1-1106. Such civil penalty shall not exceed $2,500.
D. For the purpose of this section the business of home
improvement shall mean the contracting for and/or providing labor and material
or labor only for repairs, improvements, and additions to residential buildings
or structures accessory thereto where any payment of money or other thing of
value is required.
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