Contractor License Required

A contractor license is required to perform any of the work for which a license is authorized (see contractor license types below). This includes general contractors, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical contractors.

For licensing fees please refer to Section H of Attachment 2 of the Fee Resolution .

The following are excepted from the requirements of this Article:

  1. Any non-MEP contractor performing work under the direction of a licensed contractor;
  2. An owner performing work on his or her own personal residence and buildings accessory thereto. Pursuant to this exception, he or she may construct only one (1) residence as his or her personal residence within a period of three (3) consecutive years;
  3. Owners of commercial buildings may, at the discretion of the Building Official, be issued permits for minor remodel projects not involving structural changes, such as relocations of counters, construction of partitions and façade, provided that, in the opinion of the Building Official, the building owner is capable of doing the work. All electrical and plumbing work must be done by licensed electricians and licensed plumbers respectively;
  4. Public utility companies and water and sanitation districts when engaged in the installation, operation and maintenance of equipment used in production or service from their source through the facilities owned or operated by such utility company to the point of customer service;
  5. Contractors installing fabricated or manufactured units such as cabinets, counter tops, storm windows, carpet, gutters, downspouts and landscaping materials; and
  6. Electrical contractors must register pursuant to Article 15-12.

Responsibility of Licensee and Electrical Code Registrants

Contractors shall be responsible for the proper conduct of their business in the City:

  1. Obtaining required permits before commencing work;
  2. Completion of construction in accordance with approved drawings and specifications;
  3. Scheduling through the portal required inspections the previous business day by 11:00 PM;
  4. Maintaining building plans, permits and inspection records on the job site accessible to City inspectors;
  5. Providing adequate job site sanitary facilities and safety measures to protect workers and the general public;
  6. Paying for all licenses and fees as required by the City's fees and charges resolution; and
  7. Proper supervision of all subcontractors and employees.
  8. Occupying a space prior to a CO being issued may result in revocation of license.

Application for License

  1. Applicants for a contractor license and for Electrical Code registration must sign up in OpenGov and pay the required application fees.
  2. Any applicant for a contractor license shall establish competence to perform the activities authorized by the license to the satisfaction of the Building Official.

License Classifications

All licenses shall be valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issue.

  1. Class A - Unlimited General Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to construct, alter, repair or demolish any building or structure. If not previously licensed in the City of Brighton at this level ICC testing will be required prior to ground up construction.
  2. Class B - Limited General Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to construct Type III, IV or V buildings which do not exceed three (3) stories in height and which would not be used for Group E or I Occupancy. This class license authorizes interior nonstructural work on all building types and all occupancy groups. The holder may perform work authorized by C and D class licenses. If not previously licensed in the City of Brighton at this level ICC testing will be required prior to ground up construction.
  3. Class C - Residential General Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to construct, alter, repair or demolish residential buildings not exceeding three (3) stories in height above grade and not involving reinforced concrete above grade. The holder may perform work authorized by a Class D or E license. If not previously licensed in the City of Brighton at this level ICC testing will be required prior to ground up construction.
  4. Class D - Jobbing Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to construct, alter, repair or demolish non-habitable buildings or portions of buildings or structures such as private garages, carports, patios, sheds, swimming pools, basement finishes, fences and signs. The license holder may also perform work authorized by a Class E license.
  5. Class E - Specialty Trades. The holder of this license shall be authorized to perform one (1) specified building trade such as house mover, mobile home setup, masonry, concrete flatwork, framing, drywall, roofing, glazing, irrigation systems, fire protection systems, elevator systems, security systems, solar energy collection/conversion systems, drain laying, water and sewer mains and paving, but shall not authorize electrical or mechanical work or connections to a potable water system.
  6. Class P - Plumbing Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to perform all work described in the adopted plumbing code. This class license shall be issued to an individual, or to a business entity employing, in a supervisory capacity, an individual holding a current and valid State Master's Plumbing License.
  7. Class M - Mechanical Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to construct, install, repair or alter all mechanical systems described in the adopted mechanical code, but shall not authorize electrical work or connections to a potable water system. ICC license or licenses from two other jurisdictions is required for new licensees.
  8. Electrical Contractor. The holder of this license shall be authorized to perform all work described in the NEC. This class license shall be issued to an individual, or to a business entity employing, in a supervisory capacity, an individual holding a current and valid State Master's Electrical License.

GC testing – Required for new license holders performing Ground-Up Construction

What Exam do I need for my specific desired “ground-up” General Contractors License

As of Oct 2023, the most recent exams, are based upon the 2018 Codes and are as follows:

ICC G11 General Building Contractor A

ICC G12 General Building Contractor B

ICC G13 Residential Building Contractor C

Tests based on earlier code cycles will be accepted.

Helpful Links:

Merchant Guard Note

Individuals will no longer need a Merchant Guard License. Instead, the employing company will need to obtain a Business License from the Finance-Tax and Licensing Division and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable standards.

Insurance Required

Before any contractor license shall be issued to an applicant, the applicant shall furnish to the Building Official a certificate of general liability insurance in favor of the City and valid for the period of the license. Coverage shall not be less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for injury or death to one (1) person and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for injury or death to more than one (1) person in any single accident or event, and not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for property damage or destruction. Lapse of insurance shall render the license suspended until such insurance is reinstated.

License Nontransferable

A change in name or ownership of a licensed business entity shall have the legal effect of terminating the license. All such changes shall be reported to the Building Official and a new license applied for. Licenses are not transferable.

Denial of License

The Building Official may deny an application for a license or license renewal.