Since 1970, Former Deputy Attorney General representing CSLB. Since 1978, highest Avvo “10” Rating CSLB Defense Lawyer. Unprecedented “Client’s Choice” Award 18 years in a row: 2007-2024. Unequaled 325+ “FIVE-STAR” Client Reviews and Attorney Endorsements
California Contractors State License Board
(916) 255-2924
(800) 321-2752
At Spital & Associates, we protect your rights as a Contractor and advance your interests in an investigation or prosecution. We have 49 years of experience as a former Deputy Attorney General and skilled defense lawyer. The CSLB prosecutes cases against individuals that have a license as a Contractor if there is an allegation of any of the grounds for a denial of your Application for a license as well as one or more of the common grounds for disciplinary action; in the latter instance the CSLB seeks to suspend or revoke a Contractor’s License.
Licensing Classifications
“A” License (General Engineering Contractor) : This is a CSLB licensed contractor who has specialized engineering knowledge and skill in one or more categories, including the following:
- Irrigation
- Drainage
- Highways
- Streets and roads
- Parks and playgrounds
- Plants requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill
- Grading and earthmoving projects
- Excavating
- Trenching
- Paving and concrete works in connection with any of the above projects
“B” License (General Building Contractor) : This is a CSLB licensed contractor who builds and/or remodels homes, office and commercial buildings and/or enclosures involving two or more unrelated building trades or crafts and/or supervises any part and/or the entire project. Except it does not include anyone who merely furnishes material and/or supplies without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of the work of the general building contractor.
“C” License Classifications : These are CSLB licenses for some of the specialty contractors involving:
- C-2 – Insulation and Acoustical Contractor
- C-4 – Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor
- C-5 – Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor
- C-6 – Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor
- C-7 – Low Voltage Systems Contractor
- C-8 – Concrete Contractor
- C-9 – Drywall Contractor
- C10 – Electrical Contractor
- C11 – Elevator Contractor
- C12 – Earthwork and Paving Contractors
- C13 – Fencing Contractor
- C15 – Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors
- C16 – Fire Protection Contractor
- C17 – Glazing Contractor
- C20 – Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
- C21 – Building Moving/Demolition Contractor
- C23 – Ornamental Metal Contractor
- C27 – Landscaping Contractor
- C28 – Lock and Security Equipment Contractor
- C29 – Masonry Contractor
- C31 – Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor
- C32 – Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor
- C33 – Painting and Decorating Contractor
- C34 – Pipeline Contractor
- C35 – Lathing and Plastering Contractor
- C36 – Plumbing Contractor
- C38 – Refrigeration Contractor
- C39 – Roofing Contractor
- C42 – Sanitation System Contractor
- C43 – Sheet Metal Contractor
- C45 – Electrical Sign Contractor
- C46 – Solar Contractor
- C47 – General Manufactured Housing Contractor
- C50 – Reinforcing Steel Contractor
- C51 – Structural Steel Contractor
- C53 – Swimming Pool Contractor
- C54 – Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor
- C55 – Water Conditioning Contractor
- C57 – Water Well Drilling Contractor
- C60 – Welding Contractor
- C61 – Limited Specialty – Some of these include the following specialties: (D35) – Pool and Spa Maintenance ; ( D39) – Scaffolding ; ( D49) – Tree Service ; ( D52) – Window Coverings ; ( D63) -Construction Clean-up ; ( D64) – Non-specialized
- ASB – Asbestos Certification
- HAZ – Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
Unlicensed Contractors
In California, there must be a written contract for all home improvement projects over $500. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project valued at $500 or more in labor and materials. Besides being illegal, one can be prosecuted by the local City Attorney (CA) or County District Attorney (DA) for a misdemeanor. There are stiff penalties and fines, along with having the stigma of a conviction if you are found guilty or enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
Advertising without a CSLB valid license number is often used by the Board to identify unlicensed contractors. The CSLB and CA or DA use section 7027.1 and 7099.10 of the California Business and Professions Code to take legal action against unlicensed contractors (on occasion they also have filed action against licensed contractors who advertise illegally).
If an unlicensed contractor advertises as a contractor in a telephone directory, and if an investigation determines the entity doing the advertising is unlicensed, under B&P Section 7099.10 (a), the Registrar of the CSLB can issue a citation for a fine, file criminal charges &/or seek a civil penalty assessment.
For more information on the Contractors State License Board and professional contractor licensing “DEFENSE” and a FREE initial attorney conference, contact Spital & Associates today.
Want more information on contractor licensing issues? Click this link: contractor licensing page.