(Washington, DC) — The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is seeking input on its proposed regulations for the Basic Business License for General Contractors.
The key proposed requirements include:
- Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance Certificate Required
You must have an insurance certificate for public liability in the amount of $500,000 to $2,500,000 and in force for the full (annual) period of the license. Your insurer must be authorized to do business in the District and have a credit rating of B+ or higher by A.M. Best Company. Your insurance policies must name the District of Columbia Treasurer as an additional insured on a primary, non-contributory basis. The insurance shall be cancelable only after thirty (30) days notice to the Department.
- Financial solvency
You must provide a credit report from a credit reporting agency that is subject to oversight by the Federal Trade Commission and a statement describing all outstanding judgments against your corporation and any officers with a 25 percent or more interest in the corporation. If you are a sole proprietor, the credit report must be provided for yourself.
- Investigation/Approval
This type of business requires a background investigation prior to issuance of a license. This investigation will be conducted after submitting the application and all required documents.
The Director of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, pursuant to the authority set forth in DC Official Code § 47-2851.20, hereby gives notice of the intent to adopt a new Chapter 39 (General Contractor/Construction Manager) of Title 17 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). This rulemaking adds a new chapter 39 to create a new basic business license endorsement category for individuals or businesses engaged in general contracting or construction management.
The creation of this new license category was authorized by the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Support Act of2008, DC Law 17-219, effective August 16,2008.
All persons desiring to comment on these proposed regulations should submit comment in writing to Helder Gil (helder.gil@dc.gov), Legislative Affairs Specialist, Department of Consumer and Regulations Affairs, Suite 9400, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC, 2002, no later than April 23, 2009.