Better Building for Hot Springs
As Hot Springs enters another construction season the City Building Department would like to issue a reminder of the City’s contractor licensing requirement.
Individuals and companies who wish to provide contracting services within the city are required to obtain a City contractor license.
This local requirement shouldn’t be confused with the State Excise Tax License requirement through the South Dakota Department of Revenue, which is a State requirement for all contractors for the purpose of collecting excise tax.
The purpose of the local licensing requirement is to ensure that all contractors meet the State and local requirements for conducting business within this jurisdiction, including insurance and excise tax requirements. New applicants must provide a physical address and a copy of a government issued identification card.
These requirements provide a layer of protection for the local consumer.
Contractors who fall under the local licensing requirements are construction contractors and sub-contractors, to include roofing and siding installers, paving contractors, HVAC contractors, tree trimming services, dry wall/sheetrock installers, and underground sprinkler installers (when connecting to the municipal water supply).
People are also reading…
Contractors who work within the city cemetery and excavation contractors who work within the city right-of-way are also required to be licensed, insured and bonded. Permits are required. Cemetery and Excavation Contractors are considered Prime Contractors when hired directly by the consumer, but are considered sub-contractors when listed as a sub-contractor on a permit.
License cards are issued to construction contractors. The card bears the name of the individual or company licensed, the license number and the license year is prevalently posted at the top of the card. The face of the card changes with each license year to be readily identified as being current and the 2014 license card is a color picture of a coyote.
The coyote was adopted as the official state animal of South Dakota when Governor George T. Mickelson signed legislation on March 5, 1949.
It is always prudent, for your own protection, to ensure that the individual or company you are entering into a contract with is legally licensed to conduct that business.
It is common practice and good business to request a copy of the contractors own insurance if they are working on your premises.
Licensure can also be verified through the local Building Department at 745-4104.
Good luck and good building.