Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Barry Walthall, Building Codes Administrator
CC:	Scott McCullough, Planning & Development Services Director
Date:	August 11, 2010
RE:	Contractor licensing amendments

Attached is Ordinance 8557 amending contractor licensing regulations found in Chapter 5, Articles 15 and 17 of the City Code, along with a staff report providing additional analysis of the proposed changes.

The primary purpose for amending the code is to separate costs for contractor education from the license fee structure.  Continuing education will continue to be an important component of the contractor licensing program, but the proposed changes will provide greater flexibility for contractors.

Additionally, Ordinance 8557 would establish license application fees and exam sponsorship fees, as well as incorporate changes to State statutes regarding experience requirements for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fireplace trade workers to sit for certification exams.

Staff requests that Ordinance 8557 be placed on the August 17, 2010 City Commission meeting agenda for possible adoption.