June 13, 2001

MEP Contractors Must Be Licensed by State

by Don Gregory

Electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, hydronics, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning contractors serving the commercial construction industry will have to get licensed by the State of Ohio, as a result of House Bill 434.

The goal of the new law is to create a uniform statewide licensure law in an effort to improve quality in these trades and avoid differing licensing standards in various municipalities. The law prohibits local governments from imposing additional examinations or requirements upon those holding the state license.

MEP contractors applying by October 21, 2001 will not have to take a state examination, but will have to make a $50 application to the Ohio Construction Industry Examining Board and show proof of active employment in one of the MEP trades for at least three years. Ten hours of continuing education will be required to keep the license, which must be renewed every three years.

This bill will allow a MEP contractor possessing a single state license to do business throughout Ohio. While municipalities or counties may still require the contractor to meet certain additional regulations, no additional testing or demonstration of skills may be required by local governments of a contractor holding a statewide license.