{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-1117.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-1117.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-1117.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-1117.html"}],"law_id":59814,"edition_id":1,"section_id":59814,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1117","catch_line":"Licensing of certain contractors by localities; qualifications and procedure; registration of certain persons engaged in business of home improvement; civil penalty","history":"1958, c. 522, \u00a7 54-145.2; 1964, c. 479; 1970, c. 319; 1972, c. 438; 1977, c. 476; 1979, c. 439; 1980, c. 634; 1988, c. 765; 1994, c. 895; 2012, c. 552.","full_text":"A\n\nExcept as to contractors currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, any locality shall have the power and authority to adopt ordinances, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, requiring every person who engages in, or offers to engage in, the business of home improvement or the business of constructing single-family or multi-family dwellings, in such locality, to obtain a license from such locality.B\n\nThe locality adopting ordinances pursuant to this section may require every applicant for such license, other than those currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, (i) to furnish evidence of his ability and proficiency; and (ii) to successfully complete an examination to determine his qualifications. The locality may designate or establish an agent or board and establish the procedures for an examination according to the standards set forth in this chapter and in the regulations of the Board for Contractors. Except contractors currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, licensure may be refused to any person found not to be qualified. Persons not currently licensed pursuant to § 54.1-1106 may be required to furnish bond in a reasonable penal sum, with reasonable condition, and with surety as the governing body deems necessary. The governing body may provide for the punishment of violations of such ordinances, provided that no such punishment shall exceed that provided for misdemeanors generally.C\n\nA locality may by ordinance establish a civil penalty that may be assessed when a person or business falsely represents to a customer or prospective customer that such person or business has a valid contractor’s license issued pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-1106. Such civil penalty shall not exceed $2,500.D\n\nFor the purpose of this section the business of home improvement shall mean the contracting for and\/or providing labor and material or labor only for repairs, improvements, and additions to residential buildings or structures accessory thereto where any payment of money or other thing of value is required.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":219042,"text":"Except as to contractors currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, any locality shall have the power and authority to adopt ordinances, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, requiring every person who engages in, or offers to engage in, the business of home improvement or the business of constructing single-family or multi-family dwellings, in such locality, to obtain a license from such locality.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":219043,"text":"The locality adopting ordinances pursuant to this section may require every applicant for such license, other than those currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, (i) to furnish evidence of his ability and proficiency; and (ii) to successfully complete an examination to determine his qualifications. The locality may designate or establish an agent or board and establish the procedures for an examination according to the standards set forth in this chapter and in the regulations of the Board for Contractors. Except contractors currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106, licensure may be refused to any person found not to be qualified. Persons not currently licensed pursuant to § 54.1-1106 may be required to furnish bond in a reasonable penal sum, with reasonable condition, and with surety as the governing body deems necessary. The governing body may provide for the punishment of violations of such ordinances, provided that no such punishment shall exceed that provided for misdemeanors generally.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":219044,"text":"A locality may by ordinance establish a civil penalty that may be assessed when a person or business falsely represents to a customer or prospective customer that such person or business has a valid contractor’s license issued pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-1106. Such civil penalty shall not exceed $2,500.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":219045,"text":"For the purpose of this section the business of home improvement shall mean the contracting for and\/or providing labor and material or labor only for repairs, improvements, and additions to residential buildings or structures accessory thereto where any payment of money or other thing of value is required.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13904,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Contractors","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13234,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:14","permalink":{"id":239425,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13904,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1","url":"\/54.1\/II\/11\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13234,"edition_id":1,"name":"Contractors","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12755,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":239423,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13234,"identifier":"11","token":"54.1\/II\/11","url":"\/54.1\/II\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12755,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12755,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":85110,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-1100\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1100","metadata":false},{"id":75526,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1101","catch_line":"Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties","url":"\/54.1-1101\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1101","metadata":false},{"id":66218,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1102","catch_line":"Board for Contractors membership; offices; meetings; seal; record","url":"\/54.1-1102\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1102","metadata":false},{"id":86599,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1103","catch_line":"Necessity for license; requirements for water well drillers and landscape irrigation contractors; exemption","url":"\/54.1-1103\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1103","metadata":false},{"id":83174,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1104","catch_line":"Register of applicants","url":"\/54.1-1104\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1104","metadata":false},{"id":66078,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1105","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1105\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1105","metadata":false},{"id":73647,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1106","catch_line":"Application for Class A license; fees; examination; issuance","url":"\/54.1-1106\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1106","metadata":false},{"id":64584,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1106.1","catch_line":"Violations of certain State Board of Health regulations; penalty","url":"\/54.1-1106.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1106.1","metadata":false},{"id":79645,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1106.2","catch_line":"Additional monetary penalty for certain violations","url":"\/54.1-1106.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1106.2","metadata":false},{"id":87025,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1107","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1107\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1107","metadata":false},{"id":66493,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1108","catch_line":"Application for Class B license; fees; examination; issuance","url":"\/54.1-1108\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1108","metadata":false},{"id":78802,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1108.1","catch_line":"Waiver of examination; designated employee; Board regulations","url":"\/54.1-1108.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1108.1","metadata":false},{"id":56186,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1108.2","catch_line":"Application for Class C license; fees; issuance","url":"\/54.1-1108.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1108.2","metadata":false},{"id":55508,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1109","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of license or certificate","url":"\/54.1-1109\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1109","metadata":false},{"id":55942,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1110","catch_line":"Grounds for denial or revocation of license or certificate","url":"\/54.1-1110\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1110","metadata":false},{"id":65114,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1110.1","catch_line":"Re-examination of designated employee","url":"\/54.1-1110.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1110.1","metadata":false},{"id":60996,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1111","catch_line":"Prerequisites to obtaining business license; building, etc., permit","url":"\/54.1-1111\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1111","metadata":false},{"id":80354,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1112","catch_line":"Invitations to bid and specifications to refer to law","url":"\/54.1-1112\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1112","metadata":false},{"id":64465,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1113","catch_line":"Nonresident bidders to appoint statutory agent for service of process","url":"\/54.1-1113\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1113","metadata":false},{"id":54943,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1114","catch_line":"Filing and hearing of charges","url":"\/54.1-1114\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1114","metadata":false},{"id":65513,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","url":"\/54.1-1115\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115","metadata":false},{"id":81907,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115.01","catch_line":"Responsibility for contracting with persons lacking the proper credential","url":"\/54.1-1115.01\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115.01","metadata":false},{"id":77075,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115.1","catch_line":"Evidence of violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code","url":"\/54.1-1115.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115.1","metadata":false},{"id":57500,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1116","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1116\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1116","metadata":false},{"id":59814,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1117","catch_line":"Licensing of certain contractors by localities; qualifications and procedure; registration of certain persons engaged in business of home improvement; civil penalty","url":"\/54.1-1117\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1117","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":57500,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1116","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1116\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1116","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-1117\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1958. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 522 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1958 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1964, chapter 479; in 1970, chapter 319; in 1972, chapter 438; in 1977, chapter 476; in 1979, chapter 439; in 1980, chapter 634; in 1988, chapter 765; in 1994, chapter 895<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 552<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":86599,"section_number":"54.1-1103","catch_line":"Necessity for license; requirements for water well drillers and landscape irrigation contractors; exemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1103\/"},{"id":66493,"section_number":"54.1-1108","catch_line":"Application for Class B license; fees; examination; issuance","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1108\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":73647,"section_number":"54.1-1106","catch_line":"Application for Class A license; fees; examination; issuance","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1106\/"}],"permalink":{"id":239523,"object_type":"law","relational_id":59814,"identifier":"54.1-1117","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1117","url":"\/54.1-1117\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-1117\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1117","dublin_core":{"Title":"Licensing of certain contractors by localities; qualifications and procedure; registration of certain persons engaged in business of home improvement; civil penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-1117","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Except as to contractors<\/span> currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106<\/a>, any locality shall have the power and authority to adopt ordinances<\/span>, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, requiring every person<\/span> who engages in, or offers to engage in, the business of home improvement<\/span> or the business of constructing single-family or multi-family dwellings, in such locality, to obtain a license from such locality. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The locality adopting ordinances<\/span> pursuant to this section may require every applicant for such license, other than those currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106<\/a>, (i) to furnish evidence<\/span> of his ability and proficiency; and (ii) to successfully complete an examination to determine his qualifications. The locality may designate or establish an agent or board<\/span> and establish the procedures for an examination according to the standards set forth in this chapter and in the regulations of the Board<\/span> for Contractors<\/span>. Except contractors<\/span> currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106<\/a>, licensure may be refused to any person<\/span> found not to be qualified. Persons<\/span> not currently licensed pursuant to § 54.1-1106<\/a> may be required to furnish bond<\/span> in a reasonable penal sum, with reasonable condition, and with surety<\/span> as the governing body deems necessary. The governing body may provide for the punishment of violations of such ordinances<\/span>, provided that no such punishment shall exceed that provided for misdemeanors<\/span> generally. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A locality may by ordinance<\/span> establish a civil penalty<\/span> that may be assessed when a person<\/span> or business falsely represents to a customer or prospective customer that such person<\/span> or business has a valid contractor<\/span>’s license issued pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-1106<\/a>. Such civil penalty<\/span> shall not exceed $2,500. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> For the purpose of this section the business of home improvement<\/span> shall mean the contracting for and\/or providing labor and material<\/span> or labor only for repairs, improvements<\/span>, and additions to residential buildings or structures accessory<\/span> thereto where any payment of money or other thing of value<\/span> is required. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLICENSING OF CERTAIN CONTRACTORS BY LOCALITIES; QUALIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURE;\nREGISTRATION OF CERTAIN PERSONS ENGAGED IN BUSINESS OF HOME IMPROVEMENT; CIVIL\nPENALTY (\u00a7 54.1-1117)\n\nA. Except as to contractors currently licensed under the provisions of §\n54.1-1106, any locality shall have the power and authority to adopt ordinances,\nnot inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, requiring every person who\nengages in, or offers to engage in, the business of home improvement or the\nbusiness of constructing single-family or multi-family dwellings, in such\nlocality, to obtain a license from such locality.\n\nB. The locality adopting ordinances pursuant to this section may require every\napplicant for such license, other than those currently licensed under the\nprovisions of § 54.1-1106, (i) to furnish evidence of his ability and\nproficiency; and (ii) to successfully complete an examination to determine his\nqualifications. The locality may designate or establish an agent or board and\nestablish the procedures for an examination according to the standards set forth\nin this chapter and in the regulations of the Board for Contractors. Except\ncontractors currently licensed under the provisions of § 54.1-1106,\nlicensure may be refused to any person found not to be qualified. Persons not\ncurrently licensed pursuant to § 54.1-1106 may be required to furnish bond\nin a reasonable penal sum, with reasonable condition, and with surety as the\ngoverning body deems necessary. The governing body may provide for the\npunishment of violations of such ordinances, provided that no such punishment\nshall exceed that provided for misdemeanors generally.\n\nC. A locality may by ordinance establish a civil penalty that may be assessed\nwhen a person or business falsely represents to a customer or prospective\ncustomer that such person or business has a valid contractor’s license\nissued pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-1106. Such civil penalty shall\nnot exceed $2,500.\n\nD. For the purpose of this section the business of home improvement shall mean\nthe contracting for and\/or providing labor and material or labor only for\nrepairs, improvements, and additions to residential buildings or structures\naccessory thereto where any payment of money or other thing of value is\nrequired.\n\nHISTORY: 1958, c. 522, \u00a7 54-145.2; 1964, c. 479; 1970, c. 319; 1972, c. 438;\n1977, c. 476; 1979, c. 439; 1980, c. 634; 1988, c. 765; 1994, c. 895; 2012, c.\n552.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}