Re: Arizona Registrar of Contractors Rule Changes Effective July 1, 2014

[Jim Rojas <jrojas@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 5/10/2014 10:47 AM, ABLE1 wrote:
> Bob,
>
> I believe that I will add Arizona to my list of states NOT to take up
> residency, EVER!!! !!!
> If they really wanted to keep up with other states they would look to
> Pennsylvania as a model.  It ain't perfect but it ain't that nuts.  On the
> other hand maybe Pennsylvania is still in the dark ages.
>
> Les
>
>
> "Bob La Londe" <none@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:lkk6re$hs$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> If you would like to speak to a ROC employee, please contact our agency at
>> 602-542-1525.
>>
>> Arizona Contractors;
>>
>> New and amended rules for the Registrar of Contractors will become
>> effective on July 1, 2014. Because the changes will impact nearly all
>> licensees, it is recommended that everyone become familiar with the rule
>> changes. The ROC website www.azroc.gov has (1) a link to the final rules,
>> and (2) the limited summary included in this email. The rulemaking action
>> contains many positive changes.  One positive is reducing license fees for
>> all new license applications.  Renewal fees for dual license
>> classifications are also significantly reduced. Another positive is
>> consolidating over 100 of the current 238 license classifications. This
>> change will make Arizona license classifications much more comparable to
>> other states. This consolidation will also allow the impacted contractors
>> to expand their business by removing the distinction between these
>> specialty residential and commercial classifications. Overall, this
>> rulemaking will be positive for Arizona contractors.
>>
>> This limited summary describes changes to: (1) license classifications,
>> (2) fees for new licenses, (3) fees for renewal licenses, (4) bond
>> amounts, (5) applications for new licenses submitted on or after July 1,
>> 2014, and (6) other key clarifications.
>>
>> License classifications
>> This rulemaking changes the letter designation for specialty contractor
>> classifications:
>> The specialty residential license designation will change from "C" to "R"
>> (see R4-9-103).
>>   The specialty commercial license designation will change from "L" to "C"
>> (see R4-9-102).
>> The specialty dual license designation will change from "K" to "CR" (see
>> R4-9-104).
>> Many people have been confused and thought that "C" represented commercial
>> rather than residential. The changes of letter designation will reduce
>> confusion by having "C" indicate commercial, "R" indicate residential, and
>> "CR" indicate commercial and residential.
>> The six digit license numbers will not be impacted by the change in letter
>> designation. For example, license C-123456 would change to license number
>> R-123456.
>> For licenses with dollar maximums, this rulemaking allows the licensee to
>> perform more projects by increasing the dollar limitation.
>> The B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor scope increases from $250,000
>> to $750,000.
>> The C-61 Limited Remodeling and Repair Contractor (now CR-61 Carpentry,
>> Remodeling and Repairs scope increases from $25,000 to $50,000.
>> The C-62 Minor Home Improvements scope increases from $2,500 to $5,000.
>> This rulemaking changes the classification of roughly 25% of existing
>> licensees.
>> Arizona is unlike other states in the way it differentiates between
>> commercial and residential contractor licenses. As a result, Arizona has
>> 238 license classifications, which is far more than other states.
>> This rulemaking reduces the number of license classifications by
>> consolidating many commercial and residential licenses into the comparable
>> dual license. For example, the residential sign license (C-38) and the
>> commercial sign license (L-38) will be consolidated with the dual sign
>> license (formerly K-38, now CR-38). Currently only one person has a
>> residential sign license.
>> License classifications that are affected by these reclassifications were
>> chosen based on substantial similarities between the work performed on
>> commercial and residential properties, and low counts of licenses in the
>> classifications. Most of these classifications already take the same exam
>> for the commercial, residential and dual license classifications. Where
>> the reclassifications cause a change in exam, the licensee is
>> "grandfathered in" without having to take a new exam.
>> The rule on license reclassifications includes the following table showing
>> the licenses that will undergo a change in classification (see R4-9-107).
>>
>>
>>
>> Current License License Effective July 1, 2014
>> A-3 Blasting CR-15 Blasting
>> C-15 Blasting
>> A-21 Landscaping and Irrigation Systems
>> L-26 Landscaping
>> L-44 Irrigation Systems
>> C-21 Landscaping and Irrigation Systems CR-21 Landscaping and Irrigation
>> Systems
>> C-21R Landscaping
>> C-21R Irrigation Systems
>> K-26 Landscaping
>> K-44 Irrigation Systems
>> AE (As Restricted by the Registrar)  KE (As Restricted by the Registrar)
>> BE (As Restricted by the Registrar) KO (As Restricted by the Registrar)
>> L-1 Acoustical Systems CR-1 Acoustical Systems
>> C-1 Acoustical Systems
>> L-3 Awnings, Canopies, Carports and Patio Covers CR-3 Awnings, Canopies,
>> Carports and Patio Covers
>> C-3 Awnings and Canopies
>> L-5 (As Restricted by the Registrar) CR-5 (As Restricted by the Registrar)
>> C-5 (As Restricted by the Registrar)
>> L-7 Carpentry
>> C-7 Carpentry
>> C-7R Doors, Gates, Windows and Accessories CR-7 Carpentry
>> C-7R Removable Formwork and Shoring
>> C-7R Nailing and Stapling
>> L-8 Floor Covering
>> L-13 Carpets
>> L-64 Wood Floor Laying and Finishing
>> C-8 Floor Covering
>> C-8R Wood Flooring
>> C-8R Carpet CR-8 Floor Covering
>> C-8R Composition Flooring
>> C-8R Nonconventional Floor Covering
>> C-8R Ceramic and Clay Floor Covering
>> K-13 Carpet
>> K-64 Wood Floor Laying and Finishing
>> C-9R Gunite and Shotcrete
>> C-9R Lightweight Concrete
>> C-9R Fence Footings R-9 Concrete
>> C-9R PreCast Concrete
>> C-9R Sawing, Coring, Epoxy Panels and Bonding
>> C-9R Terrazzo
>> L-10 Drywall CR-10 Drywall
>> C-10 Drywall
>> L-12 Elevators CR-12 Elevators
>> C-18 Elevators
>> C-13R Asphalt Coating and Parking Appurtenances R-13 Asphalt Paving
>> L-14 Fencing
>> C-14 Fencing CR-14 Fencing
>> C-14R Fencing Other Than Masonry
>> C-16R CO2, Dry and Wet Chemical Systems R-16 Fire Protection Systems
>> L-24 Ornamental Metals CR-24 Ornamental Metals
>> C-17R Ornamental Metals
>> C-17R Steel Floor, Sub Floor and Form Systems
>> C-17R Tanks R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum
>> C-17R Recreational Equipment
>> L-29 Machinery (As Restricted by the Registrar) CR-29 Machinery (As
>> Restricted by the Registrar)
>> C-29 Machinery (As Restricted by the Registrar)
>> L-31 Masonry
>> C-31 Masonry CR-31 Masonry
>> C-31R Flagstone
>> C-31R Stone Masonry
>> L-34 Painting and Wall Covering
>> C-34 Painting and Wall Covering CR-34 Painting and Wall Covering
>> C-34R Surface Preparation and Waterproofing
>> C-34R Wallpaper
>> L-36 Plastering
>> C-36 Plastering CR-36 Plastering
>> C-36R Swimming Pool Plastering
>> C-36R Lathing
>> L-38 Sign CR-38 Signs
>> C-38 Signs
>> L-40 Insulation
>> C-40 Insulation CR-40 Insulation
>> C-40R Foam Insulation
>> L-41 Septic Tanks and Systems
>> C-41 Sewage Treatment Systems CR-41 Septic Tanks and Systems
>> C-41R Precast Waste Treatment Systems
>> L-42 Roofing
>> C-42 Roofing
>> C-42R Foam and Foam Panel Roofing CR-42 Roofing
>> C-42R Liquid Applied Roofing
>> C-42R Roofing Shingles and Shakes
>> L-45 Sheet Metal
>> C-45 Sheet Metal CR-45 Sheet Metal
>> C-45R Premanufactured Fire Places
>> L-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile
>> C-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile
>> C-48R Swimming Pool Tile
>> L-54 Water Conditioning Equipment CR-54 Water Conditioning Equipment
>> C-37R Water Conditioning Equipment
>> L-56 Welding CR-56 Welding
>> C-17R Welding
>> L-57 Wrecking CR-57 Wrecking
>> C-22R Wrecking
>> L-60 Finish Carpentry
>> C-30 Finish Carpentry
>> C-30R Kitchen and Bathroom Components CR-60 Finish Carpentry
>> C-30R Doors, Windows, Gates, Tub and Shower Enclosures
>> C-30R Cultured Marble
>> C-30R Weather-stripping
>> L-61 Carpentry, Remodeling and Repairs
>> C-61 Limited Remodeling and Repair Contractor CR-61 Carpentry, Remodeling
>> and Repairs
>> C-68 Mobile Home Remodeling and Repair
>> L-62 Reinforcing Bar and Wire Mesh CR-62 Reinforcing Bar and Wire Mesh
>> C-17R Rebar and Wire Mesh
>> L-63 Appliances CR-63 Appliances
>> C-63 Appliances
>> L-65 Glazing
>> C-65 Glazing
>> C-65R Skylights CR-65 Glazing
>> C-65R Storm Windows and Doors
>> C-65R Mirrors
>> C-65R Window Treatment
>> L-67 Low Voltage Communications Systems CR-67 Low Voltage Communication
>> Systems
>> C-12 Low Voltage Communication Systems
>>
>>
>>
>> e. These license reclassifications will occur automatically, without any
>> action taken by licensees. Where the reclassifications cause a change in
>> license fee, the different fee amount is not required until the next
>> license renewal.
>> f. These license reclassifications will result in some licensees having
>> two of the same license. For example, if a licensee has both an L-1 and a
>> C-1 license, each will be reclassified into a CR-1 license. In these
>> situations, the licensee would save money by cancelling one of the
>> licenses. The ROC will not cancel a license without the person submitting
>> a license cancellation form for one of the licenses. Previously paid
>> license fees won't be refunded.
>>
>>
>> 2. Fees for new licenses
>> This rulemaking will decrease fees for all new licenses (see R4-9-130).
>> This rulemaking will clarify the fee amount by showing the application and
>> license fees separately.
>>
>>
>>
>>   Current   Effective July 1, 2014
>>   Application & License Fee Recovery Fund Total   App. Fee Lic. Fee
>> Recovery Fund Total  Change
>> General Commercial $890 $0 $890   $200 $580 $0 $780 $(110)
>> Specialty Commercial $645 $0 $645   $100 $480 $0 $580 $(65)
>> General Residential $445 $450 $895   $180 $320 $370 $870 $(25)
>> Specialty Residential $320 $450 $770   $80 $270 $370 $720 $(50)
>> General Dual $1,105 $450 $1,555   $200 $480 $370 $1,050 $(505)
>> Specialty Dual $815 $450 $1,265   $100 $380 $370 $850 $(415)
>>
>>
>> 3. Fees for renewal licenses
>> Fees for renewal licenses are found in R4-9-130.
>> For the nearly 75% of licensees not impacted by the reclassifications,
>> this rulemaking will;
>> decrease fees for specialty commercial ($10), general dual ($410) and
>> specialty dual ($380) classifications; and
>> result in no change of fees for general commercial, general residential
>> and specialty residential classifications.
>>
>>
>>
>> No change in Classification Current   Effective July 1, 2014
>>   License Fee Recovery Fund Total   License Fee Recovery Fund Total Change
>> General Commercial $580 $0 $580   $580 $0 $580 $0
>> Specialty Commercial $490 $0 $490   $480 $0 $480 $(0)
>> General Residential $290 $300 $590   $320 $270 $590 $0
>> Specialty Residential $240 $300 $540   $270 $270 $540 $0
>> General Dual $860 $300 $1,160   $480 $270 $750 $(410)
>> Specialty Dual $730 $300 $1,030   $380 $270 $650 $(380)
>>
>>
>>
>> c. For the roughly 25% of licensees impacted by the reclassifications,
>> this rulemaking will increase fees for the general commercial ($170),
>> specialty commercial ($160), general residential ($160) and specialty
>> residential ($110) classifications.
>>
>>
>>
>> Change from commercial or residential into a dual classification Current
>> Effective July 1, 2014
>>   License Fee Recovery Fund Total   License Fee Recovery Fund Total Change
>> General Commercial $580 $0 $580   $480 $270 $750 $170
>> Specialty Commercial $490 $0 $490   $380 $270 $650 $160
>> General Residential $290 $300 $590   $480 $270 $750 $160
>> Specialty Residential $240 $300 $540   $380 $270 $650 $110
>>
>>
>>
>> d. License fees have not changed since 2001. These fee increases are less
>> than would have occurred under an inflation adjustment.
>> e. These licenses may benefit from an expanded license scope from solely
>> residential or commercial to both residential and commercial.
>>
>>
>>   4. Bond amounts
>> This rulemaking increases nearly all bond amounts (see R4-9-112).
>> Most bonds have not changed since at least 1973. These bond increases are
>> significantly less than would have occurred under an inflation adjustment.
>> These bond increases will provide additional protection for those
>> (homeowners and contractors) injured by a licensee.
>> Bond changes don't become enforceable until the next license renewal after
>> June 30, 2014. For example, a license renewed in June 2014 will not need
>> to update their bond amount until their next renewal period in June 2016;
>> but a license due to be renewed in July 2014 will be required to provide
>> an updated bond with their renewal during July 2014. This will allow the
>> bond changes to be spaced out over a period of two years.
>>
>>
>>
>> License Category Estimated Annual Volume (Per License Category) Current
>> Bond Amount Bomd Amount on Licenses Renewed After July 1, 2014 Change
>> 1. General Commercial Contracting and Engineering Contracting Less than
>> $150,000 $5,000 $5,000 $0
>>   $150,000 or more, but less than $500,000 $10,000 $15,000 $5,000
>>   $500,000 or more, but less than $1,000,000 $15,000
>>   $25,000 $10,000
>>   $1,000,000 or more, but less than $5,000,000 $40,000 $50,000 $10,000
>>   $5,000,000 or more, but less than $10,000,000 $65,000
>>   $75,000 $10,000
>>   $10,000,000 or more $90,000 $100,000 $10,000
>> 2. Specialty Commercial Contracting Less than $150,000 $2,500 $2,500 $0
>>   $150,000 or more, but less than $500,000 $5,000 $7,000 $2,000
>>   $500,000 or more, but less than $1,000,000 $10,000 $17,500 $7,500
>>   $1,000,000 or more, but less than $5,000,000 $20,000 $25,000 $5,000
>>   $5,000,000 or more, but less than $10,000,000  $32,500 $37,500 $5,000
>>   $10,000,000 or more $45,000 $50,000 $5,000
>> 3. General Residential Contracting Less than $150,000 $5,000 $9,000 $4,000
>>   $150,000 or more, but less than $750,000 $9,000 $9,000 $0
>>   $750,000 or more $15,000 $15,000 $0
>> 4. Specialty Residential Contracting Less than $100,000 $1,000 $4,250
>> $3,250
>>   $100,000 or more, but less than $375,000 $4,250 $4,250 $0
>>   $375,000 or more $7,500 $7,500 $0
>>
>>
>>   5. Applications for new licenses submitted on or after July 1, 2014
>> As described in the sections above, this rulemaking makes changes to
>> license classifications, fees and bonds. Please make sure any application
>> submitted on or after July 1, 2014 adapt to these changes.
>> The application must be for a classification that is available after the
>> changes, and should contain the correct letter designation for the
>> classification (see section above).
>> The applicant must have taken the correct trade exam (see section above).
>> Nearly 70% of the affected classifications have the same trade exam;
>> approximately 26% of the affected classifications change from no trade
>> exam to a trade exam; and roughly 4% of the classifications require a
>> different exam.
>> The application must contain the correct fee amount (see section above).
>> The application must contain the correct bond amount (see section above).
>>
>>
>> 6. Other key clarifications
>> Rewording of license scopes to address common confusion in scopes of work
>> (see R4-9-102, R4-9-103, R4-9-104).
>> Noting that the Registrar may waive a trade exam where the qualifying
>> party has been the qualifying party within the preceding five years for a
>> license in good standing in the same classification in this state, or a
>> classification the Registrar deems comparable in another state (see
>> R4-9-106).
>> Updating the rule on "workmanship standards" to use gender-neutral
>> language and clarify the meaning of "professional industry standards" (see
>> R4-9-108).
>> Adding a rule describing communication with the agency that is
>> unauthorized to avoid the possibility of prejudice in proceedings before
>> the agency (see R4-9-121).
>>
>> Note: This is not a monitored email box. Please do not reply to this
>> email. If you would like to speak to a ROC employee, please contact our
>> agency at 602-542-1525.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

I stopped contracting altogether because of all the ridiculous licensing
requirements now.

In 1994, I was required to get licensed. Even though I was a contractor
for 14 years at that time, I was still required to take the state exams,
and take business law classes. Ok, I got that done. I was now able to do
Com & Res.

A few years later, they changed things and now my license can only do
Com under 5000 sq ft and Res. Ok, I took another exam to upgrade my license.

A couple of years after that, I was now required to get an EF license to
do any Com work. EF grants me the ablity to do anything throughout the
entire state. Even though I rarely left my own county. Ok...I got that done.

A couple of years later, I was now required to be Nicet Certified to
continue to do fire installs & inspections.

Now, in order to maintain all these licenses and certifications, I would
have to attend Continuing Education classes for the rest of my
life...screw that shit, I had enough. I told the state what they can do
with all their requirements, and decided to look for greener pastures.

I then asked if state & city inspectors follow similar
requirements...that's right, they don't. So they hire total incompetents
to make sure I do my job right?

It has all come down to fees, and keeping the little guy from even
thinking about starting his own contracting business. Our Fire Marshals
are completely incompetent, yet they require me to get a boat load of
licenses...

My answer is to require all city & state inspectors to be former or
present day contractors in their respective fields...then you might see
some real eye opening changes out there.

Meanwhile, elevator & escalator inspections are done every 5 years at
best, building contractors continue to build substandard houses, and the
city & state inspectors that are suppose to make sure that everything is
done to code turn a blind eye because they have no money to make sure
everyone is compliant...more sad times for America...

I use to charge $150 to inspect any Daycare, Assisted Living Facilities,
etc...Every year I did about 250 inspections. My price never changed for
12 years. Now these same facilities are forced to pay $1500+ for a lousy
1 hour inspection...what a @#$%ed up and corrupt system our government
we have now.


--
Jim Rojas
Technical Manuals Online!
http://www.tech-man.com
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