Athens City Code

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Building tradesmen (hereinafter referred to as the trades) includes the following occupations: builder, home improvement contractor, electricians, plumbers, and mechanical (heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)) contractors, but not limited to these occupations.

(Code 1995, § 9-701; Ord. No. 1080, § 1, 9-17-2019)

Before any person or corporation shall perform any trade in the city, they shall be qualified as set forth herein and a license shall be obtained from the city, or they must hold a valid state contractor's license for their particular trade.

(Code 1995, § 9-702)

Any person or corporation that desires to do work in the city shall make application with the department of community development and provide verifiable proof of a minimum of five years' experience in the trade in which he is seeking licensing in or showing proof of passing the trade examination given by the state for state contractors, home improvement contractors, limited licensed electricians, or limited licensed plumbers. The person or corporation shall pay all necessary city license fees that are applicable at that time and shall abide by all city ordinances.

(Code 1995, § 9-703; Ord. No. 904, 10-15-2002; Ord. No. 1080, § 2, 9-17-2019)

Licenses shall be issued annually by the department of community development to all applicants who comply with the requirements of this chapter. All licenses shall carry an expiration date of December 31 of each year with a grace period extending through March 31 of the next year. The fee for license renewal shall be set by the department of community development and must be submitted to the city before March 31. Contractors with a state license shall pay all licensing fees as set forth by the city department of community development.

(Code 1995, § 9-704; Ord. No. 904, 10-15-2002)

Any person or corporation, engaged in doing work in any of the trades mentioned in ACC 9-177, which does not conform to the applicable codes adopted by the city, or whose workmanship or materials are of inferior quality, shall on notice from the appropriate inspector make necessary changes or corrections at once so as to conform to the applicable code. If such work has not been corrected after ten days' notice from the inspector, the inspector shall then refuse to issue further permits to such licensee until his work has been made to fully comply with the applicable code. The building inspector may revoke any license that has been issued by the city hereunder for continuous violations. When the revocation of any license that has been issued by the city is to be considered, the person to whom the license has been issued shall be given seven days' notice in writing of the revocation of the license that has been issued by the city. Such notice shall state the reasons for the revocation and shall inform the licensee of the appeals process whereby, upon the request of the licensee, the building inspector shall present his charges resulting in revocation to the board of adjustments and appeals. During the appeal process, the licensee shall be allowed to appear in his own behalf, to be represented by legal counsel, and to present witnesses. It shall be the responsibility to the board of adjustments and appeals to render a decision to concur with the revocation or to reinstate the license that has been issued by the city.

(Code 1995, § 9-705; Ord. No. 904, 10-15-2002; Ord. No. 1080, § 3, 9-17-2019)

No person or corporation engaged in doing work in any of the trades cited in ACC 9-177 shall allow his name to be used by any other person, firm, or corporation, directly or indirectly, to obtain a permit, or for the construction of any work under his name or license nor shall he make any misrepresentations or omissions in his dealings with the city.

(Code 1995, § 9-706; Ord. No. 904, 10-15-2002)

Each trade shall be responsible to purchase the proper permits for each job of record, and they are responsible for the proper inspections to be made at each phase of the construction process and to see that proper entrance to the premises is provided to the appropriate inspector. No work shall be covered or made inaccessible until the proper inspection has been made.

(Code 1995, § 9-707; Ord. No. 904, 10-15-2002)