Contractor Licensing

The City of Lawrence, Kansas requires certain building and trade contractors (or contracting businesses) to obtain a license to perform work within the City limits, and to apply for and obtain required building and trade-related construction, remodeling and/or repair permits. In addition to contractor licensing, the City of Lawrence also requires that certain employees performing work for a licensed trade contractor (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and/or Fireplace) be certified as master level or journeyman level tradesperson.

The purpose of contractor and tradesperson licensing is to ensure that construction activities are performed by fully qualified and licensed contractors and tradespersons to meet the City’s adopted code standards. Contractor licensing also ensures contractors are appropriately insured and provide workers’ compensation for their employees. Should you have any comments or inquiries about contractor or tradesperson licensing, please contact our office at (785) 832-7700.

The City also requires that third-party energy conservation inspectors and companies, including Home Energy Rating System (HERS) raters and testing service providers for one- and two-family dwelling new construction, are registered and approved by the City to conduct these rating and testing services. Click here for the fillable “Third-Party Energy Conservation Specialist Request for Approval” form.

Roofing Contractors License – Effective July 1, 2019

The licensing regulations for roofing contractors is similar to the other Class D license classifications. A Class D Roofing Contractor License entitles the Licensee to perform work for the roofing of any building or structure, including the installation and repair of any roofing material; the installation or repair of roof sheathing; the installation, application, or repair of roof damp-proofing or weather-proofing; the installation of roof insulation panels or other roof insulation systems, and work incidental thereto; the repair of structural damage to an existing roof-support system; and the installation of skylights.

The minimum requirements to obtain a roofing contractor license are:

A minimum of 2 years of qualifying experience performing roofing work
Proof that the applicant has a current, valid State of Kansas Roofing Contractor Registration Certificate
Establish competency as follows: (Proof of one of the below)
- Successful completion of a qualifying roofing contractor certification exam, or
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree conferred by an accredited college or university in engineering, architecture or construction science, or
- Proof of an equivalent contractor license from another jurisdiction with whom the City has an existing and valid reciprocity agreement
Provide a certificate of insurance confirming the applicant has in effect commercial general liability insurance, including completed operations/products coverage. The Licensee shall at all times maintain a general liability coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, single limit for bodily injury and property damage

The initial licensing fees total $150 ($75 application fee and $75 license fee). Annual renewal fees are $75.

Qualifying individuals must obtain 8 hours of continuing education pertaining to the roofing construction industry annually to be eligible for license renewal.

View approved licensing ordinance (PDF)

Guide for Building/Trade Contractors & Tradespersons (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Fireplace)

This Guide provides an overview of experience, education, testing/certification and insurance requirements to obtain a contractor or tradesperson license in Lawrence.

Download entire guide » (PDF)

View individual handbook sections (all files PDF):

Continuing Education

The Qualifying Party for a contractor license must obtain at least eight (8) hours of related continuing education annually, which meet the City’s criteria for approval; licensed tradespersons must obtain at least six (6) hours of continuing trade education annually, which meet the City’s criteria for approval.

Continuing Education Opportunities and Criteria