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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 271-07
August 2, 2007

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION REGULATING GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR ONE, TWO AND THREE-FAMILY HOMES

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 33-A, sponsored by Council Members Oddo, Gallagher, Avella, McMahon, James, Gentile, Nelson, Comrie, Fidler, Gennaro, Stewart, White, Liu, Jackson, de Blasio, Reyna, Sears and Weprin.  This bill provides for the registration and regulation of general contractors engaged in the construction of one, two and three family homes.

"Currently there are no registration requirements for general contractors who build or renovate one, two and three family homes.  While the great bulk of contractors are responsible and comply with safety regulations and the Building Code, there unfortunately are some who do not build according to plans and who engage in unsafe practices that put workers, the public and adjacent properties at risk. 

"Introductory Number 33-A will give the Buildings Department the authority to punish those contractors who violate the law by imposing civil and criminal penalties. After a hearing, these violators could also be excluded from the general contracting industry. In addition to requiring general contractors to register with the Buildings Department, Introductory Number 33-A will require general contractors to maintain minimum general liability insurance coverage and issue warranties to buyers of their services. If an unlicensed or unregistered contractor is found working at a site that requires a license and registration, this bill gives us the authority to seize the contractor's vehicles and tools. Finally the Department of Buildings would be required to list those general contractors whose registrations have been suspended or revoked on its web site.

"When fully implemented, Introductory Number 33-A will allow the Department of Buildings to strengthen its direct oversight over the general contracting industry and impose significant penalties for those who violate the law and engage in unsafe or improper work practices.

"I would like to thank Department of Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster and her staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for its approval of this legislation."







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