Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 5.56 Contractors' Licenses

The purpose of this chapter is to levy a tax for general purposes on the doing of business as a contractor or subcontractor in the city.

(Ord. 1222 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 983 (part), 1986)

The following words and terms have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

A. "Contractor" means every person who for either a fixed sum, price, fee, percentage or other compensation, other than wages, undertakes or offers to undertake with another to construct, alter, repair, add to or improve any building, highway, road, excavation or other structure, project, development or improvement, other than personally, but not including anyone who merely furnishes materials or supplies without fabricating the same into, or consuming the same in the performance of the work of a contractor as defined in this section.

B. "Subcontractor" means every contractor who, under a general contractor, owner or another subcontractor, takes part in the construction, alteration, repair, addition to or improvement of any building, highway, road, excavation or other structure, project, development or improvement as above set forth in the definition of "contractor."

(Ord. 1222 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 983 (part), 1986)

In the exercise of the police powers of the city and for the purpose of revenue, every person, firm or corporation doing business as a contractor or subcontractor in the city is required to be licensed and the fee charged therefor is as hereinafter set forth in this chapter. The license expires annually on the last day of the month issued.

(Ord. 1235 (part), 1995: Ord. 1222 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 983 (part), 1986)

The rate of license fee for contractors and subcontractors shall be determined from time-to-time by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 1222 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 983 (part), 1986)

The fee imposed in this chapter is payable annually for a calendar year beginning January 1st.

(Ord. 1222 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 983 (part), 1986)

It is unlawful, and a misdemeanor, to conduct business in the city as a contractor or subcontractor without being licensed therefor by the city, and paying the appropriate license fee. In the event criminal process is undertaken, it shall not prevent the city from bringing civil action to recover the amount due by the violator. The amount of any license fee established by this chapter is a debt due to the city, and any person carrying on the business of contractor or subcontractor as defined in Section 5.56.010 without paying the license fee is liable in any action in the name of the city in any court of competent jurisdiction for the amount of such license fee, plus a penalty in accordance with Chapter 5.04 of this title, if any, attorney's fees and for costs of suit.

(Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: Ord. 1222 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 983 (part), 1986)