Solar

Section 7040

(a) This chapter does not apply to an authorized representative of the United States government, the State of California, any federally recognized tribe or participating tribe acting within tribal jurisdiction, or any incorporated town, city, county, irrigation district, reclamation district, or other municipal or political corporation or subdivision of this state when the entity or its representative is acting within the scope of the entity’s or representative’s official capacity. (b) Nothing in this section authorizes the entity or its authorized representative thereof either to enter into or authorize a contract with an unlicensed contractor for work that is required by this chapter to be performed by a licensed contractor. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 485, Sec. 5. (SB 1455) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Section 7057

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a landscape contractor performing work under the Landscape Contractor (C-27) classification, as set forth in Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, may design and install all exterior components of a rainwater capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the Water Code, that are not a part of, or attached to, a structure. (d) A violation of this section shall be cause for disciplinary action. (e) Nothing in this section authorizes a landscape contractor to engage in or perform activities that require a license pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700)). (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 537, Sec. 1. (AB 1750) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Section 6738

(a) This chapter does not prohibit one or more civil, electrical, or mechanical engineers from practicing or offering to practice, within the scope of their license, civil (including geotechnical and structural), electrical, or mechanical engineering as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, firm, or corporation (hereinafter called business), if all of the following requirements are met: (1) A civil, electrical, or mechanical engineer currently licensed in this state is an owner, partner, or officer in charge of the engineering practice of the business. (2) All civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering services are performed by, or under the responsible charge of, a professional engineer licensed in the appropriate branch of professional engineering. (3) If the business name of a California engineering business contains the name of any person, then that person shall be licensed as a professional engineer, a licensed land surveyor, a licensed architect, or a geologist registered under the Geologist and Geophysicist Act (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 7800)). Any offer, promotion, or advertisement by the business that contains the name of any ind

Section 7015

The board shall adopt a seal for its own use. The seal shall have the words “Contractors State License Board, State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs,” and the care and custody thereof shall be in the hands of the registrar. (Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 312, Sec. 52. (SB 1474) Effective January 1, 2021.)

Section 7027.5

(a) A landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may design systems or facilities for work to be performed and supervised by that contractor. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may enter into a prime contract for the construction of any of the following: (1) A swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, provided that the improvements are included within the landscape project that the landscape contractor is supervising and the construction of any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is subcontracted to a single licensed contractor holding a Swimming Pool (C-53) classification, as set forth in Section 832.53 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, or performed by the landscape contractor if the landscape contractor also holds a Swimming Pool (C-53) classification. The contractor constructing the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub may subcontract with other appropriately licensed contractors for the completion of individual components of the construction. (2) An outdoor cooking center, provided that the improvements are included within a resi

Section 6759

The board, upon application therefor, on its prescribed form, and the payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, may issue a certificate of registration as a professional engineer, without written examination, to any person holding a certificate of registration issued to him or her by any state or country when the applicant’s qualifications meet the requirements of this chapter and rules established by the board. The board shall not require a comity applicant to meet any requirement not required of California applicants. For purposes of this section, equivalent second division examinations shall be written examinations prepared by or administered by a state or territory either by single or combined branch at the level generally administered by the board to persons who passed or were exempted from the first division examination. Applicants who have passed an equivalent second division combined branch or a single branch examination in a branch not recognized for registration in California shall be registered in the branch in which their experience and education indicate the closest relationship. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 400, Sec. 11. (SB 1467) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Section 7137.5

The sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall be transferred from the Contractors License Fund to the Controller for the exclusive use of the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission. The commission shall prepare a recommendation to the Legislature for a local public agency source to fund the commission beginning July 1, 1991, which will provide revenue supported by the contract activities represented by the commission’s authority. Upon adoption of this funding program, the commission shall reimburse the Contractors License Fund in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 312, Sec. 67. (SB 1474) Effective January 1, 2021.)

Section 7065.4

The registrar may accept the qualifications of an applicant who is licensed as a contractor in a similar classification in another state if that state accepts the qualifications of a contractor licensed in this state for purposes of licensure in that other state, and if the board ascertains, on a case-by-case basis, that the professional qualifications and conditions of good standing for licensure and continued licensure are at least the same or greater in that state as in California. The registrar may waive the trade examination for that applicant if the applicant provides written certification from that other state in which he or she is licensed, that the applicant’s license has been in good standing for the previous five years. (Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1326, Sec. 2. Effective September 26, 1990.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7057 — Section 7057

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a landscape contractor performing work under the Landscape Contractor (C-27) classification, as set forth in Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, may design and install all exterior components of a rainwater capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the Water Code, that are not a part of, or attached to, a structure. (d) A violation of this section shall be cause for disciplinary action. (e) Nothing in this section authorizes a landscape contractor to engage in or perform activities that require a license pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700)). (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 537, Sec. 1. (AB 1750) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7040 — Section 7040

(a) This chapter does not apply to an authorized representative of the United States government, the State of California, any federally recognized tribe or participating tribe acting within tribal jurisdiction, or any incorporated town, city, county, irrigation district, reclamation district, or other municipal or political corporation or subdivision of this state when the entity or its representative is acting within the scope of the entity’s or representative’s official capacity. (b) Nothing in this section authorizes the entity or its authorized representative thereof either to enter into or authorize a contract with an unlicensed contractor for work that is required by this chapter to be performed by a licensed contractor. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 485, Sec. 5. (SB 1455) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 6738 — Section 6738

(a) This chapter does not prohibit one or more civil, electrical, or mechanical engineers from practicing or offering to practice, within the scope of their license, civil (including geotechnical and structural), electrical, or mechanical engineering as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, firm, or corporation (hereinafter called business), if all of the following requirements are met: (1) A civil, electrical, or mechanical engineer currently licensed in this state is an owner, partner, or officer in charge of the engineering practice of the business. (2) All civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering services are performed by, or under the responsible charge of, a professional engineer licensed in the appropriate branch of professional engineering. (3) If the business name of a California engineering business contains the name of any person, then that person shall be licensed as a professional engineer, a licensed land surveyor, a licensed architect, or a geologist registered under the Geologist and Geophysicist Act (Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 7800)). Any offer, promotion, or advertisement by the business that contains the name of any individual in the business, other than by use of the name of an individual in the business name, shall clearly and specifically designate the license or registration discipline of each individual named. (b) An out-of-state business with a branch office in this state shall meet the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (h) and shall have an owner, partner, or officer who is in charge of the engineering work in the branch in this state, who is licensed in this state, and who is physically present at the branch office in this state on a regular basis. However, the name of the business may contain the name of any person not licensed in this state if that person is appropriately registered or licensed in another state. Any offer, promotion, or advertisement that contains the name of any individual in the business, other than by use of the names of the individuals in the business name, shall clearly and specifically designate the license or registration discipline of each individual named. (c) The business name of a California engineering business may be a fictitious name. However, if the fictitious name includes the name of any person, the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) shall be met. (d) A person not licensed under this chapter may also be a partner or an officer of a civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering business if the requirements of subdivision (a) are met. This section does not permit a person who is not licensed under this chapter to be the sole owner of a civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering business, unless otherwise exempt under this chapter. (e) This section shall not prevent the use of the name of any business engaged in rendering civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering services, including the use by any lawful successor or surviv

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7065.4 — Section 7065.4

The registrar may accept the qualifications of an applicant who is licensed as a contractor in a similar classification in another state if that state accepts the qualifications of a contractor licensed in this state for purposes of licensure in that other state, and if the board ascertains, on a case-by-case basis, that the professional qualifications and conditions of good standing for licensure and continued licensure are at least the same or greater in that state as in California. The registrar may waive the trade examination for that applicant if the applicant provides written certification from that other state in which he or she is licensed, that the applicant’s license has been in good standing for the previous five years. (Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1326, Sec. 2. Effective September 26, 1990.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7027.5 — Section 7027.5

(a) A landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may design systems or facilities for work to be performed and supervised by that contractor. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a landscape contractor working within the classification for which the license is issued may enter into a prime contract for the construction of any of the following: (1) A swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, provided that the improvements are included within the landscape project that the landscape contractor is supervising and the construction of any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is subcontracted to a single licensed contractor holding a Swimming Pool (C-53) classification, as set forth in Section 832.53 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, or performed by the landscape contractor if the landscape contractor also holds a Swimming Pool (C-53) classification. The contractor constructing the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub may subcontract with other appropriately licensed contractors for the completion of individual components of the construction. (2) An outdoor cooking center, provided that the improvements are included within a residential landscape project that the contractor is supervising. For purposes of this subdivision, “outdoor cooking center” means an unenclosed area within a landscape that is used for the cooking or preparation of food or beverages. (3) An outdoor fireplace, provided that it is included within a residential landscape project that the contractor is supervising and is not attached to a dwelling. (4) A rainwater capture system, as defined in Section 10573 of the Water Code, used exclusively for landscape irrigation or as a water supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature in a landscaping project. (c) (1) Work performed in connection with a landscape project specified in paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (b) that is outside of the field and scope of activities authorized to be performed under the Landscape Contractor (C-27) classification, as set forth in Section 832.27 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, may only be performed by a landscape contractor if the landscape contractor also either holds an appropriate specialty license classification to perform the work or is licensed as a General Building contractor. If the landscape contractor neither holds an appropriate specialty license classification to perform the work nor is licensed as a General Building contractor, the work shall be performed by a Specialty contractor holding the appropriate license classification or by a General Building contractor performing work in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7170 — Section 7170

(a) The Contractors State License Board shall receive and review complaints and consumer questions regarding solar energy systems companies and solar contractors. The board shall also receive complaints received from state agencies regarding solar energy systems companies and solar contractors. (b) Beginning on July 1, 2019, the board annually shall compile a report documenting consumer complaints relating to solar contractors. The report shall be made available publicly on the board’s and the Public Utilities Commission’s internet websites. The report shall contain all of the following: (1) The number and types of complaints. (2) The ZIP Code where the consumer complaint originated. (3) The disposition of all complaints received against a solar contractor. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 249, Sec. 6. (SB 757) Effective January 1, 2022.) BPC Business and Professions Code - BPC 10.

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7137.5 — Section 7137.5

The sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) shall be transferred from the Contractors License Fund to the Controller for the exclusive use of the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission. The commission shall prepare a recommendation to the Legislature for a local public agency source to fund the commission beginning July 1, 1991, which will provide revenue supported by the contract activities represented by the commission’s authority. Upon adoption of this funding program, the commission shall reimburse the Contractors License Fund in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 312, Sec. 67. (SB 1474) Effective January 1, 2021.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 6759 — Section 6759

The board, upon application therefor, on its prescribed form, and the payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, may issue a certificate of registration as a professional engineer, without written examination, to any person holding a certificate of registration issued to him or her by any state or country when the applicant’s qualifications meet the requirements of this chapter and rules established by the board. The board shall not require a comity applicant to meet any requirement not required of California applicants. For purposes of this section, equivalent second division examinations shall be written examinations prepared by or administered by a state or territory either by single or combined branch at the level generally administered by the board to persons who passed or were exempted from the first division examination. Applicants who have passed an equivalent second division combined branch or a single branch examination in a branch not recognized for registration in California shall be registered in the branch in which their experience and education indicate the closest relationship. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 400, Sec. 11. (SB 1467) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7072 — Section 7072

Following receipt of the application fee and an application furnishing complete information in the manner required by the registrar, and after such examination and investigation as he may require, the registrar, within 15 days after approval of the application, shall notify the applicant that a license may be issued to him on payment of the initial license fee provided in Article 8 (commencing at Section 7135), and, when the initial license fee is paid, shall issue a license to him permitting him to engage in business as a contractor under the terms of this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 1970, Ch. 340.)

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7169 — Section 7169

(a) The board, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission, shall develop and make available a “solar energy system disclosure document” or documents that provide a consumer, at a minimum, accurate, clear, and concise information regarding the installation of a solar energy system, total costs of installation, anticipated savings, the assumptions and inputs used to estimate the savings, and the implications of various financing options. (b) On or before July 1, 2018, the board, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission, shall develop, and make available on its internet website the disclosure document described in subdivision (a) that a solar energy system company shall provide to a consumer prior to completion of a sale, financing, or lease of a solar energy system. The “solar energy system disclosure document” shall be printed on the front page or cover page of every solar energy contract. The “solar energy system disclosure document” shall be printed in boldface 16-point type and include the following types of primary information: (1) The total cost and payments for the system, including financing costs. (2) Information on how and to whom customers may provide complaints. (3) The consumer’s right to the applicable cancellation period pursuant to Section 7159 of the Business and Professions Code. (c) At the board’s discretion, other types of supporting information the board and the commission deem appropriate or useful in furthering the directive described in subdivision (a) may be included in the solar energy disclosure document following the front page or cover page, including, but not limited to: (1) The amounts and sources of financing obtained. (2) The calculations used by the home improvement salesperson to determine how many panels the homeowner needs to install. (3) The calculations used by the home improvement salesperson to determine how much energy the panels will generate. (4) Any additional monthly fees the homeowner’s electric company may bill, any turn-on charges, and any fees added for the use of an internet monitoring system of the panels or inverters. (5) The terms and conditions of any guaranteed rebate. (6) The final contract price, without the inclusion of possible rebates. (7) The solar energy system company’s contractor’s license number. (8) The impacts of solar energy system installations not performed to code. (9) Types of solar energy system malfunctions. (10) Information about the difference between a solar energy system lease and a solar energy system purchase. (11) The impacts that the financing options, lease agreement terms, or contract terms will have on the sale of the consumer’s home, including any balloon payments or solar energy system relocation that may be required if the contract is not assigned to the new owner of the home. (12) A calculator that calculates performance of solar projects to provide solar customers the solar power system’s projected output, which may include an expected

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 6730 — Section 6730

In order to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare, any person, either in a public or private capacity, except as in this chapter specifically excepted, who practices, or offers to practice, civil engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, in any of its branches in this state, including any person employed by the State of California, or any city, county, or city and county, who practices engineering, shall submit evidence that he or she is qualified to practice, and shall be licensed accordingly as a civil engineer, electrical engineer or mechanical engineer by the board. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 658, Sec. 95. Effective January 1, 2007.)