The Purpose of Licensure:
Protect the health, safety & welfare of the public. Promote the efficient use of water.
The Goal of Licensure:
Promote water conservation and water quality through the proper design, installation, maintenance, repair and management of landscape irrigation systems.
The Licensing Board:
The North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board is responsible for the initial licensing, and the establishment and management of irrigation licensing standards. These standards include Rules (Minimum Standards), annual technical and business education, business ethics and quality of construction. It is also recommended that voluntary Best Management Practices be followed.
Contractor Requirements:
- A licensed contractor must meet these stringent standards to attain and maintain his/her license;
- The contractor must meet education and/or experience requirements.
- The contractor must successfully complete a stringent licensing exam.
- The contractor must maintain a $10,000 surety bond or $10,000 irrevocable letter of credit to protect the consumers’ interests.
- The contractor must follow the rules for design, installation, maintenance, repair and management and it is recommended that voluntary Best Management Practices be followed.
- The contractor must follow a Code of Ethics in all business matters.
- The contractor must keep current with technology, research, and best irrigation and business practices by completing a minimum of ten hours of Continuing Education yearly.
- All work must be performed under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable, licensed individual.
- Renew his/her license annually.
NC GENERAL STATUTE §89G
§ 89G 2. (Effective January 1, 2009) License required. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, no person shall engage in the practice of irrigation construction or contracting, use the designation “irrigation contractor,” or advertise using any title or description that implies licensure as an irrigation contractor unless the person is licensed as an irrigation contractor as provided by this Chapter. All irrigation construction or contracting performed by an individual, partnership, association, corporion, firm, or other group shall be under the direct supervision of an individual licensed by the Board under this Chapter.
§ 89G 6. Application; qualifications; examination; issuance.
a. Upon application to the Board and the payment of the required fees, an applicant may be licensed under this Chapter as an irrigation contractor if the applicant submits evidence that demonstrates his or her qualifications as prescribed in rules adopted by the Board and meets all of the following qualifications:
- Is at least 18 years of age.
- Is of good moral character as determined by the Board
- Has at least three years of experience in irrigation construction or contracting or the educational equivalent. Two years of educational training in irrigation construction or contracting shall be the equivalent of one year of experience.
- Files with the Board and maintains a corporate surety bond executed by a company authorized to do business in this State or an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution. The surety bond or the letter of credit shall be in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The surety bond or letter of credit shall be approved by the Board as to form and shall be conditioned upon the obligor’s faithfully conforming to and abiding by the provisions of this Chapter.
b. If the application is satisfactory to the Board, the applicant shall be required to pass an examination administered by the Board. The Board shall establish the scope and subject matter of the examination, and an examination shall be held at least twice a year at a time and place to be determined by the Board. The examination, at a minimum, shall test the applicant’s understanding of the following:
- Efficiency of water use and conservation in the practice of irrigation construction and contracting.
- Proper methods of irrigation construction.
- Proper methods for irrigation installation and repair.
- Basic business skills.
- Irrigation scheduling. 6. § 89G and rules associated with § 89G c. When the Board determines that an applicant has met all the requirements for licensure, the Board shall issue a license to the applicant.
- § 89G and rules associated with § 89G.
c. When the Board determines that an applicant has met all the requirements for licensure, the Board shall issue a license to the applicant.
Saintsing Irrigation and Landscaping will be glad to prepare estimates and proposals for work needed by your firm or organization.
Our office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The telephone number in Lexington is (336) 956-1125.