18VAC50-22-20. Definitions of license classifications.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter unless a different meaning is provided or is plainly required by the context shall have the following meanings:

"Building contractors" (Abbr: BLD) means those individuals whose contracts include construction on real property owned, controlled or leased by another person of commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, residential (single-family, two-family or multifamily) and accessory use buildings or structures. This classification also provides for remodeling, repair, improvement or demolition of these buildings and structures.

If the BLD contractor performs specialty services other than those listed below, all required specialty designations shall be obtained. The BLD contractor may act as a prime contractor and contract with subcontractors to perform work not permitted by the BLD license. The building classification includes but is not limited to the functions carried out by the following specialties:

Billboard/sign contracting

Commercial improvement contracting

Concrete contracting

Farm improvement contracting

Home improvement contracting

Industrialized building contracting

Landscape service contracting

Marine facility contracting

Masonry contracting

Recreational facility contracting

Roofing contracting

"Commercial building contractors"  (Abbr: CBC) means those individuals whose contracts include construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition, on real property owned, controlled or leased by another person, of commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and accessory use buildings or structures.  The CBC classification does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas-ftting services and does not allow construction, removal, repair, improvement or demolition of dwellings and townhouses.

If the CBC contractor performs specialty services other than those listed below, all required specialty designations shall be obtained. The CBC contractor may act as a prime contractor and contract with subcontractors to perform work not permitted by the CBC license. The commercial building classification includes but is not limited to the functions carried out by the following specialties for contracts of commercial, institutional, governmental, and accessory use buildings or structures, including multi-family housing:

Billboard/sign contracting

Commercial improvement contracting

Concrete contracting

Farm improvement contracting

Industrialized building contracting

Landscape service contracting

Marine facility contracting

Masonry contracting

Painting and wallcovering contracting

Recreational facility contracting

Roofing contracting

Swimming pool contracting

"Electrical contractors" (Abbr: ELE) means those individuals whose contracts include the construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, or removal of electrical systems. This classification provides for all work covered by the electrical provisions of the USBC including electronic/communication service contracting (ESC) and fire alarm systems contracting (FAS) specialties. A firm holding an ELE license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations.

"Highway/heavy contractors" (Abbr: H/H) means those individuals whose contracts include construction, repair, improvement, or demolition of the following:

Bridges

Dams

Drainage systems

Foundations

Parking lots

Public transit systems

Rail roads

Roads

Runways

Streets

Structural signs & lights

Tanks

The functions carried out by these contractors include but are not limited to the following:

Building demolition

Clearing

Concrete work

Excavating

Grading

Nonwater well drilling

Paving

Pile driving

Road marking

Steel erection

These contractors also install, maintain, or dismantle the following:

1. Power systems for the generation and primary and secondary distribution of electric current ahead of the customer's meter;

2. Pumping stations and treatment plants;

3. Telephone, telegraph, or signal systems for public utilities; and

4. Water, gas, and sewer connections to residential, commercial, and industrial sites, subject to local ordinances.

This classification may also install backflow prevention devices incidental to work in this classification when the installer has received formal vocational training approved by the board that included instruction in the installation of backflow prevention devices.

"HVAC contractors" (Abbr: HVA) means those individuals whose work includes the installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of heating systems, ventilating systems, cooling systems, steam and hot water heaters, heating systems, boilers, process piping, and mechanical refrigeration systems, including tanks incidental to the system. This classification does not provide for fire suppression installations, sprinkler system installations, or gas piping. A firm holding a HVAC license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations. This classification may install backflow prevention devices incidental to work in this classification.

"Plumbing contractors" (Abbr: PLB) means those individuals whose contracts include the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration, or removal of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with any of the following:

Backflow prevention devices

Boilers

Hot water baseboard heating systems

Hot water heaters

Hydronic systems

Limited area sprinklers (as defined by the USBC)

Process piping

Public/private water supply systems within or adjacent to any building, structure or conveyance

Sanitary or storm drainage facilities

Steam heating systems

Storage tanks incidental to the installation of related systems

Venting systems related to plumbing

These contractors also install, maintain, extend or alter the following:

Liquid waste systems

Sewerage systems

Storm water systems

Water supply systems

This classification does not provide for gas piping or the function of fire sprinkler contracting as noted above. A firm holding a PLB license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations. The classification may install sprinkler systems permitted to be designed in accordance with the plumbing provisions of the USBC when the installer has received formal vocational training approved by the board that included instruction of installation of sprinkler systems.

"Residential building contractors" (Abbr: RBC) means those individuals whose contracts include construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal, or demolition on real property owned, controlled or leased by another person of dwellings and townhouses, including accessory buildings or structures on such property. The RBC classification does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas-ftting services and does not allow construction, removal, repair, or improvement to commercial, industrial, institutional, or governmental use structures outside of dwellings and townhouses, except for the repair or improvement to dwelling units within commercial buildings.

 The residential building classification includes but is not limited to the functions carried out by the following specialties for contracts of dwellings and townhouses and related accessory use buildings or structures:

Concrete contracting

Home improvement contracting

Industrialized building contracting

Landscape service contracting

Masonry contracting

Painting and wallcovering contracting

Roofing contracting

Swimming pool contracting

"Specialty contractors" means those individuals whose contracts are for specialty services which do not generally fall within the scope of any other classification within this chapter.

18VAC50-22-30. Definitions of specialty services.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter unless a different meaning is provided or is plainly required by the context shall have the following meanings:

"Alternative energy system contracting" (Abbr: AES) means that service which provides for the installation, repair or improvement, from the customer's meter, of alternative energy generation systems, supplemental energy systems and associated equipment annexed to real property. This service does not include the installation of emergency generators powered by fossil fuels. No other classification or specialty service provides this function. This specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, or HVAC functions.

"Asbestos contracting" (Abbr: ASB) means that service which provides for the installation, removal, or encapsulation of asbestos containing materials annexed to real property. No other classification or specialty service provides for this function.

"Asphalt paving and sealcoating contracting" (Abbr: PAV) means that service which provides for the installation of asphalt paving and/or sealcoating on subdivision streets and adjacent intersections, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, running tracks, and play areas, using materials and accessories common to the industry. This includes height adjustment of existing sewer manholes, storm drains, water valves, sewer cleanouts and drain grates, and all necessary excavation and grading. The H/H classification also provides for this function.

"Billboard/sign contracting" (Abbr: BSC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or dismantling of any billboard or structural sign permanently annexed to real property. H/H and BLD CBC are the only other classifications that can perform this work except that a contractor in this specialty may connect or disconnect signs to existing electrical circuits. No trade related plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work is included in this function.

"Blast/explosive contracting" (Abbr: BEC) means that service which provides for the use of explosive charges for the repair, improvement, alteration, or demolition of any real property or any structure annexed to real property.

"Commercial improvement contracting" (Abbr: CIC) means that service which provides for repair or improvement to nonresidential property and multifamily property , as defined structures not defined as dwellings and townhouses in the in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The BLD CBC classification also provides for this function. The CIC classification does not provide for the construction of new buildings, accessory buildings, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work.

"Concrete contracting" (Abbr: CEM) means that service which provides for all work in connection with the processing, proportioning, batching, mixing, conveying and placing of concrete composed of materials common to the concrete industry. This includes but is not limited to finishing, coloring, curing, repairing, testing, sawing, grinding, grouting, placing of film barriers, sealing and waterproofing. Construction and assembling of forms, molds, slipforms, pans, centering, and the use of rebar is also included. The BLD CBC. RBC, and H/H classifications also provide for this function.

"Electronic/communication service contracting" (Abbr: ESC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of electronic or communications systems annexed to real property including telephone wiring, computer cabling, sound systems, data links, data and network installation, television and cable TV wiring, antenna wiring, and fiber optics installation, all of which operate at 50 volts or less. A firm holding an ESC license is responsible for meeting all applicable tradesman licensure standards. The ELE classification also provides for this function.

"Elevator/escalator contracting" (Abbr: EEC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement or removal of elevators or escalators permanently annexed to real property. A firm holding an EEC license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations. No other classification or specialty service provides for this function.

"Environmental monitoring well contracting" (Abbr: EMW) means that service which provides for the construction of a well to monitor hazardous substances in the ground.

"Environmental specialties contracting" (Abbr: ENV) means that service which provides for installation, repair, removal, or improvement of pollution control and remediation devices. No other specialty provides for this function. This specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, or HVAC functions.

"Equipment/machinery contracting" (Abbr: EMC) means that service which provides for the installation or removal of equipment or machinery including but not limited to conveyors or heavy machinery. Boilers exempted by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code but regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry are also included in this specialty. This specialty does not provide for any electrical, plumbing, process piping or HVAC functions.

"Farm improvement contracting" (Abbr: FIC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair or improvement of a nonresidential farm building or structure, or nonresidential farm accessory-use structure, or additions thereto. The BLD CBC classification also provides for this function. The FIC specialty does not provide for any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting functions.

"Fire alarm systems contracting" (Abbr: FAS) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, or improvement of fire alarm systems which operate at 50 volts or less. The ELE classification also provides for this function. A firm with an FAS license is responsible for meeting all applicable tradesman licensure standards.

"Fire sprinkler contracting" (Abbr: SPR) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, alteration, addition, testing, maintenance, inspection, improvement, or removal of sprinkler systems using water as a means of fire suppression when annexed to real property. This specialty does not provide for the installation, repair, or maintenance of other types of fire suppression systems. The PLB classification allows for the installation of systems permitted to be designed in accordance with the plumbing provisions of the USBC. This specialty may engage in the installation of backflow prevention devices in the fire sprinkler supply main and incidental to the sprinkler system installation when the installer has received formal vocational training approved by the board that included instruction in the installation of backflow prevention devices.

"Fire suppression contracting" (Abbr: FSP) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of fire suppression systems including but not limited to halon and other gas systems; dry chemical systems; and carbon dioxide systems annexed to real property. No other classification provides for this function. The FSP specialty does not provide for the installation, repair, or maintenance of water sprinkler systems.

"Gas fitting contracting" (Abbr: GFC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of gas piping and appliances annexed to real property. A firm holding a GFC license is responsible for meeting all applicable    individual (tradesman) licensure regulations.

"Home improvement contracting" (Abbr: HIC) means that service which provides for repairs or improvements to one-family and two-family residential buildings dwellings and townhouses as defined in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or structures annexed to real property those dwellings or townhouses, and improvements to dwelling units within commercial buildings. The BLD RBC classification also provides for this function. The HIC specialty does not provide for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas fitting functions. It does not include high rise buildings, buildings with more than two dwelling units, or new construction functions beyond the existing building structure other than decks, patios, driveways, and utility out buildings of 200 square feet or less.

"Industrial building contracting" (Abbr: IBC) means that service that provides for the installation or removal of an industrialized building as defined in the Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Regulations. This classification covers foundation work in accordance with the provisions of the USBC and allows the licensee to complete internal tie-ins of plumbing, gas, electrical, and HVAC systems. It does not allow for installing additional plumbing, gas, electrical, or HVAC work such as installing the service meter, or installing the outside compressor for the HVAC system. The BLD CBC and RBC  classification classificationsU also provides provide for this function.

"Landscape irrigation contracting" (Abbr: ISC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of irrigation sprinkler systems or outdoor sprinkler systems. The PLB and H/H classifications also provide for this function. This specialty may install backflow prevention devices incidental to work in this specialty when the installer has received formal vocational training approved by the board that included instruction in the installation of backflow prevention devices.

"Landscape service contracting" (Abbr: LSC) means that service which provides for the alteration or improvement of a land area not related to any other classification or service activity by means of excavation, clearing, grading, construction of retaining walls for landscaping purposes, or placement of landscaping timbers. This specialty may remove stumbs stumps and roots below grade. The BLD CBC, RBC, and H/H classifications also provide for this function.

"Lead abatement contracting" (Abbr: LAC) means that service which provides for the removal or encapsulation of lead-containing materials annexed to real property. No other classification or specialty service provides for this function, except that the PLB and HVA classifications may provide this service incidental to work in those classifications.

"Liquefied petroleum gas contracting" (Abbr: LPG) means that service which includes the installation, maintenance, extension, alteration, or removal of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances used in transporting, storing or utilizing liquefied petroleum gas. This excludes hot water heaters, boilers, and central heating systems that require a HVA or PLB license. The GFC specialty also provides for this function. A firm holding a LPG license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations.

"Manufactured home contracting" (Abbr: MHC) means that service that provides for the installation or removal of a manufactured home as defined in the Virginia Manufactured Home Safety Regulations. This classification does not cover foundation work; however, it does allow installation of piers covered under HUD regulations. It does allow a licensee to do internal tie-ins of plumbing, gas, electrical, or HVAC equipment. It does not allow for installing additional plumbing, gas, electrical, or HVAC work such as installing the service meter, or installing the outside compressor for the HVAC system. The H/H and BLD classifications also provide for this function.

"Marine facility contracting" (Abbr: MCC) means that service which provides for the construction, repair, improvement, or removal of any structure the purpose of which is to provide access to, impede, or alter a body of surface water. The BLD CBC and H/H classifications also provide for this function. The MCC specialty does not provide for the construction of accessory structures or electrical, HVAC or plumbing functions.

"Masonry contracting" (Abbr: BRK) means that service which includes the installation of brick, concrete block, stone, marble, slate or other units and products common to the masonry industry, including mortarless type masonry products. This includes installation of grout, caulking, tuck pointing, sand blasting, mortar washing, parging and cleaning and welding of reinforcement steel related to masonry construction. The BLD classification CBC and RBC classifications and HIC and CIC specialties also provide for this function.

"Natural gas fitting provider contracting" (Abbr: NGF) means that service which provides for the incidental repair, testing, or removal of natural gas piping or fitting annexed to real property. This does not include new installation of gas piping for hot water heaters, boilers, central heating systems, or other natural gas equipment which requires a HVA or PLB license. The GFC specialty also provides for this function. A firm holding a NGF license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations.

"Painting and wallcovering contracting" (Abbr: PTC) means that service which provides for the application of materials common to the painting and decorating industry for protective or decorative purposes, the installation of surface coverings such as vinyls, wall papers, and cloth fabrics. This includes surface preparation, caulking, sanding and cleaning preparatory to painting or coverings and includes both interior and exterior surfaces. The BLD classification CBC and RBC classifications and the HIC and CIC specialties also provide for this function.

"Radon mitigation contracting" (Abbr: RMC) means that service which provides for additions, repairs or improvements to buildings or structures, for the purpose of mitigating or preventing the effects of radon gas. This function can only be performed by a firm holding the BLD classification or CIC (for other than one-family and two-family dwellings), FIC (for nonresidential farm buildings) or HIC (for one-family and two-family dwellings) specialty services CBC and RBC classifications or the CIC, FIC, or HIC specialties. No electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, or HVAC functions are provided by this specialty.

"Recreational facility contracting" (Abbr: RFC) means that service which provides for the construction, repair, or improvement of any recreational facility, excluding paving and the construction of buildings, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC functions. The BLD CBC classification also provides for this function.

"Refrigeration contracting" (Abbr: REF) means that service which provides for installation, repair, or removal of any refrigeration equipment (excluding HVAC equipment). No electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, or HVAC functions are provided by this specialty. This specialty is intended for those contractors who repair or install coolers, refrigerated casework, ice-making machines, drinking fountains, cold room equipment, and similar hermetic refrigeration equipment. The HVAC classification also provides for this function.

"Roofing contracting" (Abbr: ROC) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, removal or improvement of materials common to the industry that form a watertight, weather resistant surface for roofs and decks. This includes roofing system components when installed in conjunction with a roofing project, application of dampproofing or waterproofing, and installation of roof insulation panels and other roof insulation systems above roof deck. The BLD classification CBC and RBC classifications and the HIC and CIC specialties also provide for this function.

"Sewage disposal systems contracting" (Abbr: SDS) means that service which provides for the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of septic tanks, septic systems, and other on-site sewage disposal systems annexed to real property.

"Swimming pool construction contracting" (Abbr: POL) means that service which provides for the construction, repair, improvement or removal of in-ground swimming pools. The BLD classification CBC and RBC classifications and the RFC specialty also provide for this function. No trade related plumbing, electrical, backflow or HVAC work is included in this specialty.

"Vessel construction contracting" (Abbr: VCC) means that service which provides for the construction, repair, improvement, or removal of nonresidential vessels, tanks, or piping that hold or convey fluids other than sanitary, storm, waste, or potable water supplies. The H/H classification also provides for this function.

"Water well/pump contracting" (Abbr: WWP) means that service which provides for the installation of a water well system, including geothermal wells, which includes construction of a water well to reach groundwater, as defined in § 62.1-255 of the Code of Virginia, and the installation of the well pump and tank, including pipe and wire, up to and including the point of connection to the plumbing and electrical systems. No other classification or specialty service provides for construction of water wells. This regulation shall not exclude PLB, ELE or HVAC from installation of pumps and tanks.

Note: Specialty contractors engaging in construction which involves the following activities or items or similar activities or items may fall under the CIC, HIC and/or FIC specialty services, or they may fall under the BLD classification CBC and/or RBC classifications.