Feature
Indianapolis cracks down on unlicensed contractors 8.27.11
FOX 59
DCE staff researched online advertisements and analyzed information provided through a partnership with Angie¿s List and the Better Business Bureau in order to identify suspected unlicensed contractors with a history of bad business practices.
Press Release
The Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) coordinated its first-ever unlicensed contractor sting to crack down on contractors operating without a license and without securing proper permits, thereby potentially taking advantage of and endangering the safety of the citizens of Indianapolis.
“Efforts such as this are an important consumer protection. Licensing and permitting measures are in place to help ensure that our residents’ homes and family members are safe after having repair work performed,” said Mayor Greg Ballard.
DCE staff researched online advertisements and analyzed information provided through a partnership with Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau in order to identify suspected unlicensed contractors with a history of bad business practices.
Each identified contractor was contacted by a DCE staff member, and appointments were arranged to meet each contractor at a location that was in need of work that required a license and permit. Once a contractor agreed to perform the work, a DCE Building Inspections Supervisor issued a $250 pre-payable citation.
A total of five contractors were cited. All pre-payable citations issued will increase from $250 to $275 if unpaid after 10 days. Legal action by the Office of City Prosecutor may be taken against violators who do not pay their citations.
“DCE has the responsibility of licensing people and business organizations engaged in construction activity to help ensure that qualified individuals are performing work that meets Code,” said Rick Powers, DCE Director.
More information about the licensing requirements is available here.
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