Feature
Indianapolis fines 5 contractors 8.27.11
INDIANAPOLIS STAR
Indianapolis has issued fines to five unlicensed contractors caught in a sting operation, according to the Department of Code Enforcement.
The contractors were fined $250, which increases by $25 if gone unpaid for 10 days. The city could take legal action if fines remain unpaid.
"Efforts such as this are an important consumer protection," Mayor Greg Ballard said in a news release announcing the fines today. "Licensing and permitting measures are in place to help ensure that our residents' homes and family members are safe after having repair work performed."
City staffers found the contractors through online ads. They sent up appointments at places that needed work and required a license and permit.
A city inspector issued the fine once the contractor agreed to the work.
The sting was conducted in part with Angie's List and the Better Business Bureau , identifying suspected unlicensed contractors with a bad business history.
A license is required on any construction work identified in a city ordinance, including electrical and plumbing work, according to Department of Code Enforcement spokeswoman Kate Johnson.
Call Star reporter Andrew Scoggin at (317) 444-6125.
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