A Class B Contractor License in Colorado, specifically as defined by jurisdictions like the City and County of Denver, permits a contractor to erect, add to, alter, or repair any building or structure classified as less than a high-rise. This distinction is typically made according to the definitions set forth in the International Building Code (IBC).
Understanding the Scope of a Class B License
The Class B license is designed for contractors undertaking a wide range of general construction projects that do not involve the scale or complexity associated with high-rise structures. The permitted activities under this license broadly cover:
- Erecting: Constructing new buildings from the ground up.
- Adding to: Expanding existing structures, such as building new wings or floors (as long as the structure remains "less than a high-rise").
- Altering: Making significant changes to the layout or structural elements of an existing building.
- Repairing: Performing work to fix damage, restore, or maintain the integrity of a structure.
The key limitation for a Class B license holder is that their work must always be on buildings or structures that do not meet the criteria for a "high-rise" as defined by the IBC. This generally means structures below a certain height or number of stories, ensuring that contractors are licensed appropriately for the complexity and potential risks of their projects.
Class B vs. Class A General Contractor Licenses
To better understand the Class B license, it's helpful to compare it with the Class A General Contractor license, which typically represents the highest level of general contracting authority.
| Feature | General Contractor Class A | Building Contractor Class B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Work | To erect, add to, alter, demolish, or repair any building or structure. | To erect, add to, alter, or repair any building or structure classified as less than a high-rise. |
| High-Rise Work | Permitted | Not Permitted |
| Demolition | Typically included | Typically not included as a primary standalone activity; may be part of alteration/repair scope. |
| Project Complexity | Handles the largest and most complex projects, including high-rises. | Focuses on a broad range of general construction projects, excluding high-rises. |
Jurisdiction and Licensing in Colorado
It's important to note that Colorado does not have a statewide general contractor license. Instead, contractor licensing and classifications, like Class A and Class B, are handled at the local level by individual cities and counties. The definitions provided here, for example, are consistent with the policies of the City and County of Denver, a major jurisdiction in Colorado. Therefore, a Class B contractor license obtained in Denver would permit work within Denver's limits according to its regulations, but contractors must verify specific licensing requirements for each municipality or county where they plan to work.
For more detailed information regarding Denver's specific contractor licensing requirements and categories, you can often refer to the local building code policies, such as those published by the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development.
Typical Projects for a Class B Contractor
A Class B contractor is well-suited for a variety of common construction and renovation projects, including:
- New residential construction: Building single-family homes, duplexes, or multi-family dwellings that are not classified as high-rises.
- Commercial tenant finish projects: Renovation of office spaces, retail stores, or restaurants within existing commercial buildings.
- Commercial remodels and additions: Expanding or significantly altering existing commercial structures that are not high-rises.
- Medium-sized industrial buildings: Construction or renovation of warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or workshops that do not fall under the high-rise definition.
- Public works projects: Constructing schools, community centers, or other public buildings that are not high-rises.
Understanding the specific scope and limitations of a Class B contractor license is crucial for both contractors and clients to ensure compliance with local building codes and the proper execution of construction projects in Colorado.
