General Contractor License
The City of Pittsburgh requires that a General Contractor License is required for all work performed under a Commercial Building Permit. A General Contractor license is also required for the following permits:
- Construction of new one or two family dwellings.
- Renovations and/or additions to one or two family dwellings that are rental or investment property.
- Demolition permits for commercial structures or residential primary structures.
WONDERING HOW MUCH YOUR LICENSE COSTS?
All Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections fees change annually. Consult the Current Fee Schedule for new applications, renewals, and late fees.
REQUIREMENTS
- Government Issued Photo ID
- A copy of a current, non-expired photo ID is required.
- Insurance Info
- A non-expired Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage for the applicant at the location where licensed activity will take place, and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder and additionally insured.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: A Certificate of Insurance showing Worker's Compensation coverage for the applicant business and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder. If the business does not have any employees, then upload a notarized statement attesting that there are no employees.
- Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections Workers' Compensation Exemption Affidavit.
- Tax Compliance Letter
- A letter verifying that the applicant is in compliance with all relevant City taxes.
- Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification
- Customers applying for a new or renewal General Contractor license must provide their firm's EPA Lead, Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification. The RRP certification is valid for 5 years.
LATE FEES
A 60 day grace period begins when your license expires. A late fee will be charged the day after your license expires. If your license is not renewed within 60 days of expiration, it is considered lapsed and closed. All contractor and trade licenses expire a year from the date of issuance.
RESOURCES
- Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification
- On November 30, 2021, Pittsburgh City Council passed a Lead Safety Law to protect the public from the dangers of lead-based hazards. Beginning May 29, 2022, customers applying for a new or renewal General Contractor license must provide their firm's EPA Lead, Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification. The RRP certification is valid for 5 years. For more information about the RRP certification and how to obtain one, please visit the EPA's website.
- Looking for additional info or clarification on your license requirements?
- How do I get a tax compliance letter?
- Call or email the Department of Finance
- Call or email the Department of Finance
