Ono Island Contractor Requirements: Essential Guidelines for Construction and Home Building

Hiring Licensed Contractors
Property owners on Ono Island should always ensure they are working with properly licensed contractors. It is important to ask for and verify the contractor’s licenses before proceeding with any work.

During the application review process, the Baldwin County Building Department staff will verify that the contractor listed on the application has registered for access to the Citizenserve Portal. Contractors must provide copies of their licenses and ensure they hold the appropriate licenses for the specific scope of work and job valuation. Contractors may click here to register online or click here to download a hardcopy of the Portal Registration form. You can also watch this How-To Video for instructions on registering in the portal as a contractor.

General Requirements for Contractors on Ono Island

State Licensing
All contractors working in the Baldwin County building permit jurisdiction, which includes Ono Island, are required to hold an active State of Alabama business license issued through any county in the state. For details on how to obtain the necessary business license, visit the Baldwin County Probate Office website.

Trade Contractor Licensing Requirements

Electrical Contractors
Must hold an active Electrical Contractor license from the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board.
Mechanical/HVAC Contractors
Must hold an active HVAC license from the Alabama Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors Board.
Plumbing Contractors
Must hold an active Master Plumbers license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Gas Contractors
Must hold an active Master Gas Fitters license from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractors
Must hold an active Level III Fire Protection Layout Technician credential from NICET and a Sprinkler System Permit from the State of Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office.
Subcontractors for Non-Residential or Multi-Family Work
Any subcontractor performing commercial or multi-family work (non-residential) with a minimum job valuation of $100,000 (or $5,000 for swimming pools) under contract to a licensed prime contractor must also be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Specific Contractor Requirements on Ono Island

Manufactured/Mobile Home Installation Contractors
Must hold an active Installers license from the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission.
Manufactured/Modular Home or Building Installation Contractors
Must hold an active Installers license from the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, which begins with the number “8.”
Residential Construction and Roofing Contractors
For residential construction or roofing jobs over $2,500 in valuation (labor and materials), contractors must hold a home builder’s roofer’s license and a $10,000 bond, or an unlimited home builders license. For residential construction jobs over $10,000, contractors must have an unlimited or limited home builder’s license.

Important Notes for Swimming Pools:
Contractors constructing swimming pools with a valuation over $5,000 must be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Ono Island Property Owners Acting as Their Own Contractors

Property owners may act as their own contractors on Ono Island, but certain rules apply. If a property owner decides to take on this role, they must still obtain the necessary permits, follow building codes, and comply with state laws. This includes making sure that any hired subcontractors are properly licensed.

Important Note: If you are constructing your own home for personal use, it cannot be built with the intention of immediate sale. If the home is sold within one year of completion, it will be assumed that the home was constructed for resale, which violates the exemption from licensing requirements.

If a property owner is acting as their own contractor, they must provide a Sworn Statement of Exemption from the State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Law. This form must be completed and submitted to the Building Department before any permit is issued.

Trade Permits (Electrical, Mechanical/HVAC, Plumbing, and Gas)

Property owners may perform their own electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work, but separate permits are required for each of these trades. Gas fitting must always be completed by a licensed Master Gas Fitter, as property owners are not allowed to perform their own gas fitting work.

If you’re planning to hire contractors or undertake any residential or commercial construction on Ono Island, ensure all contractors are properly licensed and meet the specific legal requirements for the area. It’s important to follow state laws, Baldwin County regulations, and permit guidelines to ensure the integrity of your project and the safety of your home.

For additional resources or to download necessary forms, please visit the appropriate state and county websites, or reach out to the Baldwin County Building Department.