There’s nothing more exciting than the frantic creative buzz that surrounds a new household project. However, before you find yourself knee-deep in construction debris, you should take a step back and make sure everything in your plan is accounted for. While you may have all your tools and supplies, don’t forget to loop in your local municipality!
Licenses and permits may seem like a headache, but these authorizations are crucial for ensuring that your project is completed safely, correctly, and within local code guidelines.
So, whether you’re the household handyman or a contractor getting started on a build for a client, there are some basic licenses and permits you need to make sure to have covered before you get started.
General Contractor Licenses
Not every city or state requires them, but it isn’t uncommon for cities to require general contractors to apply for a license. This license ensures they are insured, held to safety standards, and can pass relevant competency exams. In most cases, these licenses also verify your experience, education, and qualifications.
More specialized construction work in areas like HVAC, roofing, electrical work, or plumbing may have additional authorization requirements before you can begin a project.
If you aren’t sure if you need a license, check with your local city office or the Department of Labor. In most cases, these offices can also provide answers to any of your questions regarding not only licenses but basic safety and operation requirements.
General Contractor Licensing Offices in Southwest Missouri
Battlefield, MO
Contact City of Battlefield
Phone: (417) 883-5840
Online Application: Visit Battlefield City Website
Nixa, MO
Contact Planning & Zoning Department or City Hall
Phone: (417) 725-3785
Online Application: Visit Nixa City Website
Republic, MO
Contact City of Republic
Phone: (417) 732-3150
Online Application: Visit Republic City Website
Ozark, MO
Contact Planning and Development Department
Phone: 417-581-2407
Online Application: Visit Ozark City Website
Rogersville, MO
Contact Rogersville City Hall
Phone: (417) 753-2884
Online Application: Visit Rogersville City Website
Strafford, MO
Contact Strafford City Hall
Phone: (417) 736-2154
Online Application: Visit Strafford City Website
Springfield, MO
Contact the Licensing Division for applications and requirements
Phone: (417) 864-1617
Online Application: Visit Springfield City Website
Building Permits
Building permits will vary from city to city, so make sure to discuss your construction or demolition plans with your local government early in the planning phase.
While most folks understand that permanent structures, like garages or barns, often require building permits, city codes can cover much more than that. DIYers and contractors alike should take note of city building permit requirements for even smaller projects like swimming pools, decks, or backyard sheds.
When you apply for a building permit, your city will verify that your project meets important safety and zoning guidelines defined by the municipality.
Take careful note of your city’s requirements to ensure your project won’t be delayed. If you’re unsure, always make sure to ask your local officials. If your project ends up out of scope or without a permit, you could risk being saddled with fines, penalties, and additional costs to get your build in compliance.
Commercial Vehicle Licenses
Sometimes your project needs some extra POWER. Heavy machinery or large commercial vehicles are just the ticket to keep your project moving. Unfortunately, like anything fun in the world, commercial vehicles come with their own licensing requirements.
This, of course, is for not only your safety but the safety of those around you. If you want to operate large work vehicles like dump trucks, cranes, or cement trucks, you will most likely need to obtain a CDL (commercial driver’s license).
If you aren’t in the market for a CDL, trailers can be a good alternative for many work tasks. Commercial machinery not intended for use on public roadways usually doesn’t require a CDL or other license. However, they will sometimes require additional safety training, depending on your area. Small trailers can also be a good alternative, as they often have no licensing requirements. However, oversized or especially heavy trailers will still carry with them a CDL requirement for the safety of you and other drivers.
Basically, if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to contact your local Department of Transportation office for guidance on licensing requirements, available training classes, or permit tests.
Dig Permits
Whether you’re digging your family a pool using an old-fashioned shovel, sweat, and tears, or you’ve powered up your dig with excavators, you should always get permission before you dig.
Below your yard, city streets, parking lots, homes, and buildings is an intricate network of utility lines, sewer lines, and plumbing. Before you dig, you must allow city crews to your intended dig space and get the proper permissions. Without planning, you and your workers risk damaging critical power infrastructure, harming the environment, or causing a serious accident that could cause injury or death.
If that isn’t deterrent enough, those who dig without a permit, especially if they cause an incident, will incur hefty fines from the local government.
So, before you break ground, make sure to contact your city a few days before you plan to get started. This will give the city time to send out a worker to authorize the location, mark vital lines, and issue a permit.
For dig permits in Southwest Missouri, contact the Missouri One Call System (MOCS) at 1-800-DIG-RITE or visit their website.
Get Your Project Started
You’ve got your licenses, permits, and certifications all squared away. Now it’s time to make the magic happen.
Whether you’re building a new deck or an entirely new home, Wildcat Tool Rental has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done right. So, give us a call at 417-753-8665 or stop by today to ask Scott Estes what he recommends to complete your project on time, on budget, and as efficiently as possible.
