Where do I start in getting a sign contractors license in Maryland? We are in Pa. and have a job in Bethesda, Md. and the management company where our customer is located has advised us that we need a contractors license to remove the existing aluminum sign panel and replace it with a new one. The customer changed their name and hired us to change the sign. In Pa. we don't need a contractors license to do this, so I am lost. Where do I start? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please email me at scottssigns@yahoo.com Thanks, Debbie
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Debbie,
I did a little searching and found this...
Jim Hanna * Director, Maryland Codes Administration * hanna@dhcd.state.md.us * 410-514-7212
Hope this helps... Rapid
Posted by mark zilliox (Member # 3873) on :
Debbie hi I've been in the sign business here in MD. for 26+ years.Contractor's license is new to me, electrical yes, but no one i know has that prequisite. Unless it's an incorporated town requirement,in that case we have business insurance which is our "umbrella". However, being from Pittsb. origionally, it wouldn't suprise me these "flalanders" would manifest another way to generate income from us signfolks. ps-stop by Montgomery donuts to take home !
Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
Debbie, Like Mark, I was in Maryland doing signs for 26 years before moving here. Ditto, I am not aware of a need for a license as a Commercial Sign business, just a tax I.D. number. Electrical signs... I would imagine an electrical license would be necessary. I was a member of the Maryland Sign Association for many years and was never made aware of such a thing.
Maryland requires businesses that work on residences to have a Maryland Home Improvement Corporation(?) - MHIC License. If you are doing work for a Business, the MHIC doesn't enter into the requirements.
I'd be more concerned with a Maryland business in Bethesda hiring a PA sign company to change an aluminum panel, and setting arcane requirements to boot. Sounds fishy to me. Now, if it were Frederick or Carroll County, that's more in our range.
Posted by Debbie Scott (Member # 4366) on :
Gene,
This business is one of our Frederick customers who has a second location in Bethesda and that is why we were hired to do the job. We have already completed the name change in Frederick without a hitch.
It seems that it is the property owner and management company that is requesting this information. Different property owners. I have asked my contact to go back to them and make them aware that there is no electric involved, nor is there any reconstruction, therefore a contractors license is not needed. It is just a matter of removing the existing aluminum panel and replacing it with another that will be lettered in house. I'm hoping that will satisfy them. We will see.
Thanks to everyone for there input and guidance. I didn't think there was such a thing, but laws change quicker than I can change my underwear so you just never know:)
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Debbie; why not get in touch with a sign person from their to do the actual mounting and dismount? Posted by Debbie Scott (Member # 4366) on :
Randy,
I have that covered if the property owners insist on a contractors license to do the install. I have a friend who is a general contractor in Maryland who will do it for us. Thanks for your input.
![[I Don t Know]](graemlins/dunno.gif)