“Compliance checks targeting unlicensed contractors and contractors violating the law are important to safety and consumer protection.  Unsuspecting property owners can pay the price for shoddy work or uncompleted work, and if there is no workers’ comp insurance for the contractor’s employees, can be held financially responsible for injuries on the job.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SONOMA COUNTY – On May 29, 2024, Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office investigators,

along with an investigator from California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), conducted a contractor compliance check operation. The compliance checks targeted unlicensed contractors operating in Sonoma County.

The investigators visited 17 job sites. Six were non-compliant or required follow-up investigation. Two licensed contractors had minor administrative advertising violations. At one location, investigators determined a contractor did not have workers’ compensation insurance for their employees and the work was immediately stopped. Two other investigations were initiated because it appears that the property builders did not have workers’ compensation insurance, and other safety violations were observed.

District Attorney Carla Rodriguez said, “Contracting without a license is not a victimless crime. Many unknowing victims fall prey to unscrupulous or untrained contractors who often cause thousands of dollars of damage to victims’ property. My office will continue working with the Contractors State License Board to protect consumers and ensure that those contracting without the appropriate license are prosecuted for violating the law.”

California law prohibits unlicensed contractors from bidding and/or contracting for construction work that exceeds $500 in value, including labor and materials.

The Sonoma County District Attorney expressed appreciation for the support of CSLB in enforcing contracting laws and ensuring the safety of consumers from unlicensed contracting activities.