In response to complaints of plumbing and electrical work being done by unlicensed personnel, a public-private sector task force on Monday is to begin making on-site inspections of plumbing and electrical wiring jobs.
According to a Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs release, the two-pronged investigation targets licensed electricians and plumbers who apply for permits in order to sell them to unlicensed persons, and licensed employers who hire unlicensed workers to perform work for which licensing is required.
Both practices are punishable by a fine of up to $500 for each infraction and can lead to suspension or revocation of licenses.
The crackdown is a combined effort of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and a task force of electricians and plumbers.
Anyone contracting to have plumbing or electrical work done should verify before work begins that those being hired are licensed, the release advised. This can be done by telephoning the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Office of Boards and Commissions at 773-2226 or 774-3130.