Aug. 14, 2008

Legislation extends opportunity to apply for restricted plumber licenses

Plumbing legislation passed in 2008 extended the timeframe for people to apply for restricted plumber licenses until Sept. 30, 2008. The application deadline had been Jan. 1, 2008.

In 2007, a legislative change included a statewide licensing requirement and creation of a "restricted" plumber license. This extension will allow more unlicensed people who meet the necessary qualifications to come into compliance.

In part, the 2007 and 2008 legislative changes have the following effects:

Plumber license required statewide
Since Dec. 1, 2007, anyone working at the business of plumbing anywhere in Minnesota has been required to be a licensed plumber or registered apprentice. The lone exception is those who install sewer or water service pipes outside of buildings, who have completed pipe-laying training and are certified, and have a $25,000 plumbing code compliance bond filed with the Department of Labor and Industry. Owners of single-family homes or cabins do not have to be licensed to perform plumbing in a home they occupy.

Deadline for 'restricted' license drawing near
A new "restricted" license was established for those who wish to work in cities with a population of fewer than 5,000 and rural areas. People with restricted licenses may perform plumbing anywhere in the state except in cities with a population of more than 5,000. Unlicensed people who can document two or more years experience in plumbing have until Sept. 30, 2008, to apply for a restricted license if they qualify and apply as described below.

Application deadline and requirements
Unlicensed workers with two or more years experience have until Sept. 30, 2008, to apply for a restricted license. Requirements to apply for a restricted license include:

• Two years of practical plumbing experience are required for the restricted journeyman plumber license.
• Four years of practical plumbing experience or two years as a plumbing contractor are required for the restricted master plumber license.
• Applicants who are or have been registered plumber apprentices or licensed journeymen may also apply.
• An application form must be received by Sept. 30, 2008, with:
    - a $30 application fee;
    - evidence of workers' compensation insurance (if applicant has any employees); and
    - proof of liability insurance (if applicant will be a plumbing contractor).
• Annual license fees are the same as for master and journeyman ($120 and $55, respectively.)

Master or restricted master must be responsible for plumbing work
There were clarifications made to statute to make bond and insurance requirements for restricted master plumbers the same as those for master plumbers. This action helps clarify that a master plumber (who can work anywhere in the state) or restricted master plumber (who can work everywhere except in cities with a population of 5,000 or more) must be in charge of the work done by the business, and be listed as responsible party on the $25,000 plumbing code compliance bond.

Plumbing work and plan review
Owners of public, commercial and licensed facilities will no longer be able to do plumbing in their facilities if they are located in communities with a population of fewer than 5,000 unless they are licensed to perform plumbing. Plans for installation of plumbing in these facilities must be prepared by the licensed plumber who will do the installation or by a licensed engineer. This is the same as the current requirement for cities with a population of 5,000 or more.

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News media contact:
James Honerman
(651) 284-5313