Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 812 - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS BOARD
Oregon Administrative Rules — Chapter 812 (Construction Contractors Board)
Chapter 812 governs how construction contractors operate in Oregon. It sets rules for licensing, complaints, enforcement, training, and duties to protect both contractors and consumers. It is divided into several “Divisions” — each focusing on a specific area.
Division 1 — Administration
Explains the purpose of the rules and how the Board runs.
Covers procedural rules for meetings, rule-making, and general administration.
Ensures contractors know who regulates them and how the Board enforces laws.
Key point: All actions taken by the Board are governed by these administrative rules to ensure fairness and clarity.
Division 2 — Definitions
Defines important terms used throughout Chapter 812. Key definitions include:
Contractor: Any person or company who performs or offers to perform construction work for a fee.
Construction work: Building, repairing, altering, or improving real property (houses, buildings, etc.).
Exemptions: Certain jobs are not considered “contractor work”, such as:
Government employees performing official duties
Utility employees connecting services
Minor artistic work (like painting small murals)
Concrete pumping (in some cases)
License: Official permission granted by the Board to perform contractor work.
Why it matters: Knowing these definitions tells a contractor what activities require a license and which do not.
Division 3 — Licensing
Rules for getting and keeping a contractor license:
Contractors must apply for a license before starting work.
Requirements include:
Proof of experience or training
Financial responsibility (often through bonding)
Passing tests in some categories
Licensing can include endorsements for specialties, such as plumbing, roofing, or electrical work.
Contractors must display their license when advertising.
Key point: Working without a license is a serious violation and can lead to fines or loss of business privileges.
Division 4 — Complaints
Explains how consumers or other contractors can file complaints.
The Board investigates complaints like:
Poor workmanship
Fraudulent advertising
Failure to complete a contract
Contractors must respond to complaints within a set period.
Purpose: Protects consumers and ensures contractors are held accountable.
Division 5 — Enforcement
Rules for penalties and enforcement:
Violations include:
Working without a license
Advertising without a license
Not using required written contracts
Hiring unlicensed subcontractors
Penalties can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity.
Repeat violations can increase penalties.
The Board can also suspend or revoke licenses.
Key point: Enforcement ensures contractors follow the law and protects consumers from unsafe or dishonest work.
Division 6 — Responsible Managing Individual, Pre-Licensure Training, and Testing
Some licenses require a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) — someone in the company with experience and knowledge.
Contractors may need to complete training programs or pass exams.
Ensures contractors are qualified to perform work safely and correctly.
Division 7 — Lead-Based Paint Activity Licensing
Special rules for contractors doing work involving lead paint.
Contractors must be certified to handle lead safely.
Protects homeowners and workers from lead exposure.
Division 8 — Home Inspection Certification
Contractors performing home inspections must be licensed and certified.
Requirements include:
Experience in home construction
Passing a certification exam
Continuing education
Ensures inspectors are knowledgeable and competent.
Division 9 — Contested Case Hearings
If a contractor disagrees with a Board decision, they can request a hearing.
Provides a formal process for appeals and fairness.
Division 10 — Arbitration
Optional arbitration process for disputes between contractors and consumers.
Provides a faster alternative to court.
Division 11 — Approved Training and Professional Credentials
Rules about which training programs are officially recognized.
Contractors must use approved programs for licensing or continuing education.
Division 12 — Contractor Duties
Rules for what contractors must do:
Must provide written contracts for jobs above a certain cost.
Must disclose all important information to consumers (e.g., costs, timelines, permits required).
Must perform work competently and ethically.
Must respond to complaints and follow safety rules.
Purpose: Protects consumers and maintains trust in the construction industry.
Division 20-22 — Continuing Education
Licensed contractors must complete ongoing training.
Ensures contractors stay updated on:
Safety codes
Industry standards
New regulations
Division 25 — Energy Efficiency Programs
Covers contractors involved in programs for energy-efficient construction.
Includes rules for participating in loan or rebate programs.
Division 30 — Locksmith Certification
Contractors providing locksmith services need a license.
Includes rules for certification, training, and ethics.
Division 32 — Home Energy Assessor
Rules for contractors certifying home energy efficiency.
Includes exams and continuing education requirements.
✅ Summary
Chapter 812 establishes everything a contractor must know to operate legally in Oregon.
Covers licensing, duties, training, penalties, complaints, and specialty areas.
Protects both consumers and contractors by setting clear rules and enforcement standards.
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