§ 29.04.050. Certificates, examinations, cancellations, licenses and bonds.

a.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of installing, repairing, replacing, altering, or maintenance of a solar energy system in the city, unless and until a certificate has been obtained therefor, and a license has been issued for such business and a permit has been obtained for such work, all in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Solar energy installers' apprentices shall be permitted to work when accompanied by and work under the direct supervision of a master or journeyman installer, who shall be responsible for work done by the apprentice.

b.

The energy advisory board shall meet and designate the times and place for examination of all applicants desiring to engage in or work at the business of installing, repairing, replacing, altering, or maintenance of a solar energy system in the city. Such board shall examine each applicant as to his or her particular knowledge of solar energy systems and if satisfied as to the competency of the applicant shall thereupon direct that said certificate be issued to the applicant, authorizing him or her to engage in or work at the business of installing, repairing, replacing, altering or maintenance of a solar energy system, either as a master installer or journeyman installer. Examinations may be made in whole or in part in writing, but sufficiently broad to test the qualifications of the applicant as the board may deem necessary. All applicants for a journeyman installer certificate shall have had a minimum of one year practical experience at the trade to prove his ability, or such other qualifications as the board may require. All applicants for a master installers certificate shall have had a minimum of two years practical experience at the trade as a journeyman installer or three years written documentation on company letterhead of proof of field installation experience at the trade, or such other qualifications as the board may require.

The fee for each examination and original certificate of a master installer shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents; for each examination and original certificate of a journeyman installer the fee shall be seven dollars and fifty cents.

All solar energy installers certificates shall be renewed annually upon payment of a fee of three dollars. All such certificates shall expire on the 31st of December of each year, and no reduction shall be made for part of the year being elapsed. All holders of certificates not renewed within thirty (30) days after their expiration may be required to take a new examination before receiving a new certificate and shall be required to pay a ten percent per month penalty.

c.

Any person engaging or desiring to engage in the business of installing, repairing, replacing, altering or maintenance of a solar energy system shall, before obtaining any permit or transacting any business, obtain a license therefor from the superintendent of central inspection, which license shall expire on the 31st day of December of the year in which it was so issued. Any such person holding a current master installers certificate may apply for a solar energy installers license. No license shall be transferred from one person to another. Permits shall be obtained for such work as required in this Code, and the same shall be issued to the person who possesses the master installers certificate.

Before a solar energy installers' license is issued, the applicant therefor shall file with the city clerk a surety bond in the amount of two thousand dollars, which shall be approved as to form by the city attorney, the conditions of such bond to be that the principle therein will comply with all provisions of the Code and other ordinances of the city regulating solar energy installations, and to hold and save the city harmless on any and all damages to persons or property resulting from or growing out of any opening or excavation made, material stored or placed upon, or any operation in any street, alley or public property.

A solar energy installers license may be issued to any firm, copartnership or corporation of which at least one active member or officer who devotes full time to that firm, copartnership or corporation has been qualified as and has a current master installers certificate. The fee for a license to engage in the solar energy installations shall be twenty dollars. Each license shall be renewed annually by December 31st. Licensees who have not renewed their license by January 31st shall pay a penalty of ten percent per month thereafter.

d.

The energy advisory board is hereby authorized to cancel and recall the certificate of any master installer, journeyman installer or the license of any master installer for any of the following reasons:

1.

Abandonment of any contract without legal cause.

2.

Diversion of funds or property received for performance or completion of a specific contract, or for a specific purpose in the performance or completion of any contract, and the application or use for any other contract, obligation or purpose or the failure, neglect or refusal to use such funds or property for the performance or completion of such contract.

3.

The committing of any act in violation of any provisions of this Code of the failure or refusal to comply with any lawful order of the administrative authority.

4.

Misrepresentation of a material fact by the applicant in obtaining a license.

5.

The failure of any such master installer or journeyman installer to fully satisfy all claims for labor and materials used in the performance of any work for which he has been engaged and for which he has been paid.

6.

Use of a license to obtain permits for another.

7.

Carelessness or negligence in providing reasonable safety measures for the protection of workmen and the public.

8.

Failure to obtain permits.

9.

Unreasonable delay in the performance and carrying out of any contract.

(Ord. No. 39-287 (part))