Details Landscape Art is a landscape contractor. Details Landscape Art is not a landscape architect. The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the regulatory agency responsible for the licensing of contractors.
The California Code of Regulations defines a C-27 – Landscaping Contractor as follows: A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.
A landscape architect performs site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, storm water management, sustainable design, construction specification and ensures that all plans meet the current building codes and local and federal ordinances. A landscape architect is required to pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, or LARE, which is administered by the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB).
Basically, the landscape architect is licensed to draw plans, but not install landscape projects. The landscape contractor is licensed to install landscaping projects. The contractor, however, is permitted draw a design only if the design is part of a design-build project. This is why we at Details Landscape Art refer to ourselves as a ‘design-build contractor’. We cannot draw designs and sell them to clients. But we regularly draw sketches or designs in preparation for an installation project.
To become licensed as a landscape contractor, a two part examination must be passed – 1. Law and business, and 2. Trade. In addition, four years of journeyman level experience are required.
A Contractor’s Bond must be in place before CSLB can issue an active license. This bond is filed for the protection of consumers who may be damaged as a result of defective construction or other license law violations, and for the benefit of employees who have not been paid wages that are due to them. Requirements for the Contractor’s Bond:
- The bond must be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.
- The bond must be in the amount of $15,000.
- The business name and license number on the bond must correspond exactly with the business name and license number on the CSLB’s records.
- The bond must have the signature of the attorney-in-fact for the surety company.
- The bond must be written on a form approved by the Attorney General’s Office.
- The bond must be received at the CSLB’s Headquarters Office within 90 days of the effective date of the bond.
The prospective landscape contractor must supply proof of liability insurance with an aggregate limit of $1 million for licensees with five or fewer persons, and an additional $100,000 for each additional member over five, not to exceed $5 million total. Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance (or exemption certificate certifying that no workers are employed) must also be provided.
Details Landscape Art is a licensed, bonded and insured landscape contractor.