Landscape Contractors in Oregon Can Now Obtain A Modified License

Recently, a new landscape contractor license was introduced in Oregon. The so-called modified license is the newest license phase available to landscape contractor license applicants in the state. It allows licensees to perform a limited number of landscape contracting activities.

To obtain this license, individuals will need to submit an application at the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board, pass an exam, as well as submit a contractor license bond in an amount determined by the Board.

To learn how to get this license, and what is permitted under it, see below!

Oregon Modified Landscape Contractor License

On February 1, 2019, the modified license phase for landscape contractors in Oregon was announced. It is the most limited one issued by the Landscape Contractors Board. Contractors who obtain this phase will be allowed to conduct up to $5,000 worth of the following types of landscaping work:

• Planning and/or installing lawns, shrubs, vines, trees, or nursery stock, as well as the preparation of the property on which the vegetation will be planted
• Planning, installing, maintaining, and repairing fences, arbors, patios, landscape edging, driveways, and walkways
• Planning, installing, maintaining, and repairing decks unless an additional permit is required
• Grading – only in conjunction with landscaping, cannot exceed 5 cubic yards
• Low voltage lighting – this activity is initially not allowed, but can be performed after 12 months if the licensee has no claims filed against them or has had any civil penalties

As with low voltage lighting, if after 12 months you have no claims or civil penalties, you may apply for an increase in the permitted dollar volume of work to $6,500.

The following activities are not allowed to modified license holders but can be subcontracted within the $5,000 job limit:

• Drainage
• Ornamental water features
• Irrigation
• Backflow
• Retaining walls

Licensing requirements for modified license

As with other landscape contractor licenses in Oregon, applicants for a modified license must complete several application requirements, as defined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 671.520 to 671.760, and OAR Chapter 808). To apply for and obtain a license you must:

• Have a one-year landscape related experience qualification, and provide proof thereof
• Be the owner of the landscaping business
• Pass the laws, rules, and business practice section of the landscape contractor exam
• Provide a surety bond in an amount determined by the Board

Oregon landscape contractor license bond requirement

The bond required of landscape contractors in Oregon is intended to serve as a guarantee for payments and other contractor responsibilities as defined in ORS 671.690 through ORS 671.710. This includes:

• Paying taxes and contributions to the state of Oregon
• Paying subcontractors who furnish materials, labor, and equipment
• Paying any penalties of claims that arise because of neglect or improper work by a contractor
• The proper conducting of the obligations and responsibilities of the contractor in accordance with their license phase

The bond that modified license holders must obtain must be in an amount that is determined by the Board. Typically, bond amounts are based on the type of work conducted by the contractor and the amount charged for the work.

To get the bond, contractors must pay a percentage of the total bond amount, a bond premium. This premium is determined by sureties on the basis of applicants’ personal credit score, as we as other indicators of their financial standing. Applicants who have high credit scores can expect to be offered a premium of as little as $100 for their landscape contractor license bond.

Get a free and accurate quote on your bond by completing our bond form. We will contact you within a short amount of time, and provide you with further information about this bond, along with your quote.