General Contractor License
The City of Pittsburgh requires that a General Contractor License is required for all work performed under a Commercial Building Permit. A General Contractor license is also required for the following permits:
- Construction of new one or two family dwellings.
- Renovations and/or additions to one or two family dwellings that are rental or investment property.
- Demolition permits for commercial or residential structures.
In Person or Mailing Application Process
1) PREPARE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- See checklist below for quick list of requirements.
2) COMPLETE APPLICATION
- Download and complete the License Application, OR fill out an application online!
3) SUBMIT DOCUMENTS AND PAYMENT
Print out application and mail it along with required information, or bring it in person with all other required information, and Current Fee.
Check the cost of your license application fee here: Current Fee Schedule
Pay by credit card at the counter or online!
Make all checks or money orders payable to TREASURER – CITY OF PITTSBURGH. Please see main License page for credit card and echeck fees
WONDERING HOW MUCH YOUR LICENSE COSTS?
All Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections fees change annually. Consult the Current Fee Schedule for new applications, renewals, and late fees.
LATE FEES
A 60 day grace period begins when your license expires. A late fee will be charged the day after your license expires. If your license is not renewed within 60 days of expiration, it is considered lapsed and closed. All contractor and trade licenses expire a year from the date of issuance.
RESOURCES
- LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL INFO OR CLARIFICATION ON YOUR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS? Check out the Rules and Regulations
- HOW DO I GET A TAX CERFICATION LETTER?
- Call or email the Department of Finance
- INSURANCE INFO
- A Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage for the applicant at the location where licensed activity will take place, and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder and additionally insured. The insurance expiration date must be at least 30-days after the date of licensed activity start date. If not, please provide a documentation from your insurer showing intent to extend coverage and list the expiration date as thirty-one (31)days after the licensed activity start date.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: A Certificate of Insurance showing Worker's Compensation coverage for the applicant business and listing the City of Pittsburgh as the certificate holder. If the business does not have any employees, then upload a notarized statement attesting that there are no employees.
- Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections Workers' Compensation Exemption Affidavit.
