Master Plumber License

Registration and Licensing of Master Plumbers

a. License Required: It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of plumbing in this City or to imply to the public that he is engaged in the business of plumbing in this City unless he has registered with and obtained a license as a master plumber from the Board.

b. Qualifications: The applicant for a master plumber’s license shall have at least ten years of experience in the plumbing trade; five years of which shall be a journeyman plumber. In addition, the applicant shall obtain a certificate of competency from the Board.

c. Applications:

1. Applications shall be advertised at least once each year at the discretion of the Board.
2. Applications from qualified candidates for examinations shall be filed with the Clerk of the Board at least 60 days prior to the examination.
3. The Clerk shall present said application at the next regular meeting of the Board. At this time the Board shall review the application and shall determine the qualifications of the applicant to sit for the examination. Notice of the Board’s action shall be sent to the applicant within 30 days of said meeting. An applicant who qualifies must then pay nonrefundable application and examination fees.

d. Examinations:

1. Examinations to qualified applicants shall be given at the time and place set by the Board. During the examination of applicants, only the Board, the clerk, and the applicants shall be present.
2. All tests formulated by the Board shall be of such character as to fully test the fitness and qualifications of the applicant in the trade of plumbing. Each test shall be given in three parts: (1) questions on the plumbing code and Practical Plumbing; (2) drawings of plumbing installations; and (3) plumbing layout and aptitude. The applicant must attain a grade of at least 75 points in order to receive a certificate of competency.
3. An applicant who has failed the test may notify the Board of his intent to be re-examined by registered mail to the chairman of the Board without having to file another application.

e. Licenses:

1. Upon receipt of a certificate of competency, the applicant shall register his name and business address in this City with the clerk of the Board on forms provided by the Board and pay the required registration fee, whereupon he shall receive a master plumber’s license. Said license shall be the same as the certificate of registration under article 4 of the General City Law.
2. All licenses shall expire on the 31st day of December of the year in which they have been issued and may be renewed within thirty (30) days preceding such expiration date on the renewal applications provided by the Board, and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
3. A master plumber who permits his license to lapse may apply for reinstatement upon payment of a reinstatement fee.
4. Any master plumber who abandons or ceases to engage in the business of plumbing work shall surrender his metal plate to the Board. A lapse of six months shall be considered an abandonment of the business.
5. Every master plumber shall give immediate notice of any change of location of his place of business to the Board.
6. All vehicles utilized by a master plumber in the business of plumbing shall be identified. All vehicles shall conspicuously display the name of the company, the identification number provided by the Examining Board of Plumbers, and identify the company as a plumber licensed by the City of Niagara Falls, New York.

f. Use of License by Others: No person who has obtained a master plumbers license in this City shall allow his name or license to be used by another person either for the purpose of obtaining permits or for engaging in plumbing work under said license. Furthermore, no person who has obtained a master plumber’s license may subcontract any plumbing work unless such a subcontractor is licensed as a master plumber pursuant to this ordinance. The permitted and subcontractor shall be required to provide the Director with a copy of any and all contract documents pertaining to the plumbing work prior to the commencement of said plumbing work.

In the sole discretion of the Director and upon his request, the permitted and/or subcontractor shall be required to provide to the Director any and all information and documentation to verify the status of any persons engaging in plumbing work, including but not limited to employment and payroll records. In the event a permitted and/or subcontractor should fail to comply with any such request from the Director, any and all permits issued by the Director shall be immediately revoked, and said person to persons shall immediately cease and desist in the performance of any work and immediately vacate the affected premises.

g. Installation Compliance: Master plumbers shall perform all associated work in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the National Plumbing Code and the Plumbing Code for the City of Niagara Falls.

h. Suspension or Revocation: The Board may, after written notice and a hearing, suspend or revoke the license of any master plumber for the violation of this plumbing code or any law which pertains to said license. Said license shall be suspended: for thirty (30) days for a first violation committed within a five (5) year period; for ninety (90) days for a second violation committed within a five (5) year period; and for six (6) months for a third violation committed within a five (5) year period. For any subsequent violation, irrespective of when committed, said license shall be permanently revoked.