Handyman License Requirements in Bradford, PA
Reroofing a single-family home, two-family home or townhouse in Bradford needs an application to the City first, unless the work already has a building permit, and the approval must be posted in view while the work runs (City Code Ch. 171, 2024). Contractors pay the 6-mill Business Privilege Tax on the job when the permit is pulled.
Bradford requirements
Reroofing a single-family home, two-family home or townhouse in Bradford needs an application to the City first, unless the work already has a building permit, and the approval must be posted in view while the work runs (City Code Ch. 171, 2024). Contractors pay the 6-mill Business Privilege Tax on the job when the permit is pulled.
Source: ecode360.com · checked November 14, 2026
Local business license
Required
- Name: Business Privilege Tax registration and return (City Code Ch. 196, Art. VI)
- Applies when: A separate $25 Mercantile License (Ch. 196, Art. I) applies only to wholesale or retail dealers in goods, not to service-only work.
- Trigger: Engaging in any business in the City; for contractors, each job at the time the building permit is obtained
- Office: City Treasurer, City of Bradford
- Fee: 6.0 mills on each dollar of gross receipts; contractors pay on the contract amount at permit time
"Every person engaging in any business in the City in the year 1987 and for each and every year thereafter shall annually pay a tax of 6.0 mills on each dollar of gross receipts generated by the exercise of that privilege."
Source: ecode360.com · checked November 14, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
Depends
- Name: City of Bradford Master Plumber License (City Code Ch. 159)
- Applies when: Only plumbing work; property owners may do plumbing on their own property. The code chapter list (Ch. 1 to 220) has no general contractor licensing chapter.
- Trigger: Engaging in the business of plumbing or installing, altering or repairing any plumbing system in the city
- Office: Plumbing Inspector, Department of Public Works, Municipal Building
- Fee: Set by City Council resolution (annual)
"No person, business or corporation shall engage in the business of plumbing in the City of Bradford unless licensed as a master plumber or has in their employ a licensed master plumber who is duly qualified and licensed under the provisions of this chapter."
Source: ecode360.com · checked November 14, 2026
County: McKean County
The Pennsylvania rule
Regulator: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (PA-HICRS, hic.attorneygeneral.gov). LLC formation: PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
Not a home improvement contractor (no registration needed) if 'the total cash value of all of that person's home improvements is less than $5,000 during the previous taxable year' (strictly under $5,000; at $5,000 or more registration is required). FAQ elsewhere phrases it as 'less than $5,000 of work in a calendar year'. Separately, a job only counts as a 'home improvement' when the total cash price agreed is more than $500. Other exemption: home improvement retailers with net worth over $50,000,000. Written contracts are required for home improvements over $500; deposit limits apply to projects over $5,000.
What counts toward it: other: total cash value of all of the person's home improvements in the previous taxable year (annual business volume, not per job); a 'home improvement' itself is only work where total cash price agreed is more than $500
"A person for whom the total cash value of all of that person’s home improvements is less than $5,000 during the previous taxable year."
Source: attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
HICPA registration with the OAG: $100 non-refundable fee every two years (raised from $50 via a Fiscal Code change, 72 P.S. 1603-U; online card payments add $2). Proof of commercial general liability insurance: at least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage (self-insurance allowed with certificate). PA registration number (e.g., PA123456) must appear on all ads, contracts, estimates and proposals. Updates within 30 days of changes. Unregistered work: civil penalties of $1,000 or more; contracts may be unenforceable. Licensed electricians, master plumbers etc. must also register if doing home improvements.
Source: attorneygeneral.gov · hic.attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Insurance and bond
HICPA registrants: CGL at least $50,000 personal injury liability and $50,000 property damage. No state bond required (none found on OAG pages).
Source: hic.attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania
State filing fee: $125.
Source: pa.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Pennsylvania rule and confirm with Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (PA-HICRS, hic.attorneygeneral.gov). LLC formation: PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations..
- Line up the Bradford items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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