Landscape Contractor Requirements in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a landscape contractor is anyone who, for compensation, designs, constructs, repairs and maintains outdoor spaces, including plantings and hardscape. One subcategory of this profession is a hardscape contractor, who specializes in construction within a landscape, including walls, fences, walkways, fountains and drainage. Irrigation contractors install and maintain irrigation systems. In Minnesota, all of the above contractors must follow specific requirements before performing their work.
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Definition of Contractors
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To be considered an independently established contractor, individuals or businesses must meet four of the following conditions:
They must have a business location separate from the recipient of service, or in a part of their own residence used for business. They must bear the risk of loss by establishing contracts and offering insurance or bonds. They must provide contracted services for at least two or more persons within 12 months. And they must invest significantly in their business by purchasing equipment, licenses and service premises, maintaining professional memberships and hiring or firing employees. One example of a license is the Nursery Stock Dealer Certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This is required for anyone who sells and installs plants.
Legal Requirements
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Landscape contractors must comply with all government requirements, obtain and pay for required inspections and locate and protect existing underground and overhead utilities. They must buy plants only from suppliers certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, or a relevant out-of-state organization. Plants dug from the wild cannot be used as nursery stock. All contractors applying pesticides must have a pesticide applicator license, and all fertilizers used must be free of phosphorous. Finally, new irrigation systems must contain rain-sensing technology.
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Low Voltage Requirements
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Landscape contractors who install low voltage wiring need a Technology System Contractor license. In addition, they must also have at least one licensed Power Limited Technician on staff. Those who do not meet this requirement can subcontract the work to someone who has the appropriate technology system license or hire a state-licensed electrician to supervise the installation.
DOT Standards
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Landscape contractors performing work to Minnesota Department of Transportation standards require Mn/DOT Landscape Specialist Certification or they cannot perform the work. The DOT offers a one-day class on this topic in early February and March each year. Attendees must pass an online exam to receive the certification, which is valid for 3 years. Documentation of this certificate is required at or before the pre-construction conference for a landscaping job.
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References
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