Cleveland Heights Contractor License Bond

Who Requires a Cleveland Heights Contractor Bond?

Contractors who are in Cleveland Heights, Ohio are required to obtain a contractor license bond as part of the licensing process. This requirement applies to the following classes of contractors: 

• General Contractor
• Electrician
• Plumber
• HVAC
• Hydronics
• Refrigeration
• Fire Suppression/Alarm

All contractor license/registration bond amounts are set at $10,000.

What is a Cleveland Heights Contractor Bond?

A Cleveland Heights contractor bond provides a guarantee to the Cleveland Heights general public that the contractor will fulfill their obligations and will comply with applicable laws and regulations. If a contractor fails to complete a project or violates any laws stipulated in the Cleveland Heights Code of Ordinances, a customer can file a claim against the bond to seek compensation for any financial losses. To put it simply, the bond acts as a financial protection for customers and the public in the city of Cleveland Heights.

Additionally, the Ohio Revised Code mandates that contractors obtain a contractor license bond as a condition for obtaining and maintaining a contractor’s license.

To learn more about contract bonds, you can refer to our “What is a bonded contractor” article for more information.

How To Get a Cleveland Heights Contractor Bond

SuretyNow offers the Cleveland Heights contractor license bond for $90 for a 1 year term. Discounts are available if you are looking to purchase for a longer term. See our pricing table below for multi-year pricing. 

The Cleveland Heights contractor license bond can be issued instantly without credit/background checks. After purchase, we will mail a copy of the bond to you and you will need to submit the copy of the bond along with your license application to the city of Cleveland Heights.

How To Get a Contractor License in Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Contractors must be registered with the City of Cleveland Heights. Since the term "contractor" includes "sub-contractors," they cannot legally work under a "homeowner" permit unless they are doing work for which a permit is not required (i.e., floor tile work under the homeowner's bathroom remodel permit). Registration protects you by requiring the contractor to provide liability insurance and a bond to ensure fiscal responsibility, the completion of your project, and code-conforming work. To become a licensed contractor in Cleveland Heights, the following must be presented in order to secure a contractor registration:

1. A complete Contractor Application
2. A surety bond in the amount of $10,000 (Bond submitted must be original and have an embossed seal or stamp from your Bonding company)
3. A Certificate of Liability Insurance listing the city of Cleveland Heights, Ohio as a certificate holder. Coverage must be:

• $100,000 per person
• $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury
• $50,000 per occurrence for property damage

4. Qualifications Certificate issued by  State of Ohio Contractor’s License for applicants seeking to be registered as electricians, plumbers, HVAC, refrigeration, and fire suppression/alarm contractors. You must bring a copy when registering. 

Note that general contractors aren’t required to present a certificate, but will not be issued permits for any of these kind of specific trade

5. A registration fee of $150 dollars per trade, $100 for each additional trade
6. Self addressed stamped envelope if requesting to return a copy of your registration by mail

Note that applications not accompanied by required bonds (original and signed) or other required information or documents will be returned. Registration expires December 31 and must be renewed annually.

Applications may be submitted to:

City of Cleveland Heights Building Department
40 Severance Circle
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 
216-291-4900