Columbia County to hold adoption hearing for storm debris contractor registration ordinance

County staff presented a draft ordinance that would require storm debris removal contractors to register with Columbia County, display a registration number when working, and disclose their registration and the scope of their bid to homeowners before performing storm-debris work.

The presenter described the registration as administrative — a phone number, text contact and email that county staff could use to reach contractors quickly if complaints arise during disaster cleanup. "One of the requirements is you have to give me a number that I can text, a number that I can call, and an email address that you check no less than once every 24 hours," the staff member said. The ordinance would also make it a prohibited act to perform debris-removal work during a county-declared state of emergency without a registration number.

The draft would allow a primary registered contractor to use subcontractors, but those subcontractors must display the prime contractor’s registration number while working. The presenter said the prime contractor remains responsible for the work of its subcontractors.

Why it matters: Last storm season, county staff said, there were consumer complaints and misrepresentations by out-of-area contractors soliciting debris removal. The registration is intended to give residents a means to confirm a contractor’s registration and to give the county contact information to respond rapidly to complaints and, if necessary, pursue enforcement.

Commissioners raised practical concerns including how to handle an out-of-county contractor a homeowner wants to hire and whether registration would be required before an emergency is declared. Staff said contractors can register in "blue skies" before a storm; contractors who do not register prior to an emergency would not receive a registration number during declared emergency conditions. Staff recommended placing signage at county lines to notify entering contractors of the requirement.

Commissioner comments were supportive; the board set an adoption hearing for Aug. 21 and asked staff to accept feedback on the draft guidelines before the final hearing. No formal ordinance adoption occurred tonight; the item was scheduled for the board’s next meeting for a formal vote.

Ending: Staff said they will continue refining the guidelines and encouraged contractors to register before a storm to avoid enforcement complications during emergencies.