Andover amends contractor‑licensing rules to accept MABCD certificates

The Andover City Council on June 24 approved an ordinance amending section 4‑106 of the city code to accept Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) credentials as proof of competency and insurance for trade contractors. The ordinance passed 6‑0.

Les Mangus, director of community development, said the change eliminates redundant local licensing for contractors who already hold MABCD certificates. He told the council that accepting a single regional certificate reduces administrative burden for contractors who work across multiple cities, while preserving the city's assurances that contractors are qualified and insured.

Mangus said the amendment applies to trade contractors such as building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors. Council members asked whether state licenses (for example, for roofers) or county requirements would be affected; staff said the ordinance applies to the trade contractor categories and does not replace state licensing where that exists. Staff also told the council that Butler County uses different rules and that contractors doing business in multiple jurisdictions may still need to meet each jurisdiction's separate requirements.

Councilmember Homer moved to adopt the ordinance to amend section 4‑106; the motion was seconded and passed 6‑0.