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Council adopts contractor-licensing ordinance after heated public comment and failed postponement
Summary
Following public testimony from local contractors and debate over state reciprocity, the council defeated a motion to postpone and adopted Ordinance 2114 (clarifying contractor-licensing experience requirements and the appeals route) on third reading; staff said licensing administration remains with the building official.
The Laramie City Council on Nov. 18 approved Ordinance No. 2114 on third and final reading to amend Chapter 15.24 of the Laramie Municipal Code, clarifying language about general-contractor licensing years of experience and the appeals process.
Councilor O'Doherty proposed postponing the vote to Dec. 16, citing concerns about pending applicants and potential conflicts with Wyoming statute on reciprocity. The council debated the postponement and took public comment.
Steven Pence, a longtime property manager and applicant whose paperwork the city had previously deemed incomplete, warned the proposed changes could conflict with state law and create a two-tiered licensing system that disadvantages newer applicants. "Passing this ordinance tonight would not improve safety, professionalism, or consistency in Laramie," Pence said during public comment, arguing it could invite legal challenges under state reciprocity requirements.
Director Taney responded that the city had met with Pence and explained staff had not received additional documentation; she said the building official administers licensing and that the city already accepts comparable licenses from some Wyoming cities. Taney also said the ordinance's clarification concerned where appeals are directed (the building and fire code board of appeals) and adjustments to the years-of-service wording.
Council considered but rejected the postponement motion (0 yes, 8 no, 1 absent). After additional discussion and requests for staff engagement with a working group of contractors, the council approved the ordinance on third reading by a vote of 6 yes, 2 no and 1 absent. Staff and several councilors said the contractor working group will meet (scheduled outreach on Dec. 12) to review implementation and potential future code changes.
The ordinance as adopted clarifies appeal jurisdiction and codifies experience/years language; staff said existing licensing determination remains the responsibility of the building official and that applicants may provide supplemental documentation for consideration.
