WARREN Warren City Council will consider two pieces of legislation on Wednesday aimed at tightening regulations for building contractors operating within the city limits.

Sponsored by First Ward Council Member Todd Johnson, the proposed ordinances would update the city’s codified ordinances regarding contractor definitions, registration requirements, and surety bonds.

The first proposal would require that all registered contractors maintain a $25,000 surety bond with the city. The bond is intended to cover faithful performance of work, compliance with city ordinances, and indemnification against potential negligence by the contractor or their employees.

According to the legislation, the bond must be renewed annually alongside the contractor's registration. Failure to maintain the bond would result in suspension or revocation of the contractor's registration.

A companion ordinance seeks to clarify the definitions of general, mechanical, and street contractors. It explicitly requires registration for anyone engaging in construction, alteration, repair, or demolition work subject to the Ohio Basic Building Code or the International Residential Code.

The measure defines general contractors as those working on buildings or structures, while mechanical contractors are defined as those requiring state licensing for electrical, plumbing, heating, or air conditioning work. Street contractors are defined as those working on curbs, pavements, sidewalks, and sewers within the public right of way.

The proposal would also introduce a $50 administrative fee for incomplete or improperly submitted registration documents that require return to the applicant for corrections.

City officials state in the draft legislation that the updates are necessary to ensure construction and demolition work is performed properly and to protect the city and its residents from liability.

The proposed rules include exemptions for homeowners performing work on the single-family dwellings where they reside, though standard permits would still be required. Work performed by the state or federal government would also be exempt.

Both measures are slated to be introduced as emergency legislation during the council meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Municipal Justice Building on South Street.