Important Law & Other Legal Resources
POWERFUL SEARCH ENGINES
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Business
and Professional Licensing Administration
Provides information on contractor, tradesman licensing, etc.
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Access Board (formerly Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board)
Comprehensive ADA Information
Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center
Broad EPA compliance information
Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory
Technical information on wood products
Department of Labor, Employment Law Guide
Basic information for businesses hiring employees
Forms.gov
Searchable database for federal forms
Internal Revenue Service, Construction
Tax information for construction businesses
Internal Revenue Service, Homebuilder Energy Credit
Information on a tax credit is available to energy efficient homebuilders
Paints and Coatings Resource Center
Information on environmental regulations pertaining to paint
Small Business Administration
Resources for a Small Business along with information on SBA Loans
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General business Links
American Concrete Institute
Forms and publications
American Institute of Architects
A variety of publications may be purchased
American Institute of Constructors
Trade association with certification process
American Institute of Steel Construction
Specifications and Publications
American Institute of Timber Construction
Forms and publications
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Standards information
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Standards information
American Welding Society
Welding codes and standards
American Wood Council
Wood related code and construction information
Architectural Precast Association
Information on Precast Concrete
Architectural Woodwork Institute
Quality standards and publications
Association of Pool and Spa Professionals
Information, codes and specifications for pool designers
Brick Industry Association (formerly Brick Institute of America)
Information, and code information for those who use brick
Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers’ Association
Contains code information and standards for cellulose insulation.
Design-Build Institute of America
Trade association with forms and broad information
Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, Inc.
Information about expansion joints
First Source
Thorough building code information
Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association
Codes and other information for safe construction
Insulation Contractors Association of America
General information on insulation.
Manufactured Housing Institute
Information on manufactured housing
Masonry Advisory Council
Codes and other technical information
National Association of Home Builders
Trade association with broad resources such as codes standards and environmental information
National Concrete Masonry Association
Online Resources includes articles on fire safety and code issues
National Roofing Contractors Association
Information for roofers
National Swimming Pool Foundation
Codes and other resources for swimming pool contractors Construction Manual: A Handbook for Builders and Developers” and other energy efficiency technical publications
Painting and Decorating Contractors of America
Code and standards
Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association
Plumbing information
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
Plumbing code information and more
Portland Cement Association
Free and pay information
Research Council on Structural Connections
Specifications and proposed procedures
Retail Contractors Association
Trade Association
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
Technical information
Stairway Manufacturers’ Association
Codes and other information on stairways
Steel Door Institute
Info on steel doors
Steel Framing Alliance
Info on steel framing
ToolBase Services: The Home Building Industry’s Technical Information Resource
Broad resource library
Window and Door Manufacturers Association
Technical information and standards
Wire Reinforcement Institute
Technical and code information
Wood Truss Council of America
Standards and other technical information
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MARYLAND STATE AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Provides information about licensing and a directory where licensed businesses can be located
Home Improvement Commission
A home improvement Commission License is generally necessary to contract directly with individuals for work on their residences. This site provides information and forms and allows certain online applications
Maryland Attorney General Home Builder’s Registration Unit
Provides information on required home builders license and permits online registration
Regulatory and Enforcement Division State Comptroller
Provides general licensing information
Montgomery County Consumer Protection
Provides form and information about licensing requirements for Montgomery County
Montgomery County Permitting Services
Provides real time information on permits and allows scheduling of inspections on line, among
other things
Frederick County Division of Permitting & Development
Provides information on obtaining permits inspections etc. in Frederick County Maryland
Howard County D.I.L.P.
Provides information on Howard County Permits
State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
Forms information and applications for these trades
State Board of Master Electricians
Forms information and applications for this trade
State Board of Plumbing
Forms information and applications for this trade
Department of the Environment
Information on environmental issues such as lead and asbestos abatement
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VIRGINIA STATE & COUNTY LINKS
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Licensing information, forms, and searchable database.
Board for Contractors
Provides forms information and a searchable database.
Fairfax County Government
Information on Fairfax County License
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/buildingpermits/
Provides information on building permits, code enforcement along with an interactive permit system.
Arlington County Government
Provides information on license
Alrington, VA Inspection Services
Provides information on building permits, code enforcement along with an interactive permit system.
City of Alexandria Code Enforcement
Provides information on licenses, building permits, code enforcement along with an interactive permit system.
Board for Contractors Tradesman Licensure
Provides regulations forms, etc