Rockland OKs contractor licensing overhaul at heated meeting
Rockland County lawmakers voted Tuesday evening to overhaul the home improvement contractor licensing system after a public hearing where contractors and residents were divided. The measure passed 14-1, with two absent.
The changes strip the Home Improvement Licensing Board of regulatory authority, making it advisory, and shift licensing functions to county government under its consumer protection structure tied to Legislative oversight.
Supporters, including some contractors, said the 1980s-era system was too burdensome and limited licensing. Others said the changes weaken protections.
Bill sponsor Legislator Itamar Yeger, a Democrat representing District 4 in Ramapo, said the update follows years of discussion and is meant to streamline the process, referencing neighboring counties such as Westchester.
The law allows contractors licensed elsewhere for five years without complaints to qualify for a Rockland license and lets applicants post a bond to protect homeowners. It requires decisions within 45 days, license issuance within five business days, adds written explanations and appeals for denials, and caps fines for retrieving impounded equipment at $2,000 instead of tying them to value. Legislator Lon Hofstein said it was a compromise with neither side fully satisfied.
Tensions rose when Mike Parietti, a former independent county executive candidate, was removed by sheriff’s deputies at Chair Jay Hood’s request after questioning the process and criticizing 2022 redistricting, which he said “gave Hasidic leaders” more power..
Critics said the changes could affect development in Ramapo by increasing contractor availability. Parietti said he was “speaking the truth” as he was escorted out to cheers and chants of “Stop the Hate,” while Hood faced criticism over comments made during the meeting about people perceived as undocumented immigrants.
County data shows 2,128 home improvement licenses for a population of more than 340,000. The board remains advisory with no power to issue or revoke licenses. The changes take effect in the coming weeks and are intended to streamline the county’s contractor licensing system.
