§ 5-65-1 - Definitions.
SECTION 5-65-1
§ 5-65-1 Definitions. – As used in this chapter:
(1) "Board" means the contractors' registration and licensingboard established pursuant to the provisions of Rhode Island general laws§ 5-65-14 or its designees.
(2) "Commission" means the building code commissionsupportive of the contractors' registration and licensing board.
(3) "Contractor" means a person who, in the pursuit of anindependent business, undertakes or offers to undertake or submits a bid, orfor compensation and with or without the intent to sell the structure arrangesto construct, alter, repair, improve, move over public highways, roads orstreets or demolish a structure or to perform any work in connection with theconstruction, alteration, repair, improvement, moving over public highways,roads or streets or demolition of a structure, and the appurtenances thereto."Contractor" includes, but is not limited to, any person who purchases or ownsproperty and constructs or for compensation arranges for the construction ofone or more structures.
(ii) A certificate of registration is necessary for each"business entity" regardless of the fact that each entity may be owned by thesame individual.
(4) "Dwelling unit" means a single unit providing completeindependent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanentprovisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
(5) "Hearing officer" means a person designated by theexecutive director, to hear contested claims or cases, contested enforcementproceedings, and contested administrative fines, in accordance with theAdministrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.
(6) "Monetary damages" means the dollar amount required inexcess of the contract amount necessary to provide the claimant with what wasagreed to be provided under the terms of the contract reduced by any amount dueand unpaid to the respondent inclusive of any and all awards and restitution.
(7) "Staff" means the executive director for the contractors'registration and licensing board, and any other staff necessary to carry outthe powers, functions and duties of the board including inspectors, hearingofficers and other supportive staff.
(8) "State" means the state of Rhode Island.
(9) "Structure" means (i) any commercial building; or (ii)any building containing one or more residences and their appurtenances. Theboard's dispute resolution process shall apply only to residential structurescontaining dwelling units as defined in the state building code or residentialportions of other types of buildings without regard to how many units anystructure may contain. The board retains jurisdiction and may conduct hearingsregarding violations against all contractors required to be registered orlicensed by the board.
(10) "Substantially" means any violation, which affects thehealth, safety, and welfare of the general public.