Batavia does not have a contractor registry, unlike neighboring towns. This issue has recently gained attention after residents shared experiences where having such a registry would have been helpful. The city council plans to address the topic at the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Proposal Overview & Status
Current Status: The Community and Economic Development Department is seeking direction from the City Council on whether to draft an ordinance implementing contractor registration.
Timeline: The item was discussed briefly on January 27, 2026, and deferred to the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting on February 10, 2026.
Proposed Implementation: If approved, staff recommends an implementation date of June 1, 2026, to allow time for notice to be given to contractors.
Revenue: The program is estimated to generate approximately $11,250 annually from roughly 150 contractors, which would offset administrative costs without requiring new staff.
Proposed Registration Requirements (Batavia)
The proposal outlines specific requirements for contractors performing work that requires a permit:
Fees:
- Annual registration fee of $100.00.
- Fees prorated to $25.00 for applications submitted between October and December.
- State-licensed contractors (roofing, plumbing, irrigation) would pay a discounted rate of $25.00.
- The first year of implementation would be free to encourage sign-ups.
Insurance & Bonding:
- Surety Bond: A $10,000 bond would be required.
- Liability Insurance: $1,000,000 in general liability insurance is required.
- State Compliance: Workers Compensation and Auto Liability must follow State Law.
Exemptions: Homeowners performing work on their own principal residence are exempt from registration.
Rationale & Historical Context
Background: The City Council previously discussed this in 2016 but did not proceed at that time. The issue was raised again in August 2025 due to homeowner complaints regarding improper work.
Documented Issues: Staff provided a list of “problem” contractor situations from 2013–2016, citing issues such as:
- Work done without permits or failing multiple inspections.
- Contractors taking deposits and abandoning jobs.
- Specific examples included basements finished with poor wiring, abandoned screen porch projects, and spray foam insulation not meeting fire codes.
Program Benefits: Registration provides homeowners with recourse (drawing on bonds or insurance) and allows the City to revoke the registration of disreputable contractors. It aims to provide “peace of mind” that the City can ensure quality work.
Potential Drawbacks: The program may be viewed as “business unfriendly” due to additional paperwork and could make work slightly more expensive.
Enforcement & Revocation
Violation Handling: The ordinance would allow for warnings, citations, and progressive disciplinary actions for repeated violations.
Revocation Powers: The City proposes the ability to revoke registration and prohibit work for violations of local or state laws and building codes.
Appeals: An appeal process to the City Council would be developed for aggrieved contractors.
Comparative Municipal Data
Comparing Batavia’s proposal with neighboring communities:
Sugar Grove
- Fees: $150.00 annually.
- Requirements: $10,000 Surety Bond and $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability insurance.
- Exemptions: Fee and bond requirements are waived for plumbers, electricians, and irrigation contractors per state statute, though they must provide copies of their licenses.
- Revocation List: Sugar Grove maintains a public list of revoked contractors (e.g., “Aim High Contracting”).
- Revocation involves a hearing before a “contractor review panel” (Building Inspector, Public Works Director, Community Development Director).
- Revoked names remain on the list for five years.
West Chicago
- Fees: $235.00 for initial registration; $175.00 for renewal.
- Requirements: $10,000 Surety Bond and specific insurance minimums ($100,000 per person/$300,000 aggregate).
- Process: Registrations expire on December 31.
- Discipline: The Building Official can suspend or revoke registration for up to two years, with appeals heard by the City Administrator.
St. Charles
- Fees: No registration fees are charged.
- Requirements: Contractors must still register and provide Certificates of Insurance ($100,000/$300,000 liability).
- Specifics: $10,000 bonds are required for specific trades like electrical, excavation, and concrete.Regional Survey Data (2013)
Regional Survey Data (2013)
A survey of area municipalities indicated mixed participation in contractor registration:
Yes: Aurora, Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Bolingbrook, Elgin, Geneva, and Wheaton have registration programs.
No: DeKalb, Huntley, Plano, Sycamore, and Yorkville did not require registration at the time of the survey.
Fee Variability: Fees ranged significantly, from $25 (Wheaton) to $200+ (Arlington Heights), with varying bond requirements.
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/document/6e640960-4fd1-4b3a-9f47-89eecde60f40/
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