North Carolina regulates landscape contracting through a dedicated chapter of its General Statutes. Chapter 89D establishes who must be licensed, who oversees the licensing program, what constitutes a violation, and what consequences follow from non-compliance. This page provides a plain-language overview for contractors, property owners, and anyone else who wants to understand how the law works.
This website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the NC Landscape Contractors' Registration Board or any government agency.
What Is Chapter 89D
Chapter 89D of the North Carolina General Statutes is the foundational law governing landscape contractor licensing in the state. The General Assembly enacted Chapter 89D to protect the public from incompetent or dishonest practitioners by ensuring that anyone who performs landscape contracting for compensation has met minimum standards of knowledge and skill. The chapter creates a registration system, establishes a governing board, defines the scope of regulated practice, and authorizes enforcement. It applies statewide and preempts local licensing ordinances that might otherwise create a patchwork of different requirements across counties and municipalities.
The NC Landscape Contractors' Registration Board
Chapter 89D creates the NC Landscape Contractors' Registration Board (NCLCRB) as the state agency responsible for administering the licensing program. The board is composed of licensed landscape contractors appointed by the Governor, along with public members. Its core duties include reviewing and approving license applications, administering required examinations, issuing and renewing licenses, investigating complaints, and taking disciplinary action against licensees or unlicensed practitioners who violate the statute. The board is a self-supporting agency funded through licensing fees rather than general tax revenue.
Definition of Landscape Contracting Under the Statute
Under Chapter 89D, landscape contracting means engaging in the business of, or acting in the capacity of, a landscape contractor for compensation. A landscape contractor is broadly defined as a person who, for compensation, plans, designs, installs, maintains, or supervises any combination of: grading and preparation of land; planting of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and other plant material; installation of landscape structures such as walls, walks, and other decorative or functional outdoor elements; and installation of irrigation systems. The definition is comprehensive and is intended to cover the full range of activities involved in creating and modifying landscape installations.
Who Must Be Licensed
Any person or business entity that performs landscape contracting in North Carolina for compensation must hold a current, valid license issued by the NCLCRB. This applies to sole proprietors, partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and any other business form. A business entity must have a qualifying licensee responsible for supervising licensed work. Performing or offering to perform landscape contracting without a valid license is a violation of Chapter 89D subject to civil and potentially criminal penalties.
License Classes
The NCLCRB issues licenses to both individuals and business entities. An individual license authorizes the license holder to perform landscape contracting and to serve as the qualifying individual for a business entity's license. Business entity licenses are issued in the name of the company. Applicants must meet education or experience requirements and pass the NCLCRB's examination. License holders must renew annually and maintain required insurance throughout the license period. Prospective applicants should contact the NCLCRB for the most current information on license categories and qualification standards, as these details can change with statutory amendments or board rule revisions.
Enforcement Authority
The NCLCRB has broad authority to investigate suspected violations of Chapter 89D. The board may receive and review complaints from members of the public, other contractors, or its own staff. It can subpoena records, conduct hearings, and issue final orders. Against current licensees, the board may impose disciplinary sanctions including reprimands, probation, suspension, or revocation of a license. Against unlicensed individuals or entities, the board may refer matters for civil or criminal enforcement through the courts.
Penalties for Violations
Chapter 89D authorizes the NCLCRB to seek civil penalties against those who perform landscape contracting without a valid license. Courts may also enter injunctions ordering unlicensed activity to cease. In cases of willful violation, Chapter 89D contemplates criminal referral, which can result in misdemeanor charges. Separately, contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable under North Carolina contract law principles, exposing unlicensed contractors to the risk of not being paid even for work they have completed.
Recent Amendments
Like all chapters of the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 89D is subject to amendment by the General Assembly. Examination requirements, fee schedules, board composition, and enforcement procedures may be modified in any legislative session. The information on this page reflects the general framework of the statute and may not capture the most recent changes. Always verify current requirements by consulting the official text of the statute or contacting the NCLCRB.
Where to Read the Full Statute
The authoritative text of Chapter 89D is published by the NC General Assembly on its official website at ncleg.net. Navigate to the General Statutes section and search for Chapter 89D to access the full text of each article and section. The NCLCRB also publishes relevant administrative rules in the North Carolina Administrative Code, which supplement the statute with more detailed procedural requirements.