PAINTING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA

Painting contractors in Davis, California.

Painting contractors in Davis, California, must navigate both state-level licensing and local business requirements. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) mandates a C-33 license for any project exceeding $500. Compliance ensures that contractors are properly bonded and insured, protecting both the business and the property owner.

At the local level, the City of Davis requires a business tax certificate for all contractors operating within city limits. While most residential painting does not require a building permit, contractors must remain vigilant regarding lead-based paint regulations for older homes and adhere to local environmental standards regarding waste disposal and storm drain protection.

State License
STATE C-33Painting & Decorating
Permit Issuer
City of DavisBuilding Division
Avg. Plan Review
N/APainting usually exempt
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $1,200+License/Bond/Tax
FILE · PAINTING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityCSLB
CountyYolo
City AuthorityCity of Davis Finance
Statute / CodeB&P Code 7000
Federal Cert.EPA RRP
ReciprocityNone
FILE PAINTINGLOCATION DAVIS, CALIFORNIATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to DavisWhat this leaf carries beyond the California state file.
Historic District Sensitivity
Davis has specific guidelines for exterior colors and treatments in historic districts.
Stormwater Compliance
Strict adherence to local ordinances preventing paint runoff into Davis storm drains.
Business Tax Structure
Davis uses a specific gross-receipts based tax structure for local contractors.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Painting work in Davis.

State licensing is mandatory; local registration is required for all business activity.

State — Floor
CSLB
C-33 LicenseSurety Bond
County — Overlay
Yolo County
Environmental HealthWaste Disposal
City — Where you file
City of Davis
Business Tax CertificateZoning Compliance

Read it bottom-up.

State licensing is mandatory; local registration is required for all business activity.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Painting and the jurisdiction is Davis, California.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
C-33 LicenseRequired for jobs > $500
CSLB
Verify with CSLB
8-12 weeks
B&P 7028
REQUIRED
Workers' CompRequired if employees
State Fund/Private
Verify with carrier
Immediate
Labor Code 3700
REQUIRED
Contractor Bond$25,000 surety
Surety Company
Verify with agent
1-3 days
B&P 7071.6
REQUIRED
Building PermitRare for painting
City of Davis
Verify with City
N/A
Davis Municipal Code
OPTIONAL
EPA RRPFor pre-1978 homes
EPA
Verify with trainer
1-day course
40 CFR 745
REQUIRED
Business LicenseCity tax certificate
City of Davis
Verify with City
1-2 weeks
Davis Muni Code 18
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Painting in Davis.

A practical floor for Davis, California. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Davis, California · Painting
CSLB ApplicationInitial feeVerify with CSLB
Contractor BondAnnual premiumVerify with agent
Business TaxAnnual feeVerify with City
EPA RRP TrainingOne-time/RenewalVerify with trainer
Workers' CompAnnual premiumVerify with carrier
General LiabilityRecommendedVerify with carrier
Year-one floorVaries by business size
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Bond Costs

Bond premiums depend on credit history.

Note
Tax Variations

Davis business tax is based on gross receipts.

Note
Insurance

Rates fluctuate based on payroll and claims history.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Painting contractors in Davis.

1
Day 0
Pass CSLB Exams
CSLB
2
Day 14
File Bond & Insurance
CSLB
3
Day 30
Receive License
CSLB
4
Day 45
Apply for Davis Business Tax
City of Davis
5
Day 60
Project Bidding
N/A
6
Day 90
Project Completion
N/A
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Verify License
Check CSLB portal
CSLBPublicB&P 7028
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Lead Testing
Test pre-1978 surfaces
EPASafety40 CFR 745
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Contract Writing
Use CSLB compliant forms
LegalConsumerB&P 7159
ContractorIssuing authority
04
Waste Disposal
Proper paint disposal
EnvironmentalYoloLocal Ordinance
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Insurance Update
Keep COI current
InsuranceLiabilityB&P 7071.6
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Tax Filing
Renew Davis business tax
TaxCityDavis Muni Code
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Davis.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unlicensed Contracting

Performing work over $500 without a C-33 license.

PenaltyFines and potential jail time
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Lead Safety Violations

Failure to use RRP-certified practices on older homes.

PenaltyFederal EPA fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Improper Waste Disposal

Rinsing paint equipment into storm drains.

PenaltyLocal environmental citations
§ 07 · Davis-specific FAQ

Questions Painting contractors ask about Davis.

Q01Do I need a license for small painting jobs in Davis?+
Yes, if the total cost of labor and materials exceeds $500, you must be licensed by the CSLB.
CSLBLicensingSource · Business and Professions Code 7028
Q02Does the City of Davis require a separate permit for painting?+
Standard painting usually does not require a permit, but you should verify with the Davis Building Division if the project involves historic structures.
PermitsDavisSource · Davis Municipal Code
Q03Is lead-safe certification required for painting?+
Yes, if you are working on homes built before 1978, you must follow EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rules.
EPASafetySource · 40 CFR Part 745
Q04Do I need a business license in Davis?+
Yes, all contractors operating within city limits must obtain a City of Davis business tax certificate.
BusinessTaxSource · Davis Municipal Code Chapter 18
Q05What happens if I work without a license?+
Contracting without a license is a misdemeanor in California and can lead to significant fines and legal action by the CSLB.
LegalCSLBSource · Business and Professions Code 7028
Q06Where do I file for a contractor's bond?+
The bond is filed with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) as part of your licensing requirements.
BondCSLBSource · CSLB Licensing Requirements
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.