Landscape Contractor (C-10)

Nevada C-10 Landscape Contractor License

NAC 624.280 defines a narrower scope than most contractors expect — the C-10 covers landscaping, irrigation, drainage, and hydroseeding, but limits hardscape to small-scale nonload-bearing work.

What NAC 624.280 Authorizes

A full C-10 license under NAC 624.280(2) authorizes:

• Planting and maintenance: Grade and prepare land for architectural horticulture; plant and maintain gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, bushes, and trees
• Drainage and irrigation: Construct drainage and landscape irrigation systems
• Xeriscape materials: Install rocks, sand, gravel, and other landscape materials that use xeriscape principles — a Nevada-specific provision reflecting the state's water-conservation policy
• Hydroseeding: Spray mulch, seeds, and nutrients under pressure for erosion and seed establishment
• Erosion control and features: Install nonengineered decorative landscape ponds, nonengineered prefabricated trellises and arbors

Hardscape limits (NAC 624.280(3)): C-10 covers hardscape only within strict bounds — nonload-bearing brick or stone walkways not exceeding 200 sq ft, patio areas not exceeding 400 sq ft, and landscape retaining walls not exceeding 3 feet in height. Work exceeding these limits requires a different classification.

The former C-10a, C-10b, and C-10c subclassifications were consolidated into a single C-10 in 2005. No subclassifications exist today.

Getting Licensed: 4 Years, Two Exams

New applicants pay $300 at filing and $600 when the license is issued (NAC 624.130). The qualifying individual must document four full years of experience within the preceding 15 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the C-10 classification (NRS 624.260(6)). Two PSI exams are required: the Business and Law (CMS) exam and the C-10 landscape trade exam.

Bond, Insurance, and Recovery Fund

NSCB sets your surety bond at approval in a range of $1,000 to $500,000 based on monetary limit, financial history, and experience (NRS 624.270(4)). Workers' compensation coverage is required before issuance (NRS 624.256); sole operators with no employees who do not act as subcontractors may qualify for an exemption via affidavit. Contractors performing residential landscape work must pay the Recovery Fund biennial assessment at rates tiered by monetary limit (NRS 624.470).

Renew Every Two Years — $600, $150 Late Penalty

C-10 licenses renew biennially at $600 (NAC 624.130). A $150 late filing fee applies to renewals submitted after expiration. Nevada has no state-level continuing education requirement for NSCB contractor renewal.

Criminal Penalties Under NRS 624.750

Landscape contracting without a valid C-10 is a misdemeanor on first offense, punishable by a $1,000 to $4,000 fine and up to six months in jail. A second offense is a gross misdemeanor; a third is a Category E felony. Any contract signed while unlicensed is void and unenforceable.