The state of California cited 13 people last month in Walnut Creek for offering contracting services without licenses.

The Contractors State License Board, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and San Mateo Police Department conducted the undercover sting Jan. 22-23. 

Offenders were cited with a notice to appear in court. One person was arrested for an outstanding warrant in Santa Clara County for contracting without a license. 

CSLB officials said Wednesday in a statement that bids offered to undercover officers ranged from $1,200 to remodel a bathroom to $12,000 for a painting project.

A stop order was also issued to someone who failed to provide workers’ compensation insurance for employees.

California requires contractors to have a license if doing any project valued at more than $1,000, including labor and materials. If a project requires workers or a permit, the state requires a contractor’s license, whatever the cost.

Those cited face possible fines up to $15,000 and misdemeanor charges with sentences of up to six months in jail and a $5,000 criminal fine.

Repeat offenders face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of $5,000 or 20 percent of the contract price, whichever is greater. They could also face administrative or criminal charges for illegally advertising construction services without a valid license.

California requires contractors to display their license number on business materials, including advertisements, vehicles, and business cards. People without licenses can only advertise for jobs under $1,000 (including materials and labor). They must also say in all advertisements they aren’t licensed.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said in a statement, “Unlicensed contractors, or contractors who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance, put homeowners at risk of financial and safety hazards. Our office is committed to holding them accountable and ensuring that consumers are not taken advantage of.”

For more information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, go to www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB at 1 (800) 321-CSLB (2752).