Building contractors doing business in Sugar Land will have to register with the city under a proposed ordinance.

A fee increase also is proposed for plumbing and fire protection permits.

Building official Clark Peschel told council members the new provisions are aimed at increasing accountability by chronicling the contractors' addresses, drivers license numbers and contact information in a database.

Contractors also will have to provide proof of insurance and applicable trade licenses under the current permit procedures.

The database would provide verified contact information for any grievances or violations. The ordinance includes a provision that would allow the city to suspend a permit if a violation occurs or contractors don’t fulfill their responsibilities.

Currently, only electricians are required to register with the city.

The city issues permits to more than 1,400 contractors for more than 8,000 private construction projects, and the agenda request specified Hurricane Ike as an example of needing additional accountability due to the high number of first-time contractors who emerged after the hurricane.

As part of the proposal, Sugar Land will stop its electrician licensing program because similar licenses are now issued by the state. But to make up for the nearly $30,000 revenue loss as a result, the city will charge a base fee of $16.75 for contractors seeking plumbing and fire protection permits.

Fees collected from those sources are expected to total about $28,000, with $3,700 from plumbing permits, $2,600 from fire alarm permits and $22,000 from fire extinguisher system permits.