B General Building Licenses in Berkeley: Bond, Workers' Comp & Compliance

B compliance in Berkeley — CSLB data

Berkeley: 271 active B licenses per CSLB (September 2026). Workers' comp on file — 41%. Exempt — 56%.

Right now 3 are suspended for workers' comp and 11 for a bond problem.

Across Alameda County the count is 3,532, and 172 are suspended for coverage or bond lapses.

Median time licensed: 21.7 years. 11% are under three years old; 53% have 20+ years. 13 were issued in the last 12 months.

6% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).

What CSLB requires for a B license

• License bond: $25,000 on file with CSLB.
• Workers' comp: required with employees; mandatory for all active licenses from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455).
• LLC licenses: $1M+ liability insurance and a $100,000 employee/worker bond.

Get a quote

Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for Berkeley contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.

Frequently asked questions

How many B licenses in Berkeley are suspended?

As of September 2026, 3 for workers' comp and 11 for bond issues, out of 271 active B licenses based in Berkeley.

How many new B licenses were issued in Berkeley last year?

13 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.

Do general contractors need workers' comp with no employees?

Today a B license with no employees can file an exemption. Beginning January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses, except joint ventures.

Related pages

• Insurance For General Contractors California
• Contractor Insurance Berkeley
• General Contractor Insurance Berkeley