In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Construction license” means a license issued by the clerk to do construction business. “Do construction business” means to agree to: pave or curb a sidewalk, street, or other public or private property; excavate earth, rock, or other material for a foundation or other purpose; or do work on or in a building or other structure that requires the use of a building material, including: paint; stone; brick; mortar; wood; cement; structural iron; structural steel; sheet iron; galvanized iron; metallic piping; tin; lead; electric wiring; or any other metal. “Do construction business” does not include home improvement as defined in § 8–101 of this article. “Nonresident construction license” means a construction license issued by the clerk to a person who is incorporated or has its principal office in another state.

Except as provided in § 8–317 of this article, a person must have a construction license whenever the person does construction business in the State. A person who is incorporated or has its principal office in another state must have a nonresident construction license, in addition to any other license required by law, whenever the person does construction business in this State. A construction license must be issued in the county where the construction business has its principal place of business. A nonresident construction license must be issued in the county where the construction business first does construction business in the State. A construction license or nonresident construction license under this subtitle authorizes the licensee to do construction business in the State.

An applicant for a construction license or nonresident construction license shall pay to the clerk a license fee of: $15 for a license in a county other than Baltimore City, Baltimore County, or Cecil County; $40 for a license in Baltimore City or Baltimore County; or $30 for a license in Cecil County.