ELR Citation: ELR 20119
No(s). B176503 (Cal. App. 2d Dist. May 23, 2005)

The court upheld a trial court decision denying property owners' petition for a writ of mandate ordering a county to issue permits to construct water wells on their property. The county refused to issue the permits because the owners failed to identify any person holding a "C-57" license pursuant to California Water Code §13750.5. The owners argued that §13750.5 applies only when the property owner contracts with another to construct a water well. Because they plan to construct the wells themselves, they claimed they are exempt from the licensing requirement. The statutory language of the Water Code, however, unambiguously requires a C-57-licensed contractor in all instances.