---
title: "CSLB C-61/D-38 License — Commercial Cleaning Glossary"
description: "California requires contractors to hold a CSLB license for any cleaning, pressure washing, or sanitation work over $500. Here"
canonical: https://www.commercialcleaningsd.com/glossary/cslb-c-61-d-38/
---

 GLOSSARY · Certifications & Standards 

#  California CSLB License — C-61/D-38 Sanitation Systems CSLB 

 California Contractors State License Board licensing classification for commercial cleaning, pressure washing, and sanitation contractors. Required above the $500 project-cost threshold. 

## Detailed definition

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) regulates construction and trade contractors statewide. Under California Business and Professions Code §7028, any contractor performing work where the combined labor and materials cost exceeds $500 must hold a valid CSLB license in the appropriate classification. For commercial cleaning, pressure washing, and sanitation work, the relevant classification is **C-61 Limited Specialty / D-38 Sanitation Systems**.

The D-38 classification covers a contractor who “installs, alters, repairs and services interior and exterior sanitation systems including pressure washing of commercial and industrial facilities, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, structures, paved surfaces and other public works.” That language is broad enough to cover the bulk of what a commercial pressure washing and sanitation contractor does.

What this means in practice for facility managers in San Diego:

* **Verify the license** before signing a contract. Every CSLB license is publicly searchable at the CSLB website. Search by license number or business name. A current, in-good-standing license with no major disciplinary actions is the baseline.
* **Insurance and bonding** are tied to the license. A licensed contractor in California is required to carry a contractor’s bond (currently $25,000) and, if the firm has employees, workers’ compensation insurance. Working with an unlicensed contractor exposes you to liability if a worker is injured on your property.
* **Above $500, no license is a violation** for the contractor doing the work — Section 7028 makes it a misdemeanor. Lots of one-truck operators in the pressure-washing space work unlicensed; we don’t.

CCSD operates under an active California CSLB license. Joe will share the license number on any quote and it’s verifiable at the [CSLB website (opens in new tab)](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/).

HOW WE HELP

## Related Commercial Cleaning of San Diego services

* [ Pressure Washing Soft wash and high-pressure. We reclaim the water so you stay clear of stormwater compliance issues.](/services/pressure-washing/)
* [ Sanitization & Disinfection Electrostatic spray + EPA-approved disinfectants. Medical, restaurant, school, public spaces.](/services/sanitization/)
* [ Parking Structure Cleaning Oil, tire residue, gum, debris. Decks and entries. Multi-level structures.](/services/parking-structure-cleaning/)

RELATED TERMS

## See also

* [ SDS ](/glossary/sds/)
* [ 29 CFR 1910.1030 ](/glossary/osha-bloodborne-pathogen-standard/)
* [ CIMS ](/glossary/issa-cims/)
* [ CARB ](/glossary/carb-compliant/)

AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES

## External references

* [ California CSLB  (opens in new tab) ](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/)
* [ C-61 / D-38 classification (CSLB)  (opens in new tab) ](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About%5FUs/Library/Licensing%5FClassifications/D-38%5F-%5FSanitation%5FSystems.aspx)

##  Need help applying CSLB to your business? 

 We've done this kind of work across California. First conversation is free. 

[ Get In Touch ](/contact/) [ Back to Glossary ](/glossary/)

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