WHAT IS HOME IMPROVEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS LICENSE

TPE VENTURES, INC. v. NASSAU COUNTY OFF. OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, 2017 NY Slip Op 50839 - NY: Supreme Court 2017:

"........The NCAC provides that the definition of home improvement "means repair, maintenance, replacement remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, or addition to any land or building, or that portion thereof, which is used as a private residence or dwelling place for not more than three families, and other improvements to structures or upon land which is adjacent to a dwelling and shall include, but not be limited to gardening/landscaping."

In its Verified Petition, the Petitioner admits that "core aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce stronger, more vigorous lawn." In similar fashion, the Hearing Officer determined that core aeration "involves alteration of the earth".

The cornerstone of this Court's review of the County's determination is one of rationality. The Hearing Officer's conclusion that the act of core aeration alters the land of the Petitioner's customers and thus requires a home improvement license issued by Nassau County is supported by a rational basis and is reasonable. Judicial function is exhausted when there is found to be a rational basis for conclusions approved by an administrative body."