Developing Land, Do you recommend getting a business license?

[Travis Dalke]

Hey guys, Looking for some advice. I have the opportunity to develop four lots early in the year and I wanted to get some advice on whether I need to start an actual business in the state of Washington as an invester/General Contractor? I've asked a couple CPA's and they said usually under two properties a year you can 'get away' with, but now I'm up against this opportunity of four. I can also rent and sell a couple next year, or even owner finance and delay the sale. What are people doing typically when developing out properties, more than two a year? Thanks in advance! 

[Jay Hinrichs]

Quote from @Kaden Blackstock:

A friend of mine once told me that you don't need a contractor license of any kind if you are an Owner/builder in most states. This should apply to Washington  but you should research the requirements of your local governments. Any cities or counties may have their own requirements. 

For example, Washington may not require you to be licensed since you'd be an Owner/Builder but your county may require local licensing (usually a short exam to show competency) to pull permits for specific activities. 

Oregon requires a developers license to rehab or build new then you hire a GC to actually build it.  Wa. I think just requires a GC license.  Assuming your talking about vertical construction? I have built a few subdivision in Clark co and flipped numerous homes in Clark and the counties north and no bizz license.. And I flip land on the Eastern side of the mountains from Lake Chelan area to Spokane are north we do half a dozen or more of those a year and no license or bizz license required  to just buy and sell dirt or develop dirt.