Hydrotech Systems, Ltd. v. Oasis Waterpark

Opinion

EAGLESON, J.*

Section 7031 of the Business and Professions Code* 1 states that one may not sue in a California court to recover “compensation” for “any act or contract” that requires a California contractor’s license, unless one “alleges and proves” he was duly licensed at all times during the *992performance. We granted review to decide two questions. The first is whether section 7031 permits an unlicensed nonresident to sue upon an “isolated transaction” in California where “exceptional circumstances” exist, even though there was no substantial compliance with California’s licensing law.…