What Is a City of Austin Sidewalk Bond?
If your construction project requires you to block the sidewalk within Austin city limits, you’ll need a city of Austin sidewalk bond to secure a right-of-way permit before you begin work. A right-of-way permit is necessary for the following projects:
- Driveway or sidewalk construction
- Excavation of a sidewalk
- Sidewalk cafe
- Temporary use of right-of-way
To receive a right-of-way permit for a project that involves constructing, excavating, or replacing the sidewalk, you have to submit a $10,000 minimum bond with the application. The city requires the bond to ensure that you’ll follow local codes and do the work you agree to do in a way that’s acceptable to your customer and the neighborhood.
In addition to the surety bond, you may need to provide proof of insurance and a license, depending on the scope of the project. The city accepts electronic copies of some documents.
How Does a City of Austin Sidewalk Bond Work?
A sidewalk bond is an agreement between the contractor, the surety company, and the organization that requires the bond — in this case, the city of Austin. As the contractor, you’ll pay the surety company a fee in exchange for the bond. The surety company will pay the amount of the bond to the city of Austin or find another contractor to complete the work if you do a poor job.
City of Austin Sidewalk Bond Details
The city of Austin has the following requirements for sidewalk bonds:
- $10,000 minimum
- List coverage dates, execution dates, and company structure
- Signed by the principal and attorney-in-fact
In addition, the bond name must match the name on the insurance policy. You’ll need to submit the original bond to the city. If you need to submit a continuation bond, make sure it’s identical to the original bond and includes a current power of attorney.
How to Purchase
- Click the Buy Now button.
- Fill out the easy bond form.
- Confirm your order and select how you would like your bond documents delivered. Email or regular mail.
- Pay for your bond.
- If you chose to have your documents emailed, you will receive them within minutes.
It’s that simple and fast!
The premium for a sidewalk bond for the city of Austin is $100. Unlike other types of bonds, you do not have to go through a credit check for a sidewalk bond. However, these bonds expire on December 31 each year.
The premium for a sidewalk bond for the city of Austin is $100. Unlike other types of bonds, you do not have to go through a credit check for a sidewalk bond. However, these bonds expire on December 31 each year.
Completing the application for a city of Austin sidewalk bond is quick and easy. Fill out the online application, choose how you want to receive the documents, and submit your payment.
Bond Purchase Process
1. Find Your Bond
2. Secure Pricing
3. Buy Online
Get Started
The bonding process can be confusing and cumbersome. Our surety bond experts are standing by and ready to answer any questions. Let’s get you bonded today!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are hundreds of different bonds for all kinds of purposes—but regardless the industry or project—they all operate essentially the same way. A surety bond guarantees that you will operate professionally and if you break the rules, a claim can be made on your bond which you’re responsible to pay.
It’s a guarantee that you will complete the work and fulfill your contractual obligations. Think of it as insurance for the public, not your business.
For most bonds, you can get instantly approved and print bonds at your home or office. However, we do not offer instant approvals for a select number of bonds, as the underwriting process generally involves a more extensive review of the applicant.
The entity requiring the bond (the obligee) will determine whether a bond is required. Bond requirements vary greatly by your occupation and location. However, fidelity bonds are insurance and are usually optional to obtain.
For the most part, yes. Bad credit can increase rates for license and permit bonds and most can also get approved for fidelity bonds regardless of credit. For contract bonds, larger contractors with poor credit can be approved with strong CPA-prepared business financials.
Looking to Get Started or Have Questions?
The bonding process can be confusing and cumbersome. Our surety bond experts are standing by and ready to answer any questions. Let’s get you bonded today!