Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Erosion and Sediment Control Bond - City of Pleasant Grove, AL in Alabama

Brief Summary

The amount on this bond is not a single number. Pleasant Grove sets it by acreage and by the type of work, and doubles it in floodways and floodplains. Getting the acreage and work type right before you apply means the bond matches what the city will accept, and a surety bond keeps that money out of a bank letter of credit or a cash deposit.

Pleasant Grove Code of Ordinances Sec. 39-55 requires an erosion and sediment control plan to be accompanied by a letter of credit, surety bond or cash bond. The amount is $2,000 per acre for clearing only, $5,000 per acre for earthwork or clearing and earthwork, or $3,000 for a single family residence with qualifying training, and it doubles in floodways, floodplains and landslide areas. The City of Pleasant Grove is the obligee.

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How to Apply for a Erosion and Sediment Control Bond:

Measure the disturbed area and round any fraction up to the next full acre.
Classify the work as clearing only, or earthwork or clearing and earthwork.
Check whether any part of the site is in a floodway, floodplain or landslide area, which doubles the amount.
For a single family residence, have proof of Jefferson County Erosion Workshop or QCI certification to use the $3,000 amount.
Complete the bond application, pay the premium and receive the signed bond.
Submit the bond with the erosion and sediment control plan, permit application and fee to the City of Pleasant Grove.

Detailed Information About the Alabama Erosion and Sediment Control Bond:

How the amount is set

Sec. 39-55 of the Pleasant Grove Code of Ordinances, adopted by Ord. No. 2019-531, ties the security to the work:

Clearing operations only: $2,000 for each acre or fraction of an acre.
Earthwork, or clearing and earthwork: $5,000 for each acre or fraction of an acre.
A single family residence: $3,000, with proof of completion of either the Jefferson County Erosion Workshop or Qualified Credentialed Inspector (QCI) certification.
Floodways, floodplains and landslide areas: double the amounts above.

A fraction of an acre counts as a full acre, so a 2.3 acre earthwork site is figured at three acres.

Form of security

The plan may be backed by a letter of credit, a surety bond or a cash bond, and the city has the right to decide which type it will accept. A surety bond must come from a company qualified to do business in Alabama. A letter of credit must come from a bank with its principal office in Jefferson County. The security remains in effect for as long as the city official requires.

Permit fees and exclusions

Sec. 39-53 sets a nonrefundable permit application fee of $100 for single family residences and $400 for all other land disturbing activities, plus $2,000 where post construction controls apply and $50 for their annual issuance. Sec. 39-54 excludes certain work from the definition of land disturbing activity, including property that does not drain to the city storm sewer system, agriculture and silviculture, minor home maintenance and landscaping, minor utility line extensions, railroad construction and well digging.

Confirm the bond form and amount with the Pleasant Grove Building Department before the bond is issued.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Alabama Erosion and Sediment Control Bond:

City of Pleasant Grove named as obligee.
Amount set by Pleasant Grove Code Sec. 39-55: $2,000 per acre for clearing, $5,000 per acre for earthwork, or $3,000 for a qualifying single family residence.
Double amounts in floodways, floodplains and landslide areas.
Surety qualified to do business in Alabama.
Security kept in effect for as long as the city official requires.

Alabama Erosion and Sediment Control Bond FAQs:

How much bond do I need for a 4.5 acre graded site?

Earthwork is $5,000 per acre or fraction of an acre, so 4.5 acres counts as five acres and the bond is $25,000. If the site is in a floodway, floodplain or landslide area, it doubles to $50,000.

Is there a lower amount for building one house?

Yes. A single family residence can post $3,000, with proof of completion of the Jefferson County Erosion Workshop or QCI certification.

Will the city always accept a surety bond?

The code allows a letter of credit, surety bond or cash bond, and gives the city the right to choose which type it will accept. Ask the Building Department before you apply.

How is the premium set?

The surety prices the bond from the required amount and a review of the contractor or developer, mainly credit and financial strength. You see the actual quote when you apply.