Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Street Improvements Bond - City of National City, CA in California

Brief Summary

When National City ties a permit or project approval to new curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveway or paving work in the public right of way, the city wants a bond in hand before that work starts. The amount comes from the city's cost estimate for your job, so have that number ready and the bond can usually be written quickly.

The Street Improvements bond is a performance bond that names the City of National City as obligee. It guarantees that the owner, developer or contractor will build the required public street improvements to city standards and finish them. If the work is not completed, the city can call on the bond to pay for finishing it. The bond amount is set by the city for each project.

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How to Apply for a Street Improvements Bond:

  • Get the approved improvement plans and the city's cost estimate for the street work.
  • Ask the National City Engineering and Public Works Department for the required bond amount and form.
  • Apply for the bond in the exact legal name of the owner or company responsible for the work.
  • Have the surety sign and seal the bond with a power of attorney attached.
  • Deliver the original bond to the city before the permit or agreement is finalized.
  • Keep the bond in force until the city formally accepts the finished improvements.

Detailed Information About the California Street Improvements Bond:

Who posts it

This bond is posted by a property owner, developer or contractor who has agreed to build street improvements for the City of National City. That usually means work in the public right of way that goes along with a private project, such as new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveway approaches, pavement or other frontage work. The city is the obligee, and the person responsible for the work is the principal.

What it guarantees

A street improvement bond is a promise that the improvements will be installed as approved and completed. If the principal walks away or the work does not meet the approved plans, the city can make a claim and the surety pays up to the bond amount so the city can finish or correct the work. The principal then has to repay the surety.

How the amount is set

There is no single statewide or citywide figure for this bond. The amount is tied to the improvements on your project, normally based on the engineer's cost estimate the city accepts for that work. Ask the City of National City Engineering and Public Works Department for the required amount and the bond form it wants before the bond is issued, since the city may require its own form wording.

When it is released

The bond stays in force until the city accepts the completed improvements. Some agencies also ask for a separate payment bond for workers and suppliers, or a warranty bond after acceptance, so confirm with the city whether anything else is needed for your project.

Eligibility and Requirements for a California Street Improvements Bond:

  • A surety admitted to write bonds in California.
  • City of National City named as obligee.
  • Bond amount matching the figure the city sets for the project.
  • Principal name matching the permit or improvement agreement.
  • Credit and, for larger amounts, financial statements and work history for underwriting.

California Street Improvements Bond FAQs:

How much is the bond?

It depends on the work. The City of National City sets the amount from the cost of the street improvements on your project, so get the figure from the Engineering and Public Works Department before you apply.

Who is protected by this bond?

The City of National City. If the required street work is not finished or does not meet the approved plans, the city can claim against the bond to cover the cost of completing it.

When does the bond end?

When the city accepts the completed improvements and releases the bond. Until then it needs to stay active.

How is the premium figured?

The surety looks at the bond amount, the size and type of work, and the credit and financial strength of the principal. You pay a premium, not the full bond amount.

Official and Additional Resources for the California Street Improvements Bond:

All City of National City, CA bonds · All California surety bonds