Grading Permit Bond - City of Poway, CA in California

Brief Summary

In Poway the grading security is due after the plans are approved and before the City Engineer signs them, so the bond is usually the last thing holding up the preconstruction meeting. Having a surety bond lined up early keeps the project on schedule and keeps cash free for the grading contractor.

The City of Poway requires grading securities to be posted once grading plans are approved and before the City Engineer's approval, together with inspection fees based on the final cost estimate. The bond amount is not a fixed figure. It is built from the engineer's cost estimate priced with the city's unit price list, plus a 10 percent contingency, rounded up to the next $100.

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How to Apply for a Grading Permit Bond:

• Hire a professional engineer to prepare the grading plan and cost estimate.
• Submit the application and plans through the City of Poway Online Services portal.
• Use the city's unit price list for the estimate and add the 10 percent contingency, rounded up to the next $100.
• Obtain a bond naming the City of Poway as obligee for that amount.
• Post the grading securities and pay plan check and inspection fees before the City Engineer approves the plans.
• Schedule the preconstruction meeting once the signed plans and reports are delivered.

Detailed Information About the California Grading Permit Bond:

When a grading permit is needed

Poway requires a grading permit before grading on any project that involves excavation of two feet or more with slopes steeper than 2:1, moving 50 cubic yards or more, changing drainage patterns, or work within open space or easement areas. A grading plan prepared by a qualified professional engineer is required.

Who is exempt

On an already developed parcel, minor landscaping or recreational grading can be done without a permit if it stays at least 10 feet from structures and three feet from property lines, totals no more than 250 cubic yards, is no deeper than three vertical feet, creates no cut or fill slope over five feet high or steeper than 3:1, does not alter drainage at the property line, and stays out of easements and areas where structures are planned. Miss any one condition and the permit, and the security, apply.

How the bond amount is set

The city's Master Fee Schedule includes an Engineering Division unit price list used to calculate project valuations for deposit and security requirements. Its note says cost estimates for bonding and securities include a 10 percent contingency added to the construction estimate, with the total rounded up to the next $100. Your engineer's approved cost estimate drives the final number, so the bond amount is specific to each project.

When it is due

The Grading Plans Submittal Checklist lists grading securities among the items required before the City Engineer approves the plans, along with the mylar, plan check fees and inspection fees based on the final cost estimate. The grading permit itself carries a $465 fee under the current fee schedule. After approval you schedule the preconstruction meeting. Confirm the bond form and filing steps with the Land Development Engineering Division before the bond is issued.

What the bond guarantees

The City of Poway is the obligee. The bond guarantees the permittee completes the approved grading, drainage and erosion control work to city standards. If the work is abandoned or left unsafe, the city can claim against the bond to finish or stabilize the site.

Eligibility and Requirements for a California Grading Permit Bond:

• Surety company authorized to write bonds in California.
• Bond amount based on the approved engineer's cost estimate plus 10 percent contingency.
• City of Poway named as obligee.
• Property owner or developer as principal.
• Credit and financial review of the principal, which sets the premium.

California Grading Permit Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the California Grading Permit Bond: