Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Excavation Bond - City of New Haven, CT in Connecticut

Brief Summary

Only an excavator licensed by New Haven's Department of Public Works may do any work in the city's public right of way, and the license is not issued until the surety bond is on file. The city's application asks for a $10,000 excavation bond with an original verification letter, and a surety bond meets that for a premium instead of cash.

New Haven Code Sec. 27-73(e) requires every applicant for an excavation license to file a surety bond securing to the city complete, competent and proper performance of the permitted work. The code lets the director of public works set the amount, and the city's Excavation License Application calls for a $10,000 bond. The bond runs three years from April 1 of the year you apply, the license fee is $240, and the license expires April 1.

We can help with all Connecticut bonds!

How to Apply for a Excavation Bond:

Legal business name and address exactly as they will appear on the Excavation License application.
Owner name and home address for the surety's credit review.
Original Bond Verification Letter for the excavation bond.
Certificate of Insurance naming the City of New Haven as additional insured.
Copy of a State Contractors License for first time applicants.
Payment of the $240 Excavation License fee.

Detailed Information About the Connecticut Excavation Bond:

The term starts on April 1, not the day you apply

Sec. 27-73(e) says the surety bond will be in effect for a period of three years from April 1 of the year in which application was made for the license. A contractor who applies in the fall is still on a term counted from the prior April 1. The license itself expires on the first day of April following issue under Sec. 27-74.

The amount

The code does not fix a dollar figure. It requires a bond in an amount deemed sufficient by the director of public works. The city's Excavation License Application and its licensing information sheet both call for a $10,000 excavation bond held a minimum of three years, with a Bond Verification Letter, originals only.

A second bond for sidewalk work

The city's licensing information sheet says you cannot use the same bond for both an Excavation License and a Sidewalk License. If you also build or repair sidewalks and curbs, that license needs its own bond.

Who needs it and who is exempt

Sec. 27-74 says only an excavator licensed by the director of public works shall do any work upon any public right of way within the city. Sec. 27-83 exempts any public service company that has complied with CGS 16-230 from posting the bond, though that company must still restore roadway surfaces to city engineering standards.

What else the license requires

Before the license is granted, Sec. 27-73 requires a certificate of liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, and an agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the City of New Haven and its officers, servants, agents and employees. No license is issued to an applicant with outstanding debts to the city for charges, penalties or fees under Chapter 27. The application also asks for a copy of a State Contractors License from first time applicants. Permit applications for each job must be submitted no less than five business days before work starts under Sec. 27-75.

Where to file and what the premium depends on

File with the Permit and License Center, Contractors Division, 200 Orange Street, Room 501, New Haven. Confirm the current bond amount and form with that office before the bond is issued. The premium is set by the surety from the owner's credit and the company's history, not by the city.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Connecticut Excavation Bond:

Bond in the amount the director of public works requires. The city's application calls for $10,000.
Bond term of three years counted from April 1 of the year of application.
A separate bond for any Sidewalk License. One bond cannot cover both.
Signed agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the City of New Haven.
No outstanding debts to the city for Chapter 27 charges, penalties or fees.
License renewed before it expires on April 1. Licenses are not transferable.

Connecticut Excavation Bond FAQs:

How much is the New Haven excavation bond?

Sec. 27-73(e) leaves the amount to the director of public works. The city's Excavation License Application and licensing information sheet both call for a $10,000 excavation bond. Confirm the figure with the Permit and License Center before the bond is issued.

When does the three year bond term start?

On April 1 of the year in which you applied for the license, under Sec. 27-73(e). It does not start on the date the bond is signed.

Can my excavation bond also cover my sidewalk license?

No. The city's licensing information sheet says the same bond cannot be used for both the Excavation License and the Sidewalk License.

Are utility companies exempt?

A public service company that has complied with CGS 16-230 is exempt from posting the bond under Sec. 27-83. It still has to restore roadway surfaces to city engineering standards and get permits for its work.

What else will the city ask for?

A certificate of liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, a signed indemnity agreement, a copy of your State Contractors License if you are a first time applicant, and the $240 license fee. Applications with missing documents or without payment are not accepted.