Township Permit Bond - Sterling, CT in Connecticut

Brief Summary

In Sterling, the permit bond is what stands between a new driveway or excavation and the permit that lets the job start. No driveway permit means no building permit. A surety bond satisfies the Board of Selectmen without tying up your cash for the length of the job.

The Town of Sterling, Connecticut requires security from permit holders before certain work begins. The most common is the driveway performance bond under Sec. 153-3, which is $1,500 or the construction cost of the driveway as estimated by the Board of Selectmen, whichever is greater. Excavation permits under Chapter 160 carry a surety in an amount the Board approves, payable to the Town Treasurer. Confirm with the Board of Selectmen which permit your bond is for and the amount it has set before the bond is issued.

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How to Apply for a Township Permit Bond:

• Confirm with the Board of Selectmen which permit the bond is for and the amount the Board has set.
• For a driveway, submit the Board's application form with a sketch plan and the $35 fee.
• Ask the Board for its estimate of driveway construction cost, since the bond is that amount or $1,500, whichever is greater.
• Obtain the bond in the name of the permit applicant, payable to the Town of Sterling.
• File the bond with the Board before the permit issues.
• Give the Board two working days notice before each construction phase and request the Board's final written approval when the work is done.

Detailed Information About the Connecticut Township Permit Bond:

$1,500 is the floor, not the price

For driveways, Sec. 153-3(F) of the Sterling Town Code says the Board of Selectmen will not issue a driveway construction permit unless the applicant provides a performance bond of $1,500 or an amount equal to the construction costs of the driveway as estimated by the Board, whichever is greater. A long or commercial driveway can need far more than $1,500. Get the Board's estimate before you order the bond.

Who needs a driveway permit and bond

No one may build a new driveway or relocate an existing driveway leading into a street without a written permit from the Board. A new driveway includes one that did not exist on the amendment date, or one that will now serve an additional dwelling unit or change from residential to business or industrial use. No building permit issues until the driveway permit is granted, and no certificate of occupancy issues until the Board gives final written approval of the driveway. The application goes to the Board on its form with a sketch plan and a $35 fee. The Board must get two working days notice before the start of construction, finishing the subgrade, finishing the base and surfacing. If the driveway is not finished within one year of the permit date, the permit expires.

Excavation permits

Removing, processing or grading 100 or more cubic yards of earth materials in a twelve month period requires an excavation permit from the Board of Selectmen under Chapter 160, unless an exemption applies. Before approval, Sec. 160-3(H) requires the applicant to file a surety with the Board, payable to the Town Treasurer, in a form approved by town counsel and an amount the Board finds sufficient to guarantee completion. The amount must cover erosion controls and final restoration, and part of the erosion control surety must be posted in cash or its reasonable equivalent. The surety is not returned until the work is done and the revegetated area has grown a dense cover of grass for a second growing season.

Road work in the town right of way

Work within the town right of way falls under Chapter 284, Article III. Sec. 284-10 calls for proof of liability insurance, an inspection fee and a cash security equal to the value of the proposed work. Ask the Board whether it will accept a surety bond for road work before you apply.

What the bond guarantees

A permit bond promises the Town of Sterling that the work will be completed to town standards. If the permit holder walks away or the work fails inspection, the town can claim on the bond to finish or correct it, and the surety then recovers from the permit holder.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Connecticut Township Permit Bond:

• Driveway performance bond of $1,500 or the Board's estimate of construction cost, whichever is greater, under Sec. 153-3(F).
• Excavation surety in an amount approved by the Board, payable to the Town Treasurer, in a form approved by town counsel, under Sec. 160-3(H).
• Part of the excavation erosion control surety posted in cash or its reasonable equivalent.
• Driveway permits expire if work is not completed within one year.
• Road work in the town right of way requires cash security equal to the value of the work under Sec. 284-10.

Connecticut Township Permit Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the Connecticut Township Permit Bond: