Zoning Permit Bond - Town of Westport, CT in Connecticut

Brief Summary

Westport accepts a surety bond in place of cash or a letter of credit for Planning and Zoning performance security, which keeps your project cash free for construction. The catch is the surety's rating, so the bond needs to come from a carrier that meets the Town's standard the first time.

When the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission requires performance security as a condition of a zoning approval, the Town accepts a performance bond from an insurance company licensed in Connecticut, alongside cash, checks, a savings account or a letter of credit. The amount is set for each project. The bond stays in force until the Commission formally votes to release it.

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How to Apply for a Zoning Permit Bond:

• Get the required bond amount from your Westport Planning and Zoning approval or staff estimate.
• Apply for the bond in the name of the applicant on the zoning approval.
• Confirm the surety meets the Town's rating standard and obtain proof of the rating.
• Submit the executed bond and rating evidence to Planning and Zoning.
• Request release once the work is done and keep the bond active until the Commission votes.

Detailed Information About the Connecticut Zoning Permit Bond:

The surety has to meet the Town's rating standard

A Planning and Zoning memo titled Types of Performance Bonds Acceptable for Public Works and Planning and Zoning Projects lists six acceptable forms of security. A performance bond from an insurer is one of them, and it must come from an insurance company licensed in Connecticut, rated at least AA by Standard and Poor's, Moody's or Duff and Phelps, with profitable operations in its two most recent fiscal years. Evidence of the rating must be submitted with the bond. For bonds under $30,000, an A rating is acceptable if you show that no AA rated company is available. The memo dates from 2010, so confirm the current standard with Planning and Zoning before the bond is issued.

How the amount is set

There is no single Westport zoning bond amount. The Commission or staff set the figure for each approval, usually based on the cost of the site work, landscaping, drainage or other improvements the bond secures. Use the amount stated in your approval or bond estimate.

What the bond guarantees

The bond guarantees the Town of Westport that the permit holder will complete the work required by the zoning approval. If the work is not completed, the Town can claim against the bond to finish it. The surety then seeks repayment from the principal.

Release takes a vote

Bonds are not deemed released by the Town of Westport until a formal vote of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Finishing the work does not end the bond on its own. Request release in writing once the work is complete and keep the bond in force until the vote is recorded.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Connecticut Zoning Permit Bond:

• Town of Westport named as obligee.
• Surety licensed in Connecticut and rated at least AA, or A for bonds under $30,000 when no AA company is available.
• Evidence of the surety's rating submitted with the bond.
• Bond amount matching the figure set in the zoning approval.
• Release only by formal vote of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Connecticut Zoning Permit Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the Connecticut Zoning Permit Bond: