Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Street and Utility Construction Bond - City of Ephrata, WA in Washington

Brief Summary

Ephrata sizes this bond at 150 percent of construction cost, not 100 percent, and then asks for a separate maintenance bond before it accepts the improvements. Knowing both numbers before you bid keeps the bond line in your estimate honest, and the City publishes its own bond form so the surety can write it exactly the way Public Works expects.

Contractors working in City of Ephrata streets, right of way or easements must hold a City of Ephrata Street and Utility Construction Bond equal to 150 percent of construction costs, under the 2025 Community Street and Utility Standards. Property owners replacing their own sidewalk and professional surveyors setting monument cases are exempt. A separate 2 year maintenance bond of 50 percent of the permitted cost of municipal improvements is due before the City Council accepts the work. The City of Ephrata is the obligee.

We can help with all Washington bonds!

How to Apply for a Street and Utility Construction Bond:

Estimate construction cost using the rates in the Community Street and Utility Standards, or a project quote reviewed by the Public Works Director or City Engineer.
Download the City's Street and Utility Construction Bond form from the Public Works permitting page.
Set the bond amount at 150 percent of construction costs and confirm it with Public Works.
Complete the bond application, pay the premium and receive the executed bond on the City's form.
Submit the bond with the Street and Utility Construction Permit application and pay the permit fee of 2.5 percent of inspected construction cost, minimum $47.50.
At completion, post the 2 year maintenance bond at 50 percent of the permitted cost of municipal improvements before Council acceptance.

Detailed Information About the Washington Street and Utility Construction Bond:

150 percent, plus a maintenance bond later

The City of Ephrata Community Street and Utility Standards, adopted by the City Council on April 2, 2025 by Resolution R25-026, say the contractor shall have a City of Ephrata Street and Utility Construction Bond in the amount of 150 percent of construction costs. That is the figure most people get wrong.

It is also not the last bond on the job. The Standards require a 2 year maintenance bond in the amount of 50 percent of the permitted costs of municipal improvements, provided on completion of the project and before the City Council accepts the municipal improvements.

Who is exempt

Two groups can pull a Street and Utility Construction Permit without this bond. Property owners may take out a permit to install their sidewalk, or to remove and replace it. Professional surveyors may take out a permit to install monument cases. Everyone else doing work in City streets, right of way or easements, including water, sewer, storm, dry utilities, grading, curbs, sidewalks, driveways and utility extensions, needs the bond.

The permit and its fee

The contractor or property owner obtains a Street and Utility Construction Permit from Public Works. The permit fee is 2.5 percent of the cost of construction for the work the City inspects, with a minimum of $47.50. Cost estimates are based on the rates in the Standards or on project quotes reviewed by the Public Works Director or City Engineer. All private work must meet the Community Street and Utility Standards to be accepted.

What the City's bond form says

The City's Street and Utility Construction Bond form is issued under Chapter 21.02.070 of the Ephrata Municipal Code and names the City of Ephrata, WA as obligee. The principal agrees to hold the City harmless from claims arising from permit work, protect obstructions with barriers day and night under the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, comply with Chapter 21.02, restore streets and improvements within the time the City Engineer sets, and maintain restored work for one year from the date of original restoration. The bond runs for one year from its date, covers the permits issued in that period, and renews annually unless notice of nonrenewal is received fifteen days before expiration.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Washington Street and Utility Construction Bond:

City of Ephrata, WA named as obligee on the City's bond form.
Bond amount of 150 percent of construction costs.
Compliance with Ephrata Municipal Code Chapter 21.02 and the 2025 Community Street and Utility Standards.
Traffic protection of obstructions under the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Restored work maintained for one year from the date of original restoration.

Washington Street and Utility Construction Bond FAQs:

How much is the Ephrata street and utility construction bond?

150 percent of construction costs, under the 2025 Community Street and Utility Standards adopted by Resolution R25-026.

Do I need this bond to replace the sidewalk in front of my own house?

No. Property owners may take out a permit to install their sidewalk, or remove and replace it, without a Street and Utility Construction Bond. Professional surveyors installing monument cases are also exempt.

Is there a second bond after the work is done?

Yes. The Standards require a 2 year maintenance bond of 50 percent of the permitted costs of municipal improvements, provided on completion and before the City Council accepts the improvements.

How long does the construction bond last?

The City's form runs for one year from the date of the bond, covers permits issued during that year, and renews annually unless notice of nonrenewal is received fifteen days before it expires.

What does the permit cost?

2.5 percent of the cost of construction for the work the City inspects, but not less than $47.50.