Sonoma County Encroachment Permit Bond

The County of Sonoma requires businesses in the area to apply for bonds in order to secure their encroachment permits and activate their licenses. These permits are needed to ensure the compensation of the public should accredited businesses cause any licensing infractions, such as damages to government-owned properties, in the course of the project. The State of California defines an encroachment as any implement or event included in the city’s right-of-way.

 

What is an Encroachment Permit?

An encroachment permit is a legal requirement businesses must secure to conduct work affecting the public right of way of an area, in this case, the County of Sonoma. The permit ensures that projects affecting the area in, along, or near driveways, curbs, sidewalks, and gutters are compliant with the County’s codes and engineering standards.

 

Other works that normally require encroachment permits are fencing; landscaping; roadway widening; transient placement of scaffolding, dumpster, debris boxes, or storage bins; signage posting; and mailbox installations. The permit also covers all installations and repairs of public utilities.

 

What is the Sonoma County Encroachment Permit Bond?

Prior to the conduct of any work affecting the public right-of-way, businesses involved must secure an encroachment permit bond with the Sonoma County Department of Public Works. The bond guarantees that developers or permittees will adhere to the terms of work, deliver expected outcomes to quality, and follow the County and construction standards. The bond is enforceable for a full year from the date of effectivity.

 

How does it work?

The Sonoma County Encroachment Permit Bond must be issued by a surety bond provider certified by the County’s Department of Public Works Insurance Department. The parties in the agreement are the Principal (permit applicant or business), Obligee (County of Sonoma), and Surety/Bond Company (surety bond provider or insurance).

 

The Surety Company will guarantee the compensation (performance bond) of the Obligee should the Principal fail to deliver agreed-upon services or violate any licensing provisions. The Surety Company will receive and assess the validity of all public claims where claims may only amount to the total penal sum arranged in the bond form. The Principal shall reimburse all expenses covered by the Surety Company.

 

The Bond Company is secured through an indemnity agreement as the permit applicant or licensed business will ensure the full reimbursement of the claims, including legal fees and premiums. This agreement shall be made before the execution of the bond.

 

How much does it cost?

Typically, the Encroachment Permit Bonds issued by the Department of Public Work of Sonoma County costs between 1% and 5% of the total bond amount. This will depend on the credit score and license and business history.

 

How can I apply for this bond?

At Surety Bond Authority, we are dedicated to helping you get your bond the fast and easy way. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

 

Application
To get your encroachment permit ready, you are going to have to secure your bond early. If you are ready to get yours processed today, you can APPLY HERE. Rest assured our expert surety bond agent will guide you from the time of your application until the issuance of your bond.

 

Assessment
In the assessment phase, our underwriter will need the following information:

• Nature of your profession or business
• Credit score
• Financial strength

For the speedy processing of your application, ensure you have gathered and provided accurate information upon submission.

 

Bond Issuance
Once the assessment is done, we will promptly issue your bond and send it your way. Contact us today and get your bond issued in no time!