Subdivision improvement bonds are a type of performance bond. They are required by municipalities to guaranty that public improvements associated with the development are completed such as street improvements, sidewalks, lights, curbs, gutters, drainage, etc. While these bonds sometimes have different names such as subdivision performance and payment bonds, offsite improvement bonds, plat bonds or street improvement bonds, these bonds are generally the same in that they guaranty the terms and conditions of the subdivision agreement – the contract between the municipality and the developer (principal) as a condition of approval to sub-divide a property.
The amount of the subdivision improvement bond is set by the obligee which is based on an engineer’s cost estimate of the subdivision improvements being bonded. When is there a claim? A claim on a subdivision bond can be filed against the surety if the developer (even if it’s the contractor fault) fails to complete the work according to the subdivision agreement. There is usually a labor & materials bond that accompanies these subdivision improvement bonds to protect subs and suppliers on the job.
In general, the following criteria are most important:
For small projects such as a condo conversion or small multi-housing development, the required performance bonds are usually smaller and the surety needs less information. For larger developments that have subdivision improvement bond requirements in excess of $50,000, the developer should be prepared to provide business and personal financials, a questionnaire highlighted his/her experience, along with the items and underwriting considerations listed above.
Contact one of our experienced surety bond agents by emailing us at contract@surety1.com or call (877)654-2327. The agent will email you the necessary paperwork to get the process started. You can also get started by completing our online application.
Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners , one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Surety1 has been the premier provider of surety bonds nationwide, since 2003. Located in the Sacramento California area, Surety1 is licensed in all 50 states and represents over a dozen, A rated carriers. Surety1 maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau .