What is a City of Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond?
The City of Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond is a surety bond required by the Houston Department of Public Works for when a contractor applies for a Commercial Driveway, Sidewalk, or Curb & Gutter Permit. The permit itself is required for the construction of new sidewalks and driveways, as well as the replacement or removal of existing driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
It is important to note that this surety bond differs from any bonds required for other Texas Contractors’ Licenses. Unlike most states, Texas does not require a contractor license at the state level and, instead, defers licensing to local municipalities. For more information on Texas Contractors’ Licenses, check out our guide here.
Who has to get this bond?
Contractors who intend to install or repair curbs, sidewalks, driveways, or gutters in the City of Houston must obtain a Commercial Driveway, Sidewalk, or Curb and Gutter Permit. One of the requirements to get the permit is to obtain a $2,000 surety bond.
How much does this bond cost?
The City of Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond has a bond amount of $2,000. Fortunately, this bond does not require a credit check. In fact, you can purchase this bond instantly online with EZ Surety Bonds for as little as $100 for a one-year term.
Obligee information
The obligee for this bond, or the entity that requires you to get a surety bond, is the Houston Department of Public Works. To contact them, use the following information:
HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering Services – Right of Way
1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone:
832.394.9513
832.394.8878 (pipelines & monitoring wells)
832.395.3001 (encroachments)
Email:
pipelinepermits@houstontx.gov
rightofway.encroachment@houstontx.gov
How to get your Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond
At EZ Surety Bonds, we make surety bonding fast and simple. Get your Commercial Driveway, Sidewalk, or Curb & Gutter Permit Bond today by completing the short application on our website and paying for your bond.
For more information or if you have any questions, you can contact our surety experts at info@ezsuretybonds.com or by calling us at 1-866-546-4605.
Frequently asked questions
General contractor licenses in Texas are not mandatory statewide, as they are issued locally. Find out if you need a license to work as a general contractor, specialty contractor, or home improvement contractor through your local licensing authority.
Licensing requirements will vary by city/county, but here are some common obligations you should prepare to fulfill to become a registered contractor in Houston, Texas:
• Obtain a contractor license bond
• Provide proof of education and experience
• Obtain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Pass a business and knowledge exam
• Submit an application form and pay the licensing fee
To get your permit from the Houston Department of Public Works, you’ll need to submit the following:
• Sidewalk Driveway Permit Application (CE1023) with project number
• Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builders Bond
• Two copies of drawings or survey
There is a minimum fee of $103 (as of 2022), which will vary depending on the project. The permit will be valid for 180 days.
The Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond has a bond amount of $2,000. You can purchase your bond instantly online at EZ Surety Bonds for a premium of only $100. Fill out the quick form on our website to get started.
Since most obligees require you to file the original bond with them, we will mail the original to you after your purchase. Some obligees may even allow an electronically filed bond. However, every obligee has their own bond filing requirements, so before doing anything with your bond, check the filing requirements set by your obligee.
