Engineering Construction Permit and Performance Bonds

Learn more about when you're required to get an Engineering Construction Permit and what types of bonds we require. To download an engineering construction permit and performance bond paperwork, review the information below and click the corresponding links.

Engineering Construction Permit

When to get an Engineering Construction Permit: 

  • Before you start construction of any private property or public street, paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm drainage structure, water or sewer facility, or other public improvements (within the planning and zoning jurisdiction of the Town of Chapel Hill) that will ultimately be maintained by the Town of Chapel Hill
  • Before you cut any pavement, curb or sidewalk in an existing public street.

We'll only issue a construction permit after you submit and we approve plans for the construction, construction cost estimates, and other information required by the Engineering Division.

Get an Engineering Construction Permit(PDF, 381KB)

Performance Bonds

Bonds may be cash, certified check, bank letter of credit, savings and loan letter of credit, or a surety bond written on a company licensed by the N.C. Department of Insurance and granted fidelity and surety authority in accord with state law.

Surety Bond

  • Town Code requires that if the cost of those improvements in that right-of-way exceed $10,000 the developer must post a bond in an amount equal to 125% of the estimated cost of all proposed construction in that right-of-way.
  • When a final plat is recorded dedicating new rights-of-way the owner must provide that same 125% surety for all improvements in those rights-of-way in addition to any other public amenities like greenway trails in a public open space.

Get a Surety Bond(DOCX, 21KB)

Erosion and Sediment Control Bond

  • Prior to issuance of an Engineering Construction Permit, we also requires an Erosion Control Bond for land disturbances of one acre or greater.
  • The bond is determined at a rate of $5,000 per disturbed acre.

Get an Erosion and Sediment Control Bond(DOCX, 14KB)

Warranty Bond

  • Upon satisfactory completion of all public improvements the owner must submit a one year Warranty Bond in the amount of 25% of the cost of construction, but not to exceed $50,000.
  • Upon receipt of the warranty bond the Town may release the original Surety Bond.

Get a Warranty Bond(DOC, 35KB)

 

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