Metropolis Group -

Renew Your DOT Permit Bonds by December 31

By Wayne Sheppard

As we prepare for the impending Department of Transportation (DOT) 2017 Holiday Construction Embargo, which starts next Wednesday, November 15, 2017, now is the time to start planning for 2018 permits—and bonds.

In addition to requiring a DOT permit, any work that involves New York City streets or sidewalks also requires a current permit bond. This bond protects the city against any costs and expenses incurred as a result of the proposed activity.

Bond requirements vary, depending upon the number of locations and nature of the work. Since projects that involve street openings and excavations have the potential to cause greater damage, they have higher bond requirements.

  • One location. $10,000 (with openings/excavations), $5,000 (without openings/excavations)
  • 2-50 locations. $50,000 (with opening/excavations), $25,000 (without openings/excavations)
  • 51-100 locations. $100,000 (with openings/excavations), $25,000 (without openings/excavations)
  • 100+ locations. $250,000 (with openings/excavations), $25,000 (without openings/excavations)

Bonds apply to work during the calendar year. All current bonds on file expire on December 31, 2017. As a result, we recommend updating bonds as early as the second week in December. Don’t get caught in the end-of-year dash to renew your bond permit, or you may delay DOT projects in 2018.

For assistance with securing or renewing DOT permits and permit bonds, or if you have questions about the bond requirements of your specific project(s), call Metropolis Group at 212.233.6344.