Close the street on schedule, not on hold.
Before a city will issue a permit to obstruct a street, sidewalk, or alley, it generally requires a bond. BF Bond writes them on the municipal form, and we can usually quote the same business day so your permit is not what delays the job.
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What is a street obstruction bond?
A street obstruction bond is a permit bond required when construction work involves closing or obstructing a public street, sidewalk, alley, or roadway. When a contractor applies to a city for that permit, the agency issuing it usually conditions approval on a bond being posted first.
The bond guarantees the city that the public right of way will be protected and restored. That means maintaining safe pedestrian and vehicle passage around the work, complying with the conditions written into the permit, removing the obstruction when the permit expires, and repairing any damage to pavement, curbs, sidewalks, or municipal property caused by the work. If the contractor walks away from an unsafe or unrestored site, the city can claim against the bond to put things right.
Because permits are issued locally, the form and amount come from whichever agency controls the right of way. In New York City that is generally the Department of Transportation, while other municipalities handle it through a public works, engineering, or building department. Some agencies require a continuous bond covering all your permits, and others require a separate bond per permit.
- Required before a street, sidewalk, or roadway obstruction permit is issued
- Guarantees safe passage, permit compliance, and restoration of the right of way
- Form and amount are set by the municipal agency issuing the permit
- You pay a premium, not the full bond amount
Street obstruction bonds at a glance
The city agency controlling the right of way, such as a department of transportation, public works, or buildings
Set by the permitting agency, often scaled to the size or duration of the obstruction
A percentage of the bond amount, based on the contractor credit and experience profile
Either continuous covering all permits, or per permit for the duration of the work, depending on the agency
Sidewalk bond, right of way bond, street opening bond, permit bond
Work that triggers a bond
If your work encroaches on the public right of way, expect the permitting agency to ask for a bond.
Building Contractors
General contractors staging equipment, sheds, or scaffolding in the roadway or across a sidewalk during construction.
Street Openings
Excavation and street cut work for utility connections, service laterals, and subsurface repairs.
Crane & Delivery Closures
Short-term full or partial closures for crane picks, large deliveries, and equipment placement.
Sidewalk Structures
Sidewalk sheds, canopies, dumpsters, and other structures occupying the right of way under permit.
Bonded in four steps
Apply online
Complete our guided application in about five minutes. Tell us the city and the permit type.
We confirm the form
An agent verifies the agency form, the required amount, and whether it is a per-permit or continuous bond.
Approve your quote
A firm premium with no obligation, usually the same business day. Pay online when you are ready.
Bond to the agency
Your executed bond goes out in the form the permitting agency accepts, ready to file with the application.
Street obstruction bond FAQs
More License & Permit bonds
Keep the permit off the critical path.
Five minutes to apply, and a BF Bond agent confirms the right municipal form for your permit.
