What a permit bond is
Some cities and counties require a bond before they issue a building or work permit. It guarantees you'll follow local codes and the permit conditions, and pays the agency if you don't, for example if public property is damaged.
In Hawaii
Hawaii counties set their own permit bonds. For example, the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting uses a bond for grading and stockpiling permits, which guarantees the permit work is completed under Chapter 18A of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu. On state highways, HRS § 264-11 lets the Director of Transportation require a permit bond.
- If the permit holder does not finish the work, the Director may have it completed and recover the cost under the bond.
You need this bond if you're
- A contractor pulling permits where the city or county requires a bond
- Demolition and house-moving contractors
- Sign, sewer and grading contractors
- Owner-builders in some jurisdictions
What the surety looks at
Basic business details and credit.