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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts has no statewide permit bond. Cities and towns set their own rules; for example, Brockton requires contractors doing work in public ways to hold a Public Works Construction License with a license and permit bond of at least $5,000.
- Brockton also charges a $500 license fee and requires a separate street opening permit for each installation.
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.