What a subdivision bond is
Cities and counties often require a developer to bond the public improvements in a new subdivision or site plan, like streets, sidewalks, storm drains, sewer and water lines, before they approve the final map or permits. The bond guarantees the improvements are built to the agency's standards.
In Nebraska
Nebraska enabling statutes authorize cities and counties to require a developer to post a 'good and sufficient bond guaranteeing installation' of required public improvements as a condition of plat approval. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 15-901, cities of the primary class may withhold plat approval until such a bond is posted; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-174.03 grants the same authority to counties in areas adjacent to those cities. No statewide mandate fixes a specific bond amount; local ordinance governs the amount and form.
- Similar platting-approval authority for cities of the metropolitan class appears in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 14-116, and for cities of the second class and villages in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 17-1002
- Bond covers public improvements such as streets, sidewalks, utilities, and drainage within a new subdivision
You need this bond if you're
- A developer or subdivider recording a final map
- A builder with a site plan that includes public improvements
- A contractor building improvements under a developer agreement
- An owner required to bond grading or erosion control
What the surety looks at
The project, the engineer's cost estimate for the improvements and the developer's finances. Larger projects need financial statements.