Not in Washington? Find this bond in your state

Permit bond

Washington Right-of-Way Bond

WSDOT requires a bond for utility permits and franchises in state highway right-of-way, under chapter 47.44 RCW and chapter 468-34 WAC. Cities and counties set their own rules for local streets.

Bond at a glance
Washington Right-of-Way BondPermit bond
Required by state law
LawRCW 47.44; WAC 468-34
Blanket bondNot less than $10,000, covering multiple permits and franchises
Individual bondAmount set by WSDOT, not less than $1,000
ObligeeState of Washington (WSDOT)
Required byWashington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT); cities and counties for local streets
How it works

Three steps to your bond.

  1. 01Apply onceTell us about your business and what the bond is for. One application covers most contractor bonds.
  2. 02The surety reviews itPropeller Bonds, our surety partner, reviews your application and sets the terms. We show you the terms before you commit.
  3. 03Sign and fileSign the bond and file it with whoever requires it: the project owner, agency or court. We help with the filing.
About this bond

What a right-of-way bond is

Work in a public street, sidewalk or highway usually needs an encroachment or right-of-way permit, and many agencies require a bond with it. The bond guarantees you'll follow the permit conditions and restore the right of way when you're done.

In Washington

WSDOT requires a bond for utility permits and franchises in state highway right-of-way, under chapter 47.44 RCW and chapter 468-34 WAC. Cities and counties set their own rules for local streets.

  • Bond forms are WSDOT Form 224-012 (blanket) and Form 224-048 (individual).

You need this bond if you're

  • Utility, fiber and telecom contractors
  • Contractors cutting curbs or building driveways
  • Sewer and water lateral contractors
  • Anyone placing equipment or materials in a public street

What the surety looks at

Basic business details and credit. Large or long-term permits can need more.

FAQs

Common questions.

Who requires a right-of-way bond in Washington?

The agency that owns the road: the state transportation department for state highways, and the city or county for local streets. See the facts above.

Can one bond cover many permits?

Some agencies accept a blanket or annual bond that covers all your permits for the year. Ask the agency.

What does it cost?

You pay a premium, not the bond amount. The surety sets the premium after it reviews your application, usually as a percentage of the bond amount. We show you the terms before you commit.

How do I get one through BLDAssure?

Apply once with us. We collect the details the surety needs, Propeller Bonds (our surety partner) reviews the application and issues the bond, and we help you file it with whoever requires it.

Related bonds

Other Washington bonds.

See all 63 Washington bonds with prices →

Permit bond

Washington Permit Bond

Some cities and counties require a bond before they issue a building or work permit.

Development bond

Washington Subdivision Bond

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.

License bond

Washington Contractor License Bond

Some states, and many cities and counties, make contractors post a bond to get or renew a license.

Sources

  1. WSDOT: Utility accommodation permits and franchises
  2. WSDOT Form 224-012, Blanket Bond
  3. WSDOT Form 224-048, Individual Bond

General information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm the current requirement with the agency or owner that asks for the bond. Facts checked Oct 2, 2026.

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