Decatur street excavation bonds.
1% of the $5,000 bond.

Decatur requires a license — and a $5,000 surety bond — before any person, firm, or corporation constructs in or excavates a city street, alley, easement, or public place, under City Code Chapter 37. Premiums cost 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, and the application collects no credit information.

Required to construct in or excavate a Decatur street, alley, or easement under City Code Chapter 37
Bond amount is fixed at $5,000 by the ordinance — remains in effect at least 3 years from the work
1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — no credit section, exact price at the application
1% rate$100 minimumExactprice at the applicationSoft pull onlynever a hard inquiry
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NYCEDC
BDG
Capital
McKinney
Terra
JLL
Triple Five
Georgetown
How it works

Apply to filed in one sitting.

The street excavation license bond pairs with your license application at the City Clerk's office. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the $5,000 bond amount, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

The application collects no credit information, so most bonds generate the moment you pay.

SAME DAY

File with the City Clerk

Submit the executed bond, insurance certificate, and license fee to the City Clerk. A separate permit for the specific work is then issued by the Engineering Division. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the City insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the street excavation bond covers

Decatur licenses anyone who is not a City employee, a City contractor, or a franchised public utility before they construct anything in, or excavate or otherwise alter, a street, alley, easement, or other public place. The license application is filed with the City Clerk along with a $75 non-refundable fee, a $5,000 surety bond, and a certificate of insurance.

The bond names you as the principal and the City of Decatur as obligee. It is conditioned on full compliance with the statutes, ordinances, standards, and rules governing the work, on payment of all fees and charges the City assesses, and against faulty workmanship or materials — and it must remain in effect for not less than three years from the end of the license period in which the work was done.

The license itself runs on a calendar cycle, expiring every January 31. A separate permit for each specific job is issued by the Engineering Division once the license and bond are on file. It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays a claim, you repay the surety.

Decatur City Code, Chapter 37 (Construction and Excavation in Streets)Decatur City Code Chapter 37 requires a license — obtained from the City Clerk on payment of a $75 fee, a $5,000 surety bond, and proof of insurance — before any person, firm, or corporation constructs in or excavates a city street, alley, easement, or other public place. The bond names the licensee as principal and the City as obligee, is conditioned on compliance with applicable law and payment of City fees, and must remain in effect at least three years from the end of the license period covering the work. The license expires each January 31.

You need this bond if you're

Constructing in or excavating a Decatur street, alley, or easement — utility taps, driveway cuts, and similar work
A licensed street excavation contractor renewing your annual license before it expires January 31
A new contractor applying for the license for the first time with the City Clerk
Reinstating a lapsed license that needs a fresh $5,000 bond on file

One application, issued on the spot.

These are the actual issuing fields — no credit section, because this application doesn't collect credit information.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Decatur street construction and excavation bond?The bond amount is fixed at $5,000 by City Code Chapter 37. The premium is 1% of that amount, $100 minimum — so most applicants pay the $100 floor.
What does the bond guarantee?It guarantees your compliance with the statutes, ordinances, and standards governing street work, payment of the fees the City assesses, and protection against faulty workmanship or materials — with the City of Decatur as the obligee. It stays in effect at least three years from the end of the license period in which the work was done.
Where do I file it?With the Decatur City Clerk, alongside your $75 license fee and a certificate of insurance. A separate permit for the specific work is then issued by the Engineering Division.
Do I pay the $5,000?No. The $5,000 is the bond's penal amount — the surety's maximum liability if a valid claim is made — not a deposit. You pay the premium, from $100, shown at the application.
Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information, so most applicants approve instantly. If a check ever runs on this bond, it's a soft pull that won't affect your score.
Related bonds

Other Illinois bonds.

File your Decatur street excavation license today.

From $100, with your exact price at the application. Enter your $5,000 bond amount and file the same day.

Your premiumfrom $100
Apply now →