🏙️ Complete Guide to Bloomington, MN Excavation Work in Public R-O-W Bond

If you're planning to conduct excavation work in the public right-of-way (R-O-W) within the City of Bloomington, Minnesota, the city mandates that you secure a $5,000 Performance Bond as part of its permit process. This surety bond is a critical safeguard that ensures work performed on public infrastructure—such as streets, sidewalks, curbs, and driveways—is done responsibly, safely, and in accordance with local ordinances.

Whether you're a contractor digging trenches, a homeowner replacing a driveway apron, or a utility company installing service lines, this guide outlines the key bonding and permitting requirements you need to follow.

📌 What Is the Bloomington Excavation R-O-W Bond?

The $5,000 Performance Bond is a surety bond required by the City of Bloomington Engineering Division. It acts as a legal and financial assurance that the individual or company performing the excavation work will:

• Follow city codes and ordinances
  
  

• Meet engineering and construction standards
  
  

• Restore public property to its original condition (or better)
  
  

• Avoid damages or public safety hazards
  
  

🔒 Purpose of the Performance Bond

This bond protects both the City of Bloomington and its residents by:

• 💰 Covering the cost of repairs or cleanup if the contractor fails to restore the R-O-W properly
  
  

• 🔧 Ensuring city infrastructure such as curbs, roadways, sidewalks, and drainage systems remain intact
  
  

• ⚠️ Providing a mechanism for the city to recoup losses due to contractor negligence or non-compliance
  
  

🧰 Who Needs to Obtain the Bond?

The bond is required for any excavation-related work within the public right-of-way, including:

✅ Contractors:

• Concrete and asphalt paving
  
  

• Driveway apron replacements
  
  

• Sidewalk construction or repair
  
  

• Utility trenching (gas, water, electric, fiber, etc.)
  
  

• Curb and gutter work
  
  

✅ Utility Companies:

• New service installations
  
  

• Underground repairs or upgrades
  
  

• Access to manholes or utility vaults
  
  

✅ Homeowners:

Homeowners are not exempt but may opt for a $5,000 cashier’s check in escrow instead of securing a bond from a surety.

📝 Application Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to get your excavation permit and meet bonding requirements in Bloomington:

Step 1: Complete the Excavation/Driveway Permit Application

You must submit an application with full details of the proposed work. This includes:

• Property address
  
  

• Contractor contact info
  
  

• Scope of work
  
  

• Work schedule
  
  

• Permit type (driveway, excavation, utility, etc.)
  
  

Applications are typically available on the city website:
🔗 Bloomington Permits and Licensing

Step 2: Submit the $5,000 Performance Bond

• Use the city’s official bond form:
  📄 Download the Official Bond Form (PDF)
  
  

• The bond must be:
  
  

  • For $5,000
    
    

  • Signed by a licensed surety
    
    

  • Notarized with original (wet) signatures
    
    

  • Submitted in hard copy (email/fax not accepted)
    
    

Send or deliver to:

📍 City of Bloomington – Engineering Division
1700 W 98th St
Bloomington, MN 55431

Step 3: Submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Your COI must include:

• General liability coverage:
  
  

  • $100,000 per person
    
    

  • $300,000 per accident
    
    

  • $100,000 property damage
    
    

• Name the City of Bloomington as "Additional Insured"
  
  

• List the following in the certificate holder section:
  
  

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CopyEdit

City of Bloomington – Engineering  

1800 W Old Shakopee Road  

Bloomington, MN 55431

Send the COI by email to:
📧 engineering@bloomingtonmn.gov

Step 4: Provide Site or Driveway Plan

Include a detailed drawing showing:

• Exact location of the proposed work
  
  

• Existing infrastructure (curbs, sidewalks, utility poles, hydrants, etc.)
  
  

• Traffic flow, if applicable
  
  

• Drainage features or slopes

Step 5: Pay Permit Fees

Permit costs vary depending on the type of work:

Work Type

Fee

Private driveway (on private lot)

$75

Driveway apron (R-O-W work)

$160

Utility excavation (as specified)

Varies

Payment must be made upon submission or approval of the permit.

📋 Summary of Requirements

Requirement

Contractor

Homeowner (DIY Option)

$5,000 Performance Bond

✅ Required

❌ Cashier’s check only

Certificate of Insurance

✅ Required

❌ Not required

Site/Driveway Plan

✅ Required

✅ Required

Permit Application

✅ Required

✅ Required

Fee Payment

✅ Required

✅ Required

⚠️ Additional Rules & Responsibilities

📉 Damage to Public Infrastructure

Contractors are responsible for repairing any damage to:

• Pavement
  
  

• Sidewalks
  
  

• Curbs and gutters
  
  

• Storm drains
  
  

• Utility lines
  
  

🚧 Traffic Control Obligations

You must provide traffic control devices that meet MUTCD standards, including:

• Cones, barricades, and signage
  
  

• Detour planning
  
  

• Pedestrian rerouting (if sidewalks are affected)
  
  

📣 Public Notification

If your work impacts local residents, schools, or businesses, you are responsible for advance notification. Include:

• Door hangers
  
  

• Signage
  
  

• Timeline and detour info
  
  

🔁 Bond Duration & Renewal

• The $5,000 bond is valid indefinitely but must remain active while work is ongoing.
  
  

• If you perform ongoing or seasonal work in Bloomington, keeping a bond on file simplifies future permits.
  
  

• Bonds may be returned or canceled only after successful inspection and project closure.
  
  

🛑 What Happens If You Fail to Comply?

The city can:

• Pull your permit
  
  

• File a claim against your bond
  
  

• Complete the repair work and bill you or your surety
  
  

• Blacklist your company from future work in Bloomington

🧠 Pro Tips for Contractors

• ✔️ Use the city’s official bond form—substitutes are not accepted.
  
  

• ⏳ Allow time for bond processing—submit documents well before your start date.
  
  

• 🛠️ Complete work quickly and cleanly to expedite bond return.
  
  

• 💬 Maintain open communication with the Engineering Division for smooth approvals.
  
  

📞 Contact Information – Bloomington Engineering Division

• 📍 Office: 1700 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55431
  
  

• 📞 Phone: (952) 563-4870
  
  

• 📧 Email: engineering@bloomingtonmn.gov
  
  

• 🌐 Engineering Permit Information
  
  

🏁 Final Thoughts

The Bloomington, MN $5,000 Performance Bond is more than just paperwork—it’s a commitment to responsible excavation and public safety. By securing this bond and complying with the city’s thorough permit process, you demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and legal compliance. Whether you’re pouring concrete, replacing driveways, or installing underground utilities, this bond ensures that your work upholds Bloomington’s high standards for construction within the public right-of-way.

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