If you're planning to perform drainlaying work in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, the city requires you to secure a $1,000 City Drainlayer Bond as part of its municipal code enforcement. This surety bond plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, contractor accountability, and compliance with local drainage standards.
A drainlayer bond is a type of license and permit bond that ensures contractors follow all applicable city regulations when installing, repairing, or maintaining storm and sanitary sewer systems. In the case of St. Clair Shores, the $1,000 bond requirement is specifically mandated to protect the city and its residents from any financial liability resulting from:
Faulty or substandard workmanship
Violation of local codes or ordinances
Damage to public infrastructure, property, or utilities
The bond acts as a financial guarantee between three parties:
Principal: The licensed drainlayer or contractor
Obligee: City of St. Clair Shores
Surety: The bonding company that issues the bond
Any contractor or business planning to perform drainlaying or stormwater drainage work within the city limits of St. Clair Shores is required to obtain this bond before beginning any work. This may include:
General contractors who work on plumbing or sewer lines
Excavation contractors
Underground utility contractors
Site preparation and grading companies
Bond Amount: $1,000
Effective Term: Typically valid for one year (renewable annually)
Required By: Department of Public Works, City of St. Clair Shores
While the face value of the bond is $1,000, the cost you pay (also called the bond premium) is a small percentage of the bond amount.
Because this bond is considered low-risk and has a relatively small face value, most qualified contractors can expect to pay as little as $100 per year. The exact premium depends on:
Your personal credit score
Your business history
Any past bonding or claims history
Good credit = lower premiums. However, many bonding providers offer flexible programs for applicants with lower credit scores.
Apply Online – Choose a licensed surety bond provider and submit an online application.
Get Approved – Most applications are reviewed and approved in less than 24 hours.
Receive Your Bond – Once issued, you’ll receive a physical or electronic bond certificate to submit to the city.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Always confirm with the city whether they require an original (wet signature) bond or if electronic submission is allowed.
The City of St. Clair Shores enforces this bonding requirement to ensure that only qualified and responsible contractors operate within its jurisdiction. The bond holds the contractor financially accountable for:
Complying with building codes and permit requirements
Avoiding damage to public utilities and infrastructure
Completing work professionally and ethically
If a contractor violates the terms of the bond, the city can file a claim to recover damages. The surety will then seek reimbursement from the contractor (principal).
Installation of storm sewers or sanitary sewer lines
Sewer lateral connections to the city main
Foundation drainage system installation
Stormwater runoff management solutions
Retrofitting outdated drainage systems
Annual Renewal: Most surety bonds are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Cancellation Policy: The surety typically must provide the city with a written notice (e.g., 30 days) before canceling the bond. This ensures continued coverage and allows time for replacement if needed.
Failing to provide the required drainlayer bond can lead to:
Denied permits
Project delays
Fines or penalties
Suspension of your contractor license within the city
Protect your business and reputation by securing your bond early in the permitting process.
Ready to get started? Apply online in minutes and get bonded fast. Whether you're a solo contractor or manage a team, this bond is your gateway to compliant, legal, and protected work in St. Clair Shores.
Let me know if you'd like to include local SEO elements (like targeting "Drainlayer bond in Macomb County" or "Michigan contractor bonding") or FAQ schema markup to boost your visibility in search results.