Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Site Improvement Bond

In the City of Winston-Salem and the unincorporated communities of Forsyth County, North Carolina, the Unified Development Ordinance requires subdivision developers to obtain a performance guarantee surety bond when seeking final plat approval prior to completing infrastructure improvements. For example, a subdivision plan may include infrastructure improvements (such as streets and sidewalks), and the developer would like to record their plat before these improvements have been completed. This permit bond from Jet Insurance Company serves as a means of financial guarantee for the City of Winston-Salem and County of Forsyth that all required improvements will be completed by the contractor to the standards of the Unified Development Ordinance and those of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

PURCHASE WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY SITE IMPROVEMENT BOND

Jet cuts out the middlemen who slow down the process and can cost you more in the form of fees and commissions. We are the direct provider of contractor bonds in North Carolina.

How Is the Cost Determined for the Bond?

The cost of the bond will be a small percentage of the total bonding amount, which is the sum of the following:

  1. Cost to Complete Improvements - First, the developer or their design engineer submits a detailed, itemized cost estimate to complete all remaining infrastructure improvements
  2. Contingency - Second, the city adds a 50% contingency to the amount determined in Step 1.
  3. Administrative - Additionally, the City Engineer estimates the administrative costs required to complete the project, and adds that to the itemized cost and contingency above

Once one of Jet’s underwriters approves you for bonding, the bond cost will be a small percentage of the total bonding amount or limit. Other considerations may also factor into the eligibility and price of the bond such as financial stability and experience. 

Can Jet File the Site Improvement Bond for Me?

Yes, Jet can! Once you purchase your bond, Jet will immediately ship the original bond to the City of Winston-Salem for you. An electronic copy of the bond will immediately be emailed to you for your records as well.

Some surety outfits will leave the final shipment to Winston-Salem up to you, at your expense or charge ridiculous shipping fees. Not at Jet!

If you would like the original bond mailed directly to your location, then you can just let us know at checkout. Please note the bond must be filed with the city at the following address:

City of Winston-Salem Engineering Division
Attn: Charles Hendrick
PO Box 2511
Winston-Salem, NC 27102

For overnight postage, documentation should be sent to the following:

City of Winston-Salem Engineering Division
Attn: Charles Hendrick
100 E. First Street - Suite 235
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Can I Cancel My Site Development Bond?

The Site Development Bond is considered continuous until released after final inspection of improvements by the obligee (City of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County), so the bond cannot be cancelled at any time by the developer or Jet.

How Does a Developer Avoid Bond Claims?

In order to avoid a claim against the surety bond, developers must comply with the Unified Development Ordinance and complete all public and private improvement elements of their approved subdivision plan, within the committed duration of the bond. This means that at the time of final inspection, three conditions must be met:

  1. All infrastructure improvement elements are complete
  2. Work completed matches the approved preliminary plan and the final map of the subdivision.
  3. All work passes final inspection by City of Winston-Salem Engineering Department

Bond Claims may arise when a developer abandons the project, departs from the approved subdivision plan in their actual construction, does not meet subdivision construction standards, or does not complete the improvements within the agreed timeline. Several factors may contribute to a failure on the contractors part, such as unforeseen costs, which is why so much diligence may go into Jet’s determining your eligibility for a bond. 

What Happens If I Get a Bond Claim?

If the City of Winston-Salem Engineering Department finds discrepancies during their final inspection, and the developer is unable or unwilling to rectify them, the city may process a claim directly with Jet. To assess the validity of the claim, Jet will investigate the circumstances, and defend you as much as possible. Be sure to provide Jet with all necessary evidence in a timely manner should you know a fraudulent claim has been brought against your organization.

If the claim is deemed valid, Jet is obligated under the Unified Development Ordinance Chapter 3-19 to pay the claim up to the total amount of the bond. It is important to note that the surety acts as a line of credit in this respect, and the developer (the “principal”) is responsible for their actions (or failed actions) and must reimburse Jet for the amount paid.

What Is the Purpose of the Site Improvement Bond?

The Site Improvement Bond exists to provide a performance guarantee to the City of Winston-Salem that subdivisions will be built in accordance with the city’s approved plans, on time, and in accordance with the building standards. The bond issued by Jet (a third party entity) ensures that the city will be reimbursed, should the city need to finish infrastructure improvements for a subdivision on behalf of the developer.

The bond does offer an advantage to developers who wish to record their subdivision plat and receive a Certificate of Occupancy prior to project completion, while at the same time protecting consumers by guaranteeing the quality and safe completion of their subdivision.

How Does the Application Process Work With Jet?

Jet streamlines the application process, so you can apply for your bond hassle-free by providing some basic information about your business. Once you provide this information online or over the phone, we will evaluate your application and quickly get back to you.

As  bond limits become larger Jet may need the following additional information in order to provide your quote such as:

With our quote ready, we send a link for you to make the purchase online. With payment made the bond and receipt are ready immediately afterwards.

PURCHASE WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH SITE IMPROVEMENT BOND

When Does the Site Improvement Bond Obligation End?

The Site Improvement Bond is considered continuous until all required infrastructure improvements for a subdivision are completed. Liability for the developer and surety will be released once a project has conducted a successful final inspection and received release from the City of Winston-Salem’s Director of Public Works.

Bonds are available from Jet in one to three year increments. The bond will need to be renewed if the project extends past the originally purchased term.

Are There Other Bonds That a Developer Needs?

A developer doesn’t need additional bonding but some contractors on the job, such as landscape, irrigation, and electrical contractors, are required to hold a bond for their license. Check out other North Carolina construction bonds by clicking here.

Notary Bond Application:

X

Business Information:

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information:

Employee Dishonesty Bond Application:

Business Information:

Business Description:

Coverage Requirements:

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information:

Contract Bond Application:

X

Business Information:

Owner Information:

Job Details:

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information:

Worker's Compensation Application:

X

Business Information:

Business Description:

Coverage Requirements

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information: