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District of Columbia public space / ROW permit bonds.
From $125.

When you occupy, dig or build in the public right-of-way, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) can require a bond on your public space permit to guarantee you restore the space to District standards. DDOT sets the amount. The premium is 1% of the bond amount plus a $25 fee, with a $125 minimum.

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Required by DDOT Public Space Regulation on public space / right-of-way occupancy permits (24 DCMR Ch. 33)

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Amount is set by DDOT to cover the deposits and restoration — partial credits are not allowed

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1% of the bond amount plus a $25 fee — $125 minimum, shown instantly at the application

1% rate$125 minimum, priced by amountNo credit reviewnot even a soft pullFastinstant underwriting for most

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard public space bond — enter your amount, pay, and file with DDOT. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount DDOT required, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

Most applicants are issued as soon as they pay — no waiting. Larger amounts may get a quick review.

SAME DAY

File with your DDOT permit

Submit the executed bond with your public space / right-of-way permit application in TOPS. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever DDOT insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the public space bond actually covers

Anything you do between the property lines of a District street — occupy the sidewalk, open a roadway cut, set a dumpster or scaffold, install a vault or driveway — needs a public space permit from DDOT's Public Space Regulation office. On work that disturbs the right-of-way, DDOT can require a bond as a condition of the permit.

The bond is a performance and restoration guarantee: it backs your obligation to restore the public space to DDOT standards and to cover the permit deposits. DDOT's bond instructions are explicit that the amount is set to cover the entire cost of the deposits, with no partial credits.

If you fail to restore the space or leave the District out-of-pocket, DDOT can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety. We issue the amount DDOT set.

24 DCMR Chapter 33 (Public Right-of-Way Occupancy Permits)DDOT regulates the use of public space under Title 24 DCMR (including Chapter 33, Public Right-of-Way Occupancy Permits) and the District's public space statutes. DDOT may require a bond on a public space / right-of-way permit; its bond instructions state the amount must cover the entire cost of the deposits and that partial credits are not allowed. Confirm the amount on your DDOT permit.

You need this bond if you are

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A contractor or utility opening a roadway, sidewalk, or alley under a DDOT permit

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Occupying public space with a dumpster, scaffold, fence, or staging on a District street

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Building a vault, areaway, or driveway that encroaches into the public right-of-way

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A permittee DDOT has asked to bond before issuing or renewing your public space permit

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount DDOT set — the executed bond is generated instantly, ready to file with your permit.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the DC public space bond?The premium is 1% of the bond amount DDOT set, plus a $25 fee, with a $125 minimum. Enter the figure from your permit at the application to see your exact price.

Who requires this bond?The District Department of Transportation's Public Space Regulation office requires it on public space / right-of-way permits that disturb the right-of-way, under Title 24 DCMR. No bond, no permit.

What does the bond guarantee?That you restore the public space to DDOT standards and cover the permit deposits. If you fail to and the District is left out-of-pocket, DDOT can claim against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information for most applicants.

Where do I file it?With DDOT, through the Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS), attached to your public space / right-of-way permit application. We issue the executed bond ready to submit.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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Public space bond, issued today.

Pricing from $125. Enter the amount DDOT required and file the same day.

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