How to obtain a Philadelphia Excavation Site Permit Bond

Philadelphia Excavation Site Permit Bond Requirements

In Philadelphia, any excavation contractor performing work that creates a cut, trench, or depression more than 5 feet below an adjacent grade must have an active excavation contractor’s bond before applying for or working on an excavation site permit City of Philadelphia+1.

Bond Details

• Type: Surety bond (excavation contractor’s bond)

• Amount: $100,000 

  Purpose: Financial guarantee that the contractor will comply with permit obligations, restore sidewalks, pavements, and road surfaces to municipal standards, and complete any required cleanup or remediation .

• Obligee: City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)

• Duration: Active as long as work under the permit is ongoing and until the city confirms completion of all required tasks 

Why It’s Required

The bond protects the city and property owners from damages caused by improper excavation, such as:

• Damage to public infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, utilities)

• Failure to restore disturbed areas

• Abandonment of work 

If a claim is made against the bond, the surety company pays up to the bond amount, and the contractor must reimburse the surety

Licensing & Permit Connection

• You must have a Philadelphia-licensed excavation contractor to perform the work City of Philadelphia+1.

• The bond is submitted with your excavation contractor license application and is a prerequisite for issuing an excavation site permit City of Philadelphia+1.

Apply here: License, Permit, Road & Sidewalk Permits | License and Permit Bonds

• The contractor must also have:

• Active license

• Current City taxes

• Required insurance (e.g., $2M general liability, $300K auto, workers’ comp) gbca.com

Application & Compliance

• Apply for the bond through a surety company; you’ll need business/contractor information, credit check, and financial history .

• The bond must be in place before filing the excavation site permit application.

• Non-compliance (e.g., working without a permit or bond) can result in permit denial, fines, license suspension, or loss of future bids 

Tip: Always verify current requirements with the City of Philadelphia’s L&I before starting work, as regulations can change.