County of Ventura Watershed Protection Encroachment Permit Bond

What is the Purpose of the Watershed Protection Encroachment Permit Bond?

The County of Ventura requires contractors performing watershed protection encroachment in the county to obtain a Watershed Protection Encroachment Permit Bond. The bond represents a financial guarantee by the contractor and the issuing surety company to the County of Ventura that all contracted work will be completed on time and the jobsite will be returned to its original condition.

How Much Does the Bond/Deposit Cost?

According to the Ventura County Public Works Agency - Watershed Protection District, applicants must submit a deposit of $2,000 ($370 is a non-refundable application fee and the remaining $1,630 is put in a trust account for permit staff charges). 

The bond cost for the contractor is typically between 1%-7.5% depending on the contractor’s personal credit score, however, the minimum bond cost will start at $100 regardless of credit score. 

*Prices shown are based on several factors. Not all available pricing tiers are shown. Rates do not constitute an offer of bonding and are subject to change at any time.

How Does the Permit Application Process Work With the County of Ventura?

Permit applications must be submitted to the Public Works Agency of the Ventura County Watershed Protection District. Applicants that meet permit qualifications should visit the County’s “One Stop Permitting” site to download instructions, forms, fees and the latest resolution.

Does CCIS File the Bond for Applicants?

County of Ventura requires wet signatures** on filed bond documents. This means both parties must physically sign the bond prior to sending it in to the County of Ventura. The original bond form issued by CCIS needs be mailed to or dropped off at the following location by the contractor once signed:

**Properly review bond forms to confirm if notarization is required. Failure to adhere to document requirements may lead to rejection of the bond form by the County of Ventura.

Does This Bond Expire?

The permit bond expires upon the specified expiration date, typically one year from the date of issuance. A new permit bond will need to be purchased should the project take longer than one year.

Claims Information

If the County of Ventura files a claim against the Watershed Protection Encroachment Permit Bond, the Surety company will investigate the legitimacy of the claim and proceed accordingly. CCIS does not handle surety claims in office, however, claims contact information will be provided to the contractor, to move the claims process forward.

If the claim is found to be legitimate, the Surety company will payout to the County of Ventura, up to the limit of the bond. 

Unlike insurance policies that protect contractors from unforeseen events, this bond protects the County of Ventura, its laborers, and suppliers from the actions of a contractor. Contractors are responsible for their actions and therefore must reimburse the Surety company for any claims paid. Failure to do so will significantly inhibit a contractor’s ability to obtain a surety bond for future jobs.