California § 21381 - All contracts for any improvement or unit of work, except as provided in this art

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 21381 — All contracts for any improvement or unit of work, except as provided in this art, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21381. All contracts for any improvement or unit of work, except as provided in this art

All contracts for any improvement or unit of work, except as provided in this article, estimated to cost in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder in the manner provided in this article. The board of supervisors of the district shall advertise by three insertions in a daily newspaper of general circulation or two insertions in a weekly newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the district inviting sealed proposals for the construction of the improvement or work before any contract shall be made, and may let by contract separately any part of said work or improvement. The board shall require the successful bidder to file with the board good and sufficient bonds to be approved by the board conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract and upon the payment of their claims for labor and material, the bonds to contain the terms and conditions set forth in Title 3 (commencing with Section 9000) of Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil Code and to be subject to the provisions of that part. The board shall also have the right to reject any bid. In the event all proposals are rejected or no proposals are received pursuant to advertisement, or where the estimated cost of the work does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or the work consists of channel protection, maintenance work, or emergency work, the board of supervisors may, without advertising for bids, have the work done by force account. In case of an emergency, if notice for bids to let contracts will not be given, the board shall comply with Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 22050). The district may purchase in the open market without advertising for bids, materials and supplies for use in any work either under contract or by force account.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 21381

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 21381 cover?

Section 21381 ("All contracts for any improvement or unit of work, except as provided in this art") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 21381?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 21381" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 21381 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.