Excavators must now outline planned dig areas before requesting utility locates, large projects must hold a coordination meeting with utilities and the local jurisdiction, and locate responses must go through an online system run by the one-call notification center.
Official title: underground facilities; excavations; notification
- September 12, 2026
- Within 1 year after the law takes effect: One-call notification center must set up procedures for large projects, white lining and the online response system, plus technical and data security standards, and post them on its public website
What changes
BeforeExcavators had to mark the boundaries of the planned dig area only if an underground facilities operator made a timely request.
NowBefore submitting a location request to the one-call notification center, the excavator must mark the planned dig area with white lining (paint, flags, chalk or another customary method). This does not apply to a person digging on single-family residential property the person owns or occupies.
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NowFor a large project (over 1 mile of linear digging or an area of a quarter square mile or more, or expected to last more than 90 calendar days, but not on-site development of a new project on previously undeveloped land), the excavator must notify the one-call notification center as soon as possible but not less than 15 business days or 21 calendar days before the start date to schedule a coordination meeting with the local jurisdiction and the underground facilities operator.
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NowFor large projects, the operator must confirm within 2 business days whether it will attend the meeting. The parties set a marking and excavation schedule, and the operator has 15 business days to mark the area in the phased plan unless the excavator agrees to more time. Following an agreed schedule counts as meeting the notice and marking duties.
BeforeAn underground facilities operator could tell the excavator that marking was unnecessary by any mutually agreeable method.
NowThe one-call notification center must provide an online "interactive positive response system." Operators must use it to report that marking is unnecessary and must enter all locate status (such as marked, no conflict or delayed) into it. An excavator may begin digging after receiving all affected operators' responses through the system.
BeforeViolations of the underground facilities law could bring a civil penalty of up to $5,000.
NowOperators or excavators may also face that civil penalty for failing to notify the one-call center at least 2 business days before digging, failing to follow a large project plan, or failing to follow the online system's requirements. The law also states it does not override city or town excavation rules.
Who it affects
- Excavators and construction contractors
- Underground utility operators, including landlords of apartment communities and mobile home parks
- Local jurisdictions taking part in large project meetings
- Cities and towns with excavation rules
- The one-call notification center
What you need to do
If you dig in areas covered by this law (other than on single-family residential property you own or occupy), you must mark the planned dig area with white lining before requesting utility locates. If you plan a large project, you must notify the one-call notification center at least 15 business days or 21 calendar days ahead to set up a coordination meeting.
What the law doesn't answer
- When the online interactive positive response system will be available to users
- Whether there are any fees for using the online system
- Which color or colors must be used for white lining
- Who counts as the "local jurisdiction" at large project meetings
- How the 15 business days or 21 calendar days notice options for large projects relate to each other
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.