Excavation permits and rules in Alaska
What the state requires before and during excavation work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and a county or city can add rules of its own.
Checked September 19, 2026
Calling 811 before you dig
Anyone digging in Alaska has to notify 811 Alaska before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 and no more than 15 working days before digging, or at least 10 and no more than 20 working days in a remote or unstaffed location.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under Alaska Stat. 42.30.400 to 42.30.490: at least two but not more than 15 working days before the date scheduled for beginning the excavation; in a remote or unstaffed location, at least 10 but not more than 20 working days.1-2
Licensing
Alaska licenses contractors through the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors). Every contractor needs a state registration before bidding or starting work, whatever the job costs. Registration, not an exam license; excavation contractor is a registered specialty (12 AAC 21.330) covering trenching, land clearing, grading, filling and shaping, with a $10,000 bond.3-4
Text of the law
No dollar threshold; a person may not submit a bid or work as a contractor until issued a certificate of registration.3-4
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less if part of a larger common plan of development or sale with a cumulative disturbance of at least 1 acre. Coverage is under the APDES Construction General Permit AKR100000 (2026 draft, October 2025).5-6
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Sources
- Alaska Statutes 42.30.400 to 42.30.490 (Alaska State Legislature, print view) ↑
- AK Dig Law - 811 Before You Dig ↑
- Statutes and Regulations Construction Contractors September 2023 ↑
- Specialty Contractor Registration Application (08-4818, Rev. 09/03/2025) ↑
- Construction General Permit (CGP) | AK Dept. of Environmental Conservation ↑
- General Permit for Discharges from Large and Small Construction Activities (Construction General Permit) - Draft, Permit Number AKR100000 ↑
What excavation costs in Alaska
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Alaska, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Alaska
Alaska has 223 excavation contractors listed, and 176 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll match you with excavation contractors near you.
Cite this page
“Excavation permits and rules in Alaska.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/ak/rules/