Excavation permits and rules in Alaska

Anyone digging in Alaska has to notify 811 Alaska before work starts. 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}

Alaska licenses contractors through the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Construction Contractors). Who needs a license: No dollar threshold; a person may not submit a bid or work as a contractor until issued a certificate of registration. 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}

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}