Excavation permits and rules in Alabama
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 Alabama has to notify Alabama 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 working days, and no more than 10, before digging.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under Code of Alabama 37-15-1 to 37-15-11, with enforcement in 37-15-10.1 and 37-15-10.2: at least two but not more than 10 working days prior to the start of the proposed excavation, not including the day of notification.1-2
Licensing
Alabama licenses contractors through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. A license is needed for jobs of $100,000 or more, counting labor and materials. The general contractor definition covers site work and grading, and subcontractors at $100,000 or more must also be licensed; Municipal and utility, Highways and streets and Heavy and railroad classifications cover earthwork, with a Sitework subclassification.3-4
Text of the law
Cost of the undertaking including labor and materials is $100,000 or more.3-4
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than 1 acre if part of a common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb 1 or more acres. Coverage is under the ADEM NPDES Construction General Permit ALR100000.5-6
Get quotes from contractors in your county
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Sources
- Law | Alabama 811 ↑
- SB205 Introduced (2026 Regular Session), Alabama Legislature ↑
- Law - Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors ↑
- Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors prime contractor application (Revised 02/2022) ↑
- Do I Need Permit Coverage? | Alabama Department of Environmental Management ↑
- Construction General Permit | Alabama Department of Environmental Management ↑
What excavation costs in Alabama
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Alabama, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Alabama
Alabama has 1,068 excavation contractors listed, and 840 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 Alabama.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/al/rules/