Excavation permits and rules in Arkansas

Anyone digging in Arkansas has to notify Arkansas 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 full working days, and no more than 10, before digging.^1-2

Text of the law

The notice period under Ark. Code Ann. 14-271-101 to 14-271-115 (Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act): at least two (2), but not more than ten (10), full working days before commencing this activity (working day means every day except Saturday, Sunday, and national and legal state holidays).^1-2

Arkansas licenses contractors through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing). Who needs a license: Commercial license for work of $50,000 or more; home improvement license for specialty work on a single-family residence over $2,000. Grading and drainage specialty covers excavation, clearing, grubbing, culverts and rip rap; heavy construction and municipal and utility are the major classifications.^3-4

A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale; 1 to under 5 acres gets automatic coverage, 5 acres or more needs a notice of intent. Coverage is under the NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit ARR150000.^5-6