Excavation permits and rules in Arizona

Anyone digging in Arizona has to notify Arizona 811 before work starts. The notice period under Ariz. Rev. Stat. 40-360.21 to 40-360.33: at least two working days before digging (operators must mark not later than two working days after the excavator's inquiry; working day excludes Saturday, Sunday, the fourth Friday in November and legal holidays).^{1, 2, 3}

Arizona licenses contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Who needs a license: Exempt only if the aggregate contract price is less than $1,000, the work is casual or minor, and no local building permit is required. A-5 (commercial), R-2 (residential) and CR-2 (dual) Excavating, Grading and Oil Surfacing classifications cover trenching, grading, boring, compacting and filling.^{4, 5}

A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less if part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb 1 acre or more. Coverage is under the AZPDES Construction General Permit AZG2025-001.⁶