Excavation permits and rules in Arizona
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 Arizona has to notify Arizona 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 working days before digging.1-3
Text of the law
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).1-3
Licensing
Arizona licenses contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. A license is needed unless the job costs less than $1,000, is minor and needs no building permit. 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
Text of the law
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.4-5
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 that will ultimately disturb 1 acre or more. Coverage is under the AZPDES Construction General Permit AZG2025-001.6
Get quotes from contractors in your county
One request instead of calling contractors one at a time. We'll match you with an excavation contractor near you. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone.
Sources
- 40-360.22 - Excavations; determining location of underground facilities; ... large project coordination ↑
- 40-360.21 - Definitions ↑
- Can You Dig It? August 11 in National 811 Day (Arizona Corporation Commission) ↑
- 32-1121 - Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability ↑
- License Classifications (Arizona Registrar of Contractors) ↑
- WQD | AZPDES Construction Activity General Permit (CGP) for Stormwater | ADEQ ↑
What excavation costs in Arizona
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Arizona, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Arizona
Arizona has 640 excavation contractors listed, and 557 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 Arizona.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/az/rules/