Excavation permits and rules in California

Anyone digging in California has to notify USA North 811 (Northern California) and DigAlert (Southern California) before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 working days, and no more than 14 calendar days, before digging.^1-2

Text of the law

The notice period under Cal. Gov. Code 4216 to 4216.24 (Dig Safe Act): at least two working days, and not more than 14 calendar days, before beginning that excavation; the date of the notification shall not count as part of the two-working-day notice.^1-2

California licenses contractors through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A license is needed unless the job costs less than $1,000, is minor and needs no building permit. C-12 Earthwork and Paving covers cut, fill, excavation, grade, trench and backfill; Class A general engineering also covers excavating, grading and trenching.^3-5

Text of the law

Exempt only if the aggregate contract price for labor, materials, and all other items is less than $1,000, the work is casual, minor, or inconsequential, and no building permit is required.^3-5

A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs 1 or more acres. Coverage is under the Construction Stormwater General Permit Order 2022-0057-DWQ (NPDES).⁶