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. 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). Who needs a license: 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. C-12 Earthwork and Paving covers cut, fill, excavation, grade, trench and backfill; Class A general engineering also covers excavating, grading and trenching.^{3, 4, 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