Excavation permits and rules in Oregon

Anyone digging in Oregon has to notify Oregon 811 before work starts. The notice period under ORS 757.542 to 757.562; OAR chapter 952: at least two but not more than 10 business days before commencing an excavation.^{1, 2}

Oregon licenses contractors through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Who needs a license: Exempt only if aggregate contracts on one structure or project are less than $1,000 and the work is casual, minor or inconsequential, and the person does not advertise as a contractor. The statutory definition of contractor expressly includes work on an excavation, so excavation contractors need a CCB license with a residential or commercial endorsement.³

A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less if part of a common plan of development or sale that will disturb 1 acre or more. Coverage is under the NPDES 1200-C Construction Stormwater General Permit (1200-CN and 1200-CA for government agencies).^{4, 5}