Excavation permits and rules in Oregon
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 Oregon has to notify Oregon 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 business days, and no more than 10, before digging.1-2
Text of the law
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
Licensing
Oregon licenses contractors through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. A license is needed unless the job is under $1,000 and minor, and the person doesn't 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
Text of the law
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.3
Stormwater and erosion control
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
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Sources
- ORS Chapter 757 Utility Regulation Generally (2025 edition) ↑
- Rulemaking - Oregon Utility Notification Center ↑
- ORS Chapter 701 Construction Contractors and Contracts ↑
- Department of Environmental Quality : 1200 Series Construction Stormwater Permits - General Use ↑
- 1200-C NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit (effective December 15, 2025) ↑
What excavation costs in Oregon
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Oregon, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Oregon
Oregon has 1,427 excavation contractors listed, and 1,270 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 Oregon.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/or/rules/