Excavation permits and rules in Utah
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 Utah has to notify Blue Stakes of Utah 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 48 hours before digging, not counting weekends and holidays.1-3
Text of the law
The notice period under Utah Code 54-8a-1 to 54-8a-13: Not less than 48 hours before excavation begins; "48 hours" means a 48-hour period during business days (excluding Saturday, Sunday or a holiday) that begins at 8:00 a.m. on the first business day after notice is submitted.1-3
Licensing
Utah licenses contractors through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Construction Services Commission. S310 Foundation, Excavation, and Demolition Contractor is the specialty classification for excavation; E100 General Engineering Contractor also covers it.4-5
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than an acre if part of a common plan of development or sale over an acre. Coverage is under the UPDES Construction General Permit UTRC00000.6
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Sources
What excavation costs in Utah
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Utah, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Utah
Utah has 834 excavation contractors listed, and 742 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 Utah.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/ut/rules/