Excavation permits and rules in Virginia

Anyone digging in Virginia has to notify Virginia 811 before work starts. The notice period under Code of Virginia 56-265.14 to 56-265.32 (Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act): Operators must mark and report to the positive response system by 7:00 a.m. on the third working day following the locate request; the excavator may begin only after confirming a positive response from each operator. A scheduled excavation date may be given, not less than 48 hours nor more than 12 working days from the locate request.^{1, 2}

Virginia licenses contractors through the Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation). Who needs a license: Class C over $1,000 but less than $30,000 per contract; Class B $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 per contract; Class A $150,000 or more per contract (or annual totals as stated in 54.1-1100). Highway/heavy (H/H) classification lists excavating, grading and clearing among its functions.^{3, 4}

A stormwater permit is needed at 10,000 sq ft for a state erosion and stormwater plan (2,500 sq ft in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas; localities may go lower); VPDES construction permit coverage at 1 acre, or less if part of a larger common plan of development or sale that disturbs 1 acre or more. Coverage is under the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (VESMP); General VPDES Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction Activities (VAR10), effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029.^{5, 6}