Excavation permits and rules in Vermont
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 Vermont has to notify Dig Safe before work starts. Call 811 at least 72 hours, not counting weekends and holidays, and no more than 30 days before digging.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under 30 V.S.A. 7001 to 7008: At least 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, but not more than 30 days before commencing excavation activities.1-2
Licensing
Vermont licenses contractors through the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation. Registration is needed for home construction jobs for a homeowner over $10,000, counting labor and materials. Mandatory registration, not a license, and only for residential construction for homeowners; there is no state license for commercial or general site work.3
Text of the law
Registration required before contracting with a homeowner to perform residential construction for more than $10,000.00, including labor and materials.3
Stormwater and erosion control
A stormwater permit is needed at 1 acre, or less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development that will ultimately disturb 1 acre or more. Coverage is under the Construction General Permit (CGP) 3-9020.4
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Sources
What excavation costs in Vermont
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Vermont, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Vermont
Vermont has 237 excavation contractors listed, and 139 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 Vermont.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/vt/rules/