Excavation permits and rules in Washington
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 Washington has to notify Washington 811 before work starts. Call 811 at least 2 full business days, and no more than 10, before digging.1-2
Text of the law
The notice period under Chapter 19.122 RCW (Underground utilities), notice duty in RCW 19.122.030: Not less than two full business days and not more than 10 full business days before the scheduled work-to-begin date, unless otherwise agreed by the excavator and facility operators in writing.1-2
Licensing
Washington licenses contractors through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), contractor registration. Who needs a license: All construction contractors must register with L&I (no dollar threshold stated). Registration with bond and insurance, no exam; the specialty "Excavation, grading and land clearing" covers excavation, or a general contractor registration.3-4
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 and discharges stormwater to surface waters. Coverage is under the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSWGP), 2026 permit effective Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2030.5
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Sources
- RCW 19.122.030 Excavator and facility operator duties before excavation (PDF, certified 8/15/2025) ↑
- Final Bill Report ESSB 5627 (C 292 L 25) ↑
- Register as a Contractor - Washington State Department of Labor & Industries ↑
- Application For Construction Contractor Registration (F625-001-000) ↑
- Construction stormwater permit - Washington State Department of Ecology ↑
What excavation costs in Washington
Published national ranges for the common jobs, the regional adjustment for Washington, and a planning estimate you can run for your own county.
Contractors in Washington
Washington has 1,579 excavation contractors listed, and 1,392 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 Washington.” LeaderExcavation.com, updated September 19, 2026. https://leaderexcavation.com/wa/rules/