Utility Locate (811) & Permits: the full procedure

Submit the 811 locate request and confirm permits are in place before anyone breaks ground.

• Applies to: Owner, lead installer
• Frequency: Per job (before any dig)
• Scope: Covers our internal process for requesting locates and tracking permits. The locate service itself, the legally required wait time, and all permit/code decisions DEFER to the 811 utility-locate service and local building code & permits. Digging without a valid locate is never permitted.

What you need

• 811 request (phone 811 or state 811 website)
• White marking paint
• Permit documents/folder
• Job file checklist
• Camera

The procedure, step by step

1. Confirm the dig area is pre-marked in white — Verify the work zone is outlined in white paint or flags (from site layout) so locators know exactly where to mark.
2. Submit the 811 locate request — Call 811 or submit through the state 811 portal at least the legally required notice (commonly two business days, but it varies by state — follow the locate service's stated requirement). Record the ticket/confirmation number in the job file.
3. Wait the full required period — do not dig early — Do not start any digging until the locate is complete and the required wait time has fully elapsed. This is mandatory and non-negotiable.
4. Verify all utilities are marked on site — When locators have marked, walk the site and confirm the color-coded marks (gas, electric, water, communications) are present. If marks are missing or unclear, contact the locate service before digging.
5. Confirm required permits are issued — Confirm any required building permits are issued and on site before work begins. Permit requirements DEFER to local building code & permits — a licensed pro confirms what's needed.
6. Adjust post/footing locations away from marked lines — Where a post or footing falls on a marked utility, relocate it and hand-dig carefully near marks per the locate service's tolerance guidance.
7. File the ticket number and permit copy — Save the 811 ticket number, locate completion date, and permit copies to the job file before crew mobilizes.

Quality check before you finish

• 811 ticket/confirmation number is recorded in the job file
• Required notice/wait period has fully elapsed before digging
• All utility marks are present and verified on site
• Required permits are issued and on site
• Posts/footings relocated clear of any marked utility lines
• Locate completion date and permit copies are filed

This is a free, source-anchored standard operating procedure (SOP) you can print and hand to staff. It documents the work sequence for a Fencing & Decks business — not safety or regulatory rulings, which defer to the cited authorities, the applicable code, and your own health-and-safety plan. Open the tool above to print it, toggle ink-saver, or (with a free ToolFluency Business account) edit it to match your own workflow.

Sources

• Call811 (Common Ground Alliance) (call811.com)
• International Code Council / IRC (iccsafe.org)
• OSHA (osha.gov)