Call Before You Dig

Planning to Dig? Call 811 First — It’s Free and It’s the Law.

Before beginning any digging project, Oregon law requires property owners, residents, contractors, and utilities to contact the Utility Notification Center (Oregon 811) to request that underground utilities be located and marked.

Buried utilities such as water, sewer, gas, electric, communications, and other lines may be located beneath sidewalks, streets, or even within private yards. Contacting Oregon 811 helps prevent injuries, service disruptions, and costly damage to underground infrastructure.

Call at least 2–5 business days before digging.

• Dial 811 or 1-800-332-2344
• Submit a request online through Oregon 811
• Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

There is no cost to have public utility lines located.

Who Must Call?

Anyone planning to dig must request a utility locate, including:

• Homeowners
• Property owners or tenants
• Contractors
• Landscapers
• Fence installers
• Anyone performing excavation work

Even small projects such as planting trees, installing fences, building decks, or digging post holes require a locate request.

Information You Will Need

When submitting a locate request, be prepared to provide:

• Contact Information
  • Your name
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Alternate contact person and phone number
  • Company name (if applicable)
• Location Information
  • Street address of the work site
  • City and county
  • Nearest intersecting street
  • Distance and direction from the intersection
  • Township, range, and section (if known)
• Work Details
  • Type of work being performed (fence installation, landscaping, trenching, etc.)
  • How the work will be completed
  • Who the work is being performed for
  • Whether work will occur within 10 feet of overhead power lines
• Dig Area Description
  • The specific location on the property where digging will occur
  • Any special instructions for marking

Before You Call: Mark Your Dig Area

Before submitting your request, pre-mark the area where you plan to dig using:

• White spray paint
• White flags
• White stakes

This helps locators identify the exact area where utility markings are needed.

What Happens After You Call

After submitting a locate request:

1.      Oregon 811 will notify utility companies that have facilities in the area.

2.      Utility locators will visit the site to mark underground lines.

3.      You will receive:

• A ticket number for your records
• A list of utilities notified
• A timeframe when markings will be completed

Keep your ticket number for reference in case questions arise.

Questions? Forgotten ticket number? Unknown markings in the street?
View the National Ticket Management Service (NTMS) website to find this information.

Understanding Utility Markings

Utility locators use the American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Code to mark underground facilities. These temporary markings indicate the approximate location of underground lines.

Always dig carefully around marked utilities.

Why It Matters

• Calling before you dig helps:
• Prevent injuries and accidents
• Avoid damage to underground utilities
• Prevent service outages
• Protect critical public infrastructure
• Save time and repair costs