North Carolina Law

The North Carolina Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act (Article 8A of Chapter 87) was enacted to protect public safety and underground infrastructure during excavation and demolition activities. Its primary goal is to prevent damage to underground utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and communication lines.

Key provisions include:

  • Mandatory Notification: Before any excavation or demolition, individuals must contact the state’s Notification Center to identify underground facilities.
  • Facility Marking: Utility operators are responsible for marking the location of their underground lines within a specified timeframe.
  • Excavator Responsibilities: Excavators must follow safe digging practices and respect marked utility lines to avoid damage.
  • Emergency Protocols: Special procedures are outlined for emergency excavations where immediate action is required.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: The Underground Damage Prevention Review Board oversees compliance and can impose civil penalties for violations.

This law ensures a systematic and uniform process for safe digging, helping to prevent injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs.


Currently we only have the 2019 Law posted here on our website. The fully written law and its changes will be posted soon. Until then please refer to the Law Quick Reference Guide below.