CA Gov Code 4216 + BPC 7110

About This Book

California's "Call Before You Dig" law—governed by Government Code Sections 4216–4216.24 and enforced through Business and Professions Code Section 7110—exists to prevent accidental damage to buried utilities and protect public safety. Here is how these statutes work together:

1. Government Code §§ 4216–4216.24 (Core Operational Requirements)

• 811 Notification: Anyone planning to excavate must notify a regional notification center—DigAlert (Southern California) or USA North 811 (Northern California)—at least two working days before breaking ground, excluding the notification date itself.
• Broad Scope: The law covers virtually any earth-moving activity regardless of depth, including grading, trenching, augering, pipe driving, tree planting, and fence post installation.
• Tolerance Zone: Once utilities are marked, excavators must use only hand tools or vacuum excavation within 24 inches on either side of a marked utility until its exact location is physically confirmed.
• Utility Operator Duties: All utility operators (except Caltrans) must belong to a regional notification center and submit an Electronic Positive Response confirming marked lines or a clear area before excavation begins.
• Enforcement: The Dig Safe Board oversees compliance and may impose civil penalties up to $50,000 for willful violations.

2. Business and Professions Code § 7110 (Contractor Licensing)

This statute gives the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) authority to discipline licensed contractors who violate Government Code 4216. Consequences range from formal warnings to full license revocation, independent of any civil penalties.

Penalty Summary