I then called the number on this power box thing that is located on my front yard.. but I don't exactly know who I called it just said "before digging call ###-###-####" so I called them, and they also couldn't tell me who put the flags there or whether I can or cannot remove them. The orange flag has a traffic light-like symbol on it. Before a power line is built, Duke Energy acquires easements . The American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed a color code for marking underground utilities, so it's easy to immediately identify any utilities in the proposed excavation area. Utility companies usually place flags to mark . If damages have been done to your property, its best to notify the company. Children may also accidentally take those flags out. It signifies electric utilities, such as cables and power lines. Utility flags are placed to prevent any disturbances or accidents in the area as utility work is being carried out. Had to make a run to get a tube installed in a BRAND NEW TIRE! They are there for a purpose, which is to protect underground lines that may be damaged during digging. If this happens, do not plant the flags to the ground as you may not know where they were exactly located. If you are unable to gather the information from the state 811, you can simply refer to the color of the flag. But keep in mind that removing these flags are a big no-no. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Maryland, Utility Locator, LLC14 Hadco Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, Toll Free(888) 232-5959Pennsylvania(215) 596-1234New Jersey(609)795-8998Delaware(302) 407-3724Maryland(443) 779-6060Emailinfo@utilitylocator.com, Monday Friday |6:00AM 6:00PMSaturday Sunday |Closed, Underground Utility LocatingSubsurface Utility EngineeringVacuum Excavation & Test HolesVideo Pipe Camera InspectionsConcrete Scanning & ImagingCable Fault & Pipe Leak Detection, A Division of Trinity Subsurface Engineering. About seven to eight utility companies are typically contacted. We will label this, When hiring a privateunderground utility locating company, you expect that they will find all of the underground utilities present within the project or location that, The release of last months Common Ground Alliance 2016 DIRT Report is a sobering reminder about how important it is to excavate safely around underground, Let's Discuss Your Project. If you own property, it is in your best interest to know if any easements exist on your lot. Removing Your Lawn. The red flag comes with a bulb symbol in it. (Is This Illegal to Do? By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! This can include water, gas, electricity, and cable lines. I understand your perspective..but tell me this if you cannot disturb flags for a certain period of time, why does the utility not come and gather up the flags when that period is over? The blue flag marking indicates portable water lines and is not to be tampered with for any reason. Even neighbors can have easement over your property, giving them access to your land. If you found this article, chances are that you have just discovered a new set of colored little flags in your yard, but your not sure why. coronavirus test kits supplier They were here today.They marked with both spraypaint and flags. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. The flag colors come in the uniform color code for general designation and use. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. White flags usually mark the area where there is a proposed excavation. Those are utility location flags. One thing to note is that utility companies do have the right to come onto your property, even without permission. After a few passes, something catches my eye: a wire staff flag which was laying in the lawn, managed to implant itself in the sidewall of the back right tire of my VRide! For this, a professional may be called upon to handle it. If you see plenty of white flags wrapped around an area, that should give you an idea of how big the project is. Have you talked to your neighbor to make sure they've had the work done already? If you need or want to remove the flags, our suggestion is that you call your local state-run dig center by simply dialing 811 (just like 911 but replace the 9 with an 8!). This means that you can only remove flags 30 days after placing them with no work done. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. I've yet to . These markings should not be tampered with by unauthorized parties for community safety. Should I expect them to pay for the damages? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. You may be so tempted to remove utility color flags from your yard. However, you may wonder why there are flags on your lawn without your permission or if it is allowed for utility companies to mount utility flags on your property without permission. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Clear skies. It will be about 2 weeks before I can get the landscaping work done. The short answer is yes, utility companies can dig up your yard and they can do so legally to gain access to pipelines and cables. In most cases, you find flags in your yard on the occasion of a repair or maintenance going on in your neighborhood. There was an error processing your request. Waking up to the sound of construction going on near your area is not an uncommon occurrence. Antioxidants This hasn't been the driest spring. Utility Locator, LLC is a division of Trinity Subsurface Engineering, LLC and specializes in locating underground utilities on private campuses and other properties where most of the underground utilities are privately owned. But if it happens to you, you should know that it means someone is planning to turn it into an excavation site. Utility flags are placed to prevent any disturbances or accidents in the area as utility work is being carried out. Specifically, about these utility flags and markings - why are they on my yard? Manage Settings By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Depending on the state youre in, there should be a law that prohibits any person from removing or tampering with utility flags. Damaging this line could release poisonous gases and may cause a flood in the neighborhood. Here's a key to the flags' colors: If flags are in your yard, please do not remove them, they may have a logo and/or the name of the utility that has placed it there. But this authority only takes place after the initial need for the flags is completed. If you must dig near the marks or use machinery of any kind, visit the "DIG CAREFULLY" section of the contractor page, or contact your state's 811 . I deal with the stupid flags all the time. Note that if you see any white paint or flags, this is typically marking the route of the proposed excavation. You can guess at what company placed what flags based on you local utility providers. If you found blue flags, you can try your water company. The first one is that there will be an excavation project planned in the spot where the flags are. These mark the power lines that connect to a neighbor's power grid. What are these capped, metal pipes in our yard? Other states place a validity of the flags for 30 calendar days. Each color of paint/flag represents a unique type of underground utility. To children, those colorful flags could be very attractive. Avoid digging near buried utilities if possible. It could be that individuals or companies calling in the dig request cant provide the exact location to mark. Sometimes calls come in for landscaping and these flags need to be placed, or sometimes it's a year long project that needs a long time to plan. For instance, a water company may ask to have that area marked with yellow flags so that when there is an installation, repair, or maintenance on the water lines, the marked spot wont be touched. To children, those colorful flags could be very attractive. Do not remove the flags, stakes or paint marks until you have finished . 1. This does not necessarily mean that the work to be done would involve your lawn or house. Sewer lines need to be preserved if there are in-ground projects. Placing orange flags means companies should be careful about digging this area, especially when people are expecting a big game on TV. The quick answer is yes, you can. If youre having trouble contacting the company or if you feel they are not attending to your concern, you have two ways to approach this: Is it possible to sue your utility company? Generally speaking, you should not remove utility flags from your yard because they are meant to avoid disturbances, damage to utility lines, ensure safety during any repairs to utility lines. They were here today.They marked with both spraypaint and flags. Utility companies are not the only ones that can own easement to your property. More importantly, its your responsibility to follow-up so dont be shy about it. This will result in everyday inconveniences that can affect not only you but also other people in the community. The circuit was out for 3 hours. While you cant really prevent utility companies from doing their jobs, its good to know who is setting foot on your property and what theyre doing. Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. These will help workers locate important marked spots. I mow a storage facility that's on a main state road with city roads on 3 sides. We will see if they are there next week. Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and shouldnotbe interpreted aslegal advice or acted upon as such. The APWA color code guide can tell you which colors indicate which type of utility. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If the marks are past the row remove and mow. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Small alcoves in exterior walls for utilities access? (We Checked With the USPS)Continue, Electric fences are an efficient way to keep critters or other unwanted visitors out of your yard. Get exclusive, in-depth coverage of the University of North Texas athletics teams in this weekly newsletter. If a utility does not mark its underground utility facilities or contact the excavator within that time, the utility is deemed to have given notice that it does not have any facilities at the excavation site. The color of the utility flag placed on your lawn or neighborhood would help you determine the type of utility line there and, in times of repair, what kind of repair work would be done. Accidental removal of the flags is inevitable. But if it happens to you, you should know that it means someone is planning to turn it into an excavation site. It would also help you know if you can request removal or need to wait a while before requesting one. Seeing the utility flag means some utility work is about to be done in the area. You may have no idea what it is and you just see it as something that ruins the overall aesthetics of your yard. Comcast tore up my yard, but they brought in new patches of grass to replace the grass they removed. JavaScript is disabled. Utility services such as cable TV, telephone, electric, gas, water and sewer are often buried underground. Why are there utility flags in my yard? Asked 8 years, 9 months ago. (Do This Before Digging)Continue. This does not mean that someone will be parking a huge excavator in front of your home and tearing up your entire lawn. Bunch of BS IMO. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? Utility companies usually place flags to mark underground facilities for projects like repair and maintenance. The yellow flags will help identify contractors that a gas line is on that spot. So, if you have been considering digging a, Read More Can I Dig a Well on My Property? For more information, please see our While an easement does give right to the utility company to use or access your land, they do not own it. Gunbuilder is right, they are good for 10 days to 2 weeks before requiring a relocate. Receive information from our advertisers or special DR-C offers. )Continue, If youre in the mood to spice up your yard, a pond can be a great idea. We won't share it with anyone else. Usually, the property deed comes with a utility easement, so that it remains valid and does not change even when the property has been sold or transferred. Unfortunately no. The color of the flags are typically going to follow The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Code. The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. Call the . But generally, the law requires utility companies to pay compensation. A surveyor places survey markers to label major points on the land's surface. The lost time from the utility company and repair costs to that feeder was in the range of $450,000. This allows utilities to come out and mark their buried lines before the project begins. Yard Blogger is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Blue Water, slurry, and irrigation lines. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed? Other states place a validity of the flags for 30 calendar days. Removing turf with water-efficient plants can be cost-effective, beautiful, and low-maintenance. covid test kit supplier Worse, you could end up in court. Refresh Marks requests may be submitted via our online, self-service option know as REV or by calling 8-1-1 or 800-892-0123. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'yardpit_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because utility lines and flags used to mark them are placed on public rights, private individuals do not have a right to tamper with utility flags and where they are placed in most cases. So you know dig company and utilities do not have to inform home owner of rite of way work unless it will expand the ROW the markings in your yard are important to protect the utilities from damage. (Do This First), Can I Dig a Well on My Property? An easement is typically granted by property owners to an electric utility for the purpose of constructing and maintaining power lines and other equipment. However, in some cases, where lawn and concrete restoration work must still be completed, the flags should be left in place or will be replaced until that work is entirely completed. The 811 call centers also serve an educational purpose. 1200mm freestanding vanity unit, INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING BLOG YOU SHOULD BE READING. Utility companies usually place flags to mark underground facilities for projects like repair and maintenance. Avoid digging near buried utilities if possible. You may panic as someone just came to your property to put up the marking flags. (Try Doing This First), Can a Mailbox Be Any Color? As you spot those flags, you may not be sure what to do or what they mean. The yellow flags will help identify contractors that a gas line is on that spot. The yellow flag marking indicates oil, gas, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials utility lines. It may, Read More Can I Have an Electric Fence Around My Property Legally?Continue, In recent years, shipping containers have become a popular alternative to traditional homes. . For instance, it is not that uncommon for an electric company to call in a 150 radius of a utility pole that is going to be replaced. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not its safe to remove them. In the mean time is it OK to mow the . Speak with the 811 operator and ask if they can provide any information about what is happening at your address. Viewed 4k times. State law requires contractors, utilities or individuals who plan to dig even a homeowner planting a tree to call 811 to come locate underground utilities in the work area. ; Yellow Lines used for natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, as well as other gaseous or flammable materials. Before deciding, you want to remove utility flags on your property because you did not authorize them to be placed. But just because there are flags on your lawn it doesnt always mean the utility company is going to start digging up your yard. Neighbors Keep on Putting Trash in My Garbage Can: What to Do? Custom metal stamping An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The flags and paint marks may be an annoyance, but they are crucial for the safety of construction workers and others near a work site. There wont be any excavating in the near future, for a while anyways. Having a decent security system like aRing Video DoorbellorOutdoor Security Cameras(both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do in this situation so that you can prove your case. Do Butterflies Like Hibiscus? (Highly Deer Resistant). State law ( Wisconsin Statute 182.0175) requires notifying Diggers Hotline before you excavate, grade, trench, dig, drill, augur, tunnel, scrape, plow cable or pipe. Placing orange flags means companies should be careful about digging this area, especially when people are expecting a big game on TV. The flags wont be there for long. The operator should be able to provide the name of the company or individual who requested the dig and their contact information. If my crew shows up to a site that is marked, they are instructed to get a close as possible, but in no way disturb the flags or markings in anyway at all. If you are not able to get any information from your States Call 811 Center, you can try to call the utility company that placed the flag. A utility easement gives utility companies the right to access any area in your property for work on gas, electric, sewer, telephone, and water lines. bcolombo@dentonrc.com, Stranger walks into unlocked home in Denton; resident pushes him out, Denton man sentenced to life in prison for murder of 7-year-old boy, By Juan Betancourt They wont even wait for your approval to do the digging. In some other states, the locate flags are removed by both the state apparatus and the property owners. Many times, the individuals or companies who call in the Call 811 Ticket request to dig does not have all of the information needed to pin-point the locate technicians to the exact spot of the work. At least 3 business days before you plan to dig, make your locate request online with the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Colorado 811). Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. I'm assuming my neighbor needed to dig and had the lines flagged. Besides owning and operating a landscaping company, I work for the local power company in NJ. If the tree's projected height is 12 feet tall for example, dig your hole at least 12 feet away from the utility flag. It's not a slalom course, just don't mow the block the are demarcating. infrared lenses At the same time, the flags on private property would be removed by the property owners. To know the exact kind of utility work and what the work may entail, you would find out from the kind of utility flags put in your yard; the flags are differentiated with varying colors. The colors of the flags and their symbolism are listed below: A white flag, which usually has a shovel symbol, indicates a proposed excavation. Get exclusive coverage about business in Denton County in your inbox twice a month, with a focus on the housing market. These projects involve underground facilities that need to be protected. You're better off leaving them where they're. 3. Does a Propane Fire Pit Keep Mosquitoes Away? Can I remove the MISS DIG flags in my yard? Different colored flags signal the different utilities: blue for water, yellow for oil and gas, orange for telecommunications, green for sewer and drain lines, red for electric, white for excavation and pink for temporary survey. The orange flag indicates communication lines, alarm lines, traffic loops, cables or conduit lines, and signal lines. Underground Utility Lines. You may panic as someone just came to your property to put up the marking flags. Last month a dozen utility flags appeared on my front lawn, my neighbors front lawn and along our property line. If you have blue flags, you can call the water company, and so on. Email your question for Insight Denton to pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com. They are often placed in the city. This is because they are placed on public right of way. This post contains affiliate links. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Utility companies usually place flags to mark underground facilities for projects like repair and maintenance. once the construction is done, i will resume normal mowing. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. This is because the removal of utility flags can land you in trouble with the states authorities. (Roofing Ideas & Options)Continue. Mow around the markings. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-box-4','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-box-4-0'); The utility companies are given this right for the major purpose of public safety as these utility lines are placed underground. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If you discover utility lines put up in your garden, some repair or maintenance works will be carried on the utility lines in the area. Every Wednesday morning, get the week's top crime stories in Denton from the Blotter in your inbox. The symbols also help to pass the information on the purpose of the flag even without any writing inscriptions made on the flags.