Connecticut Hydrovac & Excavation Regulations
Excavation law, 811 notice rules, tolerance zone and penalties for Connecticut, with citations to the statutes and the one-call center.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality and utility, so always contact 811 and confirm current requirements before you dig. Read the disclaimer
Connecticut at a Glance
Call 811 before you dig
- One-call center
- Call Before You Dig (CBYD)Visit website for Call Before You Dig (CBYD) (opens in a new tab)
- Phone
- 811
- Notice required
- At least 2 full days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) but not more than 30 days before excavating
- Tolerance zone
- 18 inches
- Maximum penalty
- $40,000 per violation (PURA civil penalty). Capped at $1,000 for a utility's marking failure that causes no damage, injury or gross negligence.
Connecticut requires excavators to contact Call Before You Dig (CBYD) at least 2 full days, excluding weekends and holidays, but not more than 30 days before excavating. The statute is CGS Chapter 293, with PURA regulations at RCSA 16-345-1 et seq.
According to CBYD, pre-marking (white lining) the dig area is required in Connecticut.
Tolerance Zone
18 inches
The approximate location is a strip no more than 3 ft wide centered on the facility, or 18 inches on either side (CGS 16-345).
Key Regulations
Connecticut Call Before You Dig Law
CGS Chapter 293 ("Excavation, Demolition or Discharge of Explosives") plus PURA regulations set notice, marking and excavator duties.
Citation: CGS 16-345 through 16-359; RCSA 16-345-1 et seq.
Contact With Facilities
The statute sets the procedure when an excavator contacts or suspects damage to an underground facility.
Citation: CGS 16-355
Penalties for Violations
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) can impose civil penalties after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
Maximum penalty: $40,000 per violation (PURA civil penalty). Capped at $1,000 for a utility's marking failure that causes no damage, injury or gross negligence.
Licensing and Permits to Confirm
Licensing depends on the type of work and the city or county. Treat these as items to check with the Connecticut licensing board and your local permit office before bidding work.
- Home Improvement Contractor registration if the work is covered
- Municipal permits where required
- Liability insurance as required by law and by contract
Sources
Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Facts on this page were checked against these statutes, rules and one-call center pages.
Disclaimer
This guide is general information about state excavation and one-call (811) laws. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Laws, rules and one-call center procedures change, and requirements can differ by city, county, utility operator and type of work. Facility operators may also set their own requirements. Before any excavation, contact the state one-call center through 811 and confirm current requirements in the statute and rules cited on this site. For questions about your obligations or liability, consult the statute directly or a licensed attorney in the state where the work takes place.
Hydrovac News makes no warranty that this information is complete, current or accurate, and is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on it.
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