๐ Can I Dig Here
Fence posts delivered Saturday. Project starts this weekend.
Get your exact local 811 number, wait time, and marker photo guide โ in one screen.
APWA Color Code Reference
APWA Uniform Color Code, 2023 edition
| Color | Utility | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Gas / Oil / Steam | Flammable materials โ highest hazard |
| Red | Electric | Power lines, cables, conduit |
| Orange | Communications / CATV | Telephone, fiber, cable TV |
| Blue | Potable Water | Drinking water supply lines |
| Green | Sewer / Drain | Sanitary & storm sewers |
| Purple | Reclaimed Water | Non-potable / irrigation |
| Pink | Survey / Temporary | Survey markings, proposed excavation |
Dig Depth Rules by Project
Fence
- Tolerance Zone
- 24" (60 cm) hand-dig only within tolerance zone
- Max Mechanical Depth
- Mechanical allowed beyond 24" from marks
- Source
- OSHA 1926.651 / CSA Z247 โ tolerance zone = 18โ24" from marks
Deck
- Tolerance Zone
- 18" (45 cm) hand-dig only within tolerance zone
- Max Mechanical Depth
- Footings require locate verification before drilling
- Source
- OSHA 1926.651 / CSA Z247 โ footing depth varies, verify marks
Tree/Shrub
- Tolerance Zone
- 36" (90 cm) hand-dig only within tolerance zone
- Max Mechanical Depth
- Root ball clearance โ mechanical only beyond 36"
- Source
- OSHA 1926.651 / CSA Z247 โ deep root zone protection
Mailbox
- Tolerance Zone
- 18" (45 cm) hand-dig only within tolerance zone
- Max Mechanical Depth
- Post hole auger allowed beyond 18" from marks
- Source
- OSHA 1926.651 / CSA Z247 โ shallow excavation rules
Sprinkler
- Tolerance Zone
- 12" (30 cm) hand-dig only within tolerance zone
- Max Mechanical Depth
- Trencher allowed beyond 12" โ verify depth first
- Source
- OSHA 1926.651 / CSA Z247 โ trenching standards apply
Other
- Tolerance Zone
- 18" (45 cm) hand-dig only within tolerance zone
- Max Mechanical Depth
- Mechanical allowed beyond 18" from marks
- Source
- OSHA 1926.651 / CSA Z247 โ default tolerance zone