Washington's dig law asks you to mark the area in white and contact Washington 811 at least two full business days, and no more than ten, before digging; marks are good for 45 days. Grading, clearing and demolition can also need city or county permits. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do I need a permit to dig or excavate on my own property?
Small digs on your own lot often need no building permit, but the 811 rules still apply. Permits are usually needed for larger grading, retaining walls, demolition, septic systems, work near streams, wetlands or steep slopes, and work in the street. HomeGuide lists excavation permits at $50 to $400; your city or the county sets the real fee.
When do I need a grading permit to move dirt in my yard?
A grading permit is generally needed once the amount of cut or fill, the slope or the drainage change goes past the local threshold, and critical areas lower that bar. The City of Vancouver, the other Clark County cities and the county each set their own rules. HomeGuide puts grading permits at $50 to $400.
Does grading need an erosion control or stormwater permit?
Most grading permits here come with erosion control requirements, and wet-season work often needs more of them. Larger construction sites also need coverage under Washington's construction stormwater general permit from the Department of Ecology. We check whether your site reaches that level.
Do I need a permit for clearing, tree removal or work near wetlands and creeks?
Often, yes. Streams, wetlands, steep slopes and their buffers are protected as critical areas, and clearing or grading in them needs review. The City of Vancouver and the other cities have their own tree rules, and Clark County regulates clearing near critical areas. In Portland, the city tree code can require permits on private property.
Who pulls the permits, the excavator or the homeowner?
It varies by permit. The contractor often pulls trade permits, while the owner or builder pulls building, grading and demolition permits. Put who pulls what in writing, and do not let anyone talk you out of a permit you need.
Do I need to call 811 before digging, even for a small job?
Almost always. Washington's dig law covers anyone excavating, including homeowners, and the UTC notes that owners or occupants of noncommercial property may dig less than 12 inches deep without a locate. Mark the area with white paint first. Operators mark only their own lines; a feed to a shop or a line from your well is yours to find.
How much notice does Washington 811 need, and how long do marks last?
Contact Washington 811 no less than two full business days and no more than ten full business days before work begins. Locate marks are kept for up to 45 days, after which a new locate is needed. Since January 1, 2026, an excavator may not start until every operator in the area has given a positive response. In Portland, Oregon's center needs the same two to ten business days and a ticket lasts 45 days.
Who is responsible if an excavator hits a utility line?
Liability for a damaged line depends on whether a locate was requested, whether the line was marked correctly and how carefully the excavator dug near the marks. Under Washington's dig law, damaging a utility after digging without calling can bring a $10,000 fine plus triple the repair costs. After a gas line strike, get everyone away first, then call 911 and the gas utility. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I dig at the property line without my neighbor's permission?
You can dig on your own side of the property line, but not on the neighbor's land without permission, and the dig must not undermine their fence, wall or foundation. If you are unsure where the line is, HomeGuide's survey page puts a boundary survey at $300 to $900. This is general information, not legal advice.
Tell us about your project and we will come look at the ground, then send the scope and the price in writing. Call or text (360) 276-9112.