Failure to Contact

This part describes the penalties for failure to contact a Regional Notification Center.

Contacting a Regional Notification Center is a Requirement—Not an Option. The California Government Code (Sections 4216-4216.9) requires anyone planning to excavate to contact the appropriate regional notification center at least two working days (but not more than 14 calendar days) before beginning to excavate. The center will issue an inquiry identification number to the excavator as confirmation of the call.

NOTE: An excavation permit is not valid without this identification number.

Penalties

  • Any operator or excavator who NEGLIGENTLY violates any portion of Government Code Sections 4216-4216.9 is subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000.
  • Any operator or excavator who KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY violates any portion of Government Code Sections 4216-4216.9 is subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000.
  • An excavator may also be subject to third party claims for damages arising from the excavation work.
  • Violation of Government Code Sections 4216-4216.9 could result in disciplinary action and possible revocation of your contractor's license by the Contractors' State License Board.