Charlotte Utility Locate Ordinance - Checklist

Utilities and Infrastructure North Carolina 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Charlotte, North Carolina, digging without confirming underground utility locations risks service disruption, penalties and safety hazards. This guide explains the practical steps to obtain utility locates, what city departments generally enforce excavation rules, and how to document compliance before any trenching, landscaping, or construction that disturbs the ground.

Before You Start

Use the nationally coordinated locator service and follow any City of Charlotte permit rules for work in the public right-of-way. Confirm the planned work area, project dates, and contact information for the property owner or authorized agent before requesting locates.

Always call to locate utilities before any excavation or mechanical boring.

What to Request from Locators

  • Request a full locate that marks all public and private facility owners if available in your area.
  • Ask for scheduled markings to occur within the statutory response window used by locators.
  • Obtain written confirmation or a ticket number that documents the locate request and response.

Penalties & Enforcement

Local enforcement for unauthorized excavation or failure to obtain required locates is handled by City of Charlotte departments responsible for the disturbed asset: typically Transportation/Public Works for rights-of-way and Charlotte Water or utilities for water/sewer assets. Specific monetary fines and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see Help and Support / Resources for primary official sources. Current as of February 2026.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrective repair orders, stop-work orders, restoration requirements, and potential civil actions or permits withheld.
  • Enforcer: City of Charlotte departments (Transportation/Public Works), Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, and the owning utility company; inspection and complaint pathways are through municipal permitting and utility compliance lines (see Resources).
  • Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or permitting terms for appeal deadlines and hearing procedures.
  • Defences/discretion: documented compliance with locate requests, emergency work declarations, or approved permits/variances may apply; details are not specified on the cited page.
If you damage a marked facility, stop work and notify the utility immediately.

Applications & Forms

City permits or right-of-way excavation permits may be required for work in public streets, sidewalks, or easements. Specific form names, numbers, fees, submission portals and deadlines are not specified on the municipal pages summarized in Resources; contact the relevant department listed below to confirm application steps and fees.

How to Coordinate with Utility Owners

  • Contact the state/national call-before-you-dig service to open a locate ticket well before planned excavation.
  • Notify private utility owners and contractors working on site of locate results and mark preservation instructions.
  • Keep copies of tickets, markings, and photos on site while work is active.
Locate tickets are the primary record used to show compliance with locate requirements.

Practical Action Steps

  • Plan: schedule locator requests at least several business days before digging to allow response time.
  • Request: submit locate via 811 or state call-before-you-dig service and record the ticket number.
  • Verify: inspect markings on site and resolve any discrepancies with the marking utility.
  • Permit: obtain any required city excavation or right-of-way permits before work in public areas.
  • Report: if you observe unmarked facilities or unsafe conditions, contact the appropriate department listed in Resources immediately.

FAQ

Do I have to call 811 before I dig on private property in Charlotte?
Yes; it is strongly recommended to use the state/national call-before-you-dig service to locate utilities even on private property, and some projects that affect public right-of-way also require a city permit.
How long does a locator have to respond?
Response time follows the state call-before-you-dig guidelines used by locators; check the ticket confirmation for specific windows and verify with the locator service.
What if a utility is not marked correctly?
Stop work near the discrepancy, contact the ticketing locator or utility owner to request re-marking, and notify city permitting staff if the issue affects public infrastructure.

How-To

  1. Plan your excavation area and project dates; identify the property owner or authorized representative.
  2. Contact the state or national call-before-you-dig center to open a locate ticket well before digging.
  3. Receive and retain the ticket number and verify locator markings on-site before starting work.
  4. Obtain any required City of Charlotte right-of-way or excavation permits for work affecting public streets or utilities.
  5. Document markings, follow safe digging practices, and report any damage or unmarked utilities to the utility owner and city authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • Always open a locate ticket before digging and keep the ticket and markings on site.
  • City permits may be required for work in public right-of-way; confirm with municipal departments.

Help and Support / Resources

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