Resources

Homeowner guides & digging safety

Factual guidance for homeowners across the Delaware Valley — what to know before digging, grading, clearing or hiring a contractor.

Before you dig

Call 811 before you dig

Dial 811 before any excavation or demolition so public utilities can mark their lines. It's the law in PA, NJ, DE and MD.

Homeowner guidelines

1When to call a pro vs. DIY risk

Call a pro when: powered equipment; trenches deeper than a few feet; grading that changes runoff; utility laterals; near foundations/retaining walls; tree/stump work near structures or buried lines; storm debris tangled with power/gas.
DIY risk highest when: digging without 811; unknown private lines (sprinklers, septic, well power, dog fence); redirecting runoff onto a neighbor; digging near foundations without shoring; clearing trees into wires.
Rule of thumb: if it needs a loader/excavator or changes drainage, treat it as professional earthwork.

2Call 811 before you dig

Law in PA/NJ/DE/MD: notify the state one-call before excavation or demolition so public utilities can mark lines.
Typical notice windows (confirm on ticket): PA ≥3 business days, ≤10 (complex ≥10) — PA PUC / Act 287; NJ ≥3 full business days, ≤10 — NJ One Call; MD 3–12 business days — Miss Utility; DE Title 26 Ch. 8 says not less than 3 / not more than 12 business days (Delmarva pages may still show 2–10 — follow ticket + ask Delmarva 811).
811 does NOT mark private lines past the meter — hire a private locator if needed.
After marks: wait for positive responses; hand-dig in tolerance zone (PA/MD commonly 18 in each side; DE code 24 in — confirm on ticket).
If you hit a line: stop; call utility; gas/hazard → 911.

3Permits & inspections typically needed

SE PA suburbs: building/grading/demo permits almost always municipal (township/borough), not county. Counties mainly Act 247 land-dev + county-road permits.
Philadelphia: Excavation Site Permit often for cuts/trenches >5 ft below adjacent grade; Site Work Permit for larger disturbance/floodplain; dust/PWD stormwater can apply ≥5,000 sq ft.
Earth disturbance overlays: PA Ch. 102 NPDES often ≥1 acre; NJ Soil Erosion Act often >5,000 sq ft; DE Sediment & Stormwater often >5,000 sq ft + NPDES CGP ≥1 acre; MD ESC often ≥5,000 sq ft or ≥100 cu yd (local may be stricter).
Also ask: driveway/road occupancy, floodplain, steep slope, wetlands, tree ordinances, historic districts.

4Property lines, easements & ROW

Recent survey/plot plan before grading to a fence line, drainage installs, or boundary clearing.
Utility/drainage easements may restrict fill, structures, plantings.
Public ROW work needs municipal/county/state road-opening or HOP — 811 alone is not enough.
Don't assume the fence is the line; no spoil/silt fence/equipment on neighbors without written permission.

5Drainage & neighbor impact

Grade/hardscape/downspout changes commonly drive Delaware Valley neighbor disputes.
Keep positive drainage away from foundations; don't block shared swales/easements.
Larger disturbance → E&S controls; possible post-construction stormwater.
Floodplain/riparian/wetland = agency review before disturbance.

6Tree, demo & clearing

811 before stump grinding/root excavation.
Check tree/clearing rules + HOA; demo may need demo permit, disconnect letters, asbestos/lead awareness.
Protect adjacent foundations for deep cuts near property lines.

7Storm cleanup safety

Downed power lines = live; call utility/911; don't cut trees on wires.
Watch gas odors, spring poles, unstable soil, flooded basements, damaged septic.
No unprotected trenches; spoil ≥2 ft from edge; competent person for trench protection.
PPE; never run generators indoors. After storms, renotify 811 if marks wash away.

8What to ask a contractor

Liability + WC certificates; written scope (cut/fill, grades, drainage, spoil, restoration, who pulls permits/811).
Proof they pull their own 811 ticket (MD: contractors generally cannot dig on a homeowner ticket).
Local license where required (e.g. Philly excavation license when Excavation Permit required).
Schedule, inspection hold points, neighbor/utility protection; similar DE Valley residential refs.

9Red flags

Authoritative links

Confirm requirements with the agency, your ticket and your local municipality.

Note: Private lot building/grading permits = township/borough codes office, not county.