This will result in everyday inconveniences that can affect not only you but also other people in the community. You can speak with the operator at 811 and ask for the details about the project in your area. If you are unable to gather the information from the state 811, you can simply refer to the color of the flag. After a few passes, something catches my eye: a wire staff flag which was laying in the lawn, managed to implant itself in the sidewall of the back right tire of my VRide! Insight Denton: Whose responsibility is it to remove those little Follow this procedure: 1. Stephanie is fond of doing all backyard-related work at her home. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. For instance, a water company may ask to have that area marked with yellow flags so that when there is an installation, repair, or maintenance on the water lines, the marked spot wont be touched. I'll chat with them today. It could be that individuals or companies calling in the dig request cant provide the exact location to mark. (Is This Illegal to Do? If your lawn is marked and you didn't know about it, then either your neighbors are planning . About seven to eight utility companies are typically contacted. Accidental removal of the flags is inevitable. Residential customers. OT- Little (utility) flags in my yard WTF - Practical Machinist When calling for locates, please have the following information ready: Who the work is being done for (general contractor or project) Type . Mow your yard. If you push through with this project, you may be forced to destroy the structure. They are often placed in the city. Be mindful of these flags; you may not like seeing green flags on your yard but dont consider removing them. Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Maryland, Utility Locator, LLC14 Hadco Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, Toll Free(888) 232-5959Pennsylvania(215) 596-1234New Jersey(609)795-8998Delaware(302) 407-3724Maryland(443) 779-6060Emailinfo@utilitylocator.com, Monday Friday |6:00AM 6:00PMSaturday Sunday |Closed, Underground Utility LocatingSubsurface Utility EngineeringVacuum Excavation & Test HolesVideo Pipe Camera InspectionsConcrete Scanning & ImagingCable Fault & Pipe Leak Detection, A Division of Trinity Subsurface Engineering. Digging on a spot without knowing beforehand the location of underground utility lines can be risky. You also need to prove that they have failed to repair the damages or provide compensation. If you are not able to get any information from your States Call 811 Center, you can try to call the utility company that placed the flag. Utility companies are not the only ones that can own easement to your property. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If you need or want to remove the flags, our suggestion is that you call your local state-run dig center by simply dialing 811 . I'm assuming my neighbor needed to dig and had the lines flagged. Can I Have a Sheep in My Backyard? Has nothing to do with speed. If this happens, do not plant the flags to the ground as you may not know where they were exactly located. To know the exact kind of utility work and what the work may entail, you would find out from the kind of utility flags put in your yard; the flags are differentiated with varying colors. The red flag indicates Electric power lines, lighting cables, and conduit cable lines. Also, most flags bear the name of the company that placed them, so you should be able to see the contact information. Why are there flags and paint in my yard? The flags and paint marks may be an annoyance, but they are crucial for the safety of construction workers and others near a work site. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. We would advise that you do not remove the markings or flags. Step one: Call either 811 or 1-800-632-4949 or submit your utility locate request on nc811.org using Single Address Ticket or Remote Ticket Entry. As a result, Verizon or the utility company damaged my driveway. I've yet to . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Utilities marked on my property | TexAgs 2. The utility flags installed in properties are to be left in place for a minimum of 6 months before they can be removed, while other states have laws that do not allow the removal of utility flags. If you do so, someone can file a complaint against you and you could face a lawsuit. Had to make a run to get a tube installed in a BRAND NEW TIRE! Removing Your Lawn. In fact, most homes have utility easements running through the yards, both front and back. Having a decent security system like a Ring Video Doorbell or Outdoor Security Cameras (both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do. However, waking up to utility flags scattered across your lawn and someone digging in your yard is another story entirely. Make sure you're prepared with the Denton Record-Chronicle's coverage of Denton County's key races, and the candidates in the running for them. The yellow flags will help identify contractors that a gas line is on that spot. When you see flags, you not only tend to question what it is and what purpose it serves but also what the different colors are. Can I remove utility flags in my yard? So you know dig company and utilities do not have to inform home owner of rite of way work unless it will expand the ROW the markings in your yard are important to protect the utilities from damage. In an instance where you find a flag installed on your yard and no work is done after 14 days, you can remove the flag. At least 3 business days before you plan to dig, make your locate request online with the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Colorado 811). "The contractor needs to know the location of the lines in the area in which they are digging in order to stay . This would help you know what kind of possible disruption the repair would cause to help you plan accordingly. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! What do you want to know? The colored flags in your yard each have a meaning. Staff Writer Please call the Public Works Department at 952-447-9896 or use this form to report sod damage. If you must dig within 24" of utility marks/flags, be sure to dig with care. Gunbuilder is right, they are good for 10 days to 2 weeks before requiring a relocate. While an easement does give right to the utility company to use or access your land, they do not own it. So far, i've mowed and trimmed around them to the best of my ability. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. More people now want to invest, Read More Can I Have a Shipping Container in My Backyard Legally?Continue, A pergola is a great way to add some extra shade to your yard or garden, and it can, Read More Can a Pergola Have a Solid Roof? If a gas main or service line is exposed during digging, call Greater Dickson Gas Authority. I sidewall cord separating at 5 MPH on a lawn isn't going to result in the same issue. A: Yes, and it doesn't matter how deep you are digging. Small alcoves in exterior walls for utilities access? In most cases, it is illegal to tamper with these markings. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. (We Checked With the USPS). In most states, it is illegal to tamper with any underground utility markings that were placed in accordance with your states Call 811 dig laws. Utility flags have been in use for as long as they can be remembered. ago. A shed can add a wonderful charm to your property and provide ample storage space if you are running, Read More Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed? 811: The Number to Call Before Digging - Erie Insurance Group The APWA color code guide can tell you which colors indicate which type of utility. Since they are placed to mark gas lines, removing them will defeat the purpose of protecting the lines. This happens all the time due to the use of easements. There are a few important reasons why there are flags on your lawn. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. She loves to take sunbathe and do a barbecue in her free time. I've had decent luck with plugs in mower tires. Rights of Way Frequently Asked Questions - Duke Energy Understanding your rights as a landowner is important so youll have knowledge on how to approach this issue, especially if you feel like your privacy has been violated. (Roofing Ideas & Options)Continue. Red -it is the most common color and its used to mark electric utilities or power lines Marking an area with red will help to avoid a power outage that can affect the whole neighborhood. I can just imagine the neighbors questioning what we're doing to the yard. Do Butterflies Like Hibiscus? They are provided for informational purposes only. The yellow flags will help identify contractors that a gas line is on that spot. Utility flags are placed to prevent any disturbances or accidents in the area as utility work is being carried out. Avoid digging near buried utilities if possible. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. Talk to an Expert Today | Weekdays 6AM - 6PM. Privacy Policy. custom marker flags Why Are There Utility Flags in My Yard (8 Likely Reasons) This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The color of the utility flag placed on your lawn or neighborhood would help you determine the type of utility line there and, in times of repair, what kind of repair work would be done. How To Protect Your Cable and Internet Lines When You're Digging in Yard Blogger provides practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to your home and yard. Johnnie St. Vrain: Hold off on pulling up utility markers bcolombo@dentonrc.com, Stranger walks into unlocked home in Denton; resident pushes him out, Denton man sentenced to life in prison for murder of 7-year-old boy, By Juan Betancourt However, in some cases, where lawn and concrete restoration work must still be completed, the flags should be left in place or will be replaced until that work is entirely completed. Lets say you wanted to build a deck over a certain area in your property other people can legally access. 4. (Do This First), Can I Dig a Well on My Property? It is our state law that the flags can not be removed by ANYONE for the duration of the valid mark out. The flags wont be there for long. Each excavator is required to place their own locate request. Utility companies are empowered by law to place such flags, given that such utilities are considered public property by law. Ir Lens It could be that individuals or companies calling in the dig request cant provide the exact location to mark. Removing the marks and flags put them at risk. The removal usually happens when the job is done. Do not work off someone else's marks or ticket. Never fear, because in this article, were going to go over what utility flags are, what the different color utility flags mean, as well as what you can do as the property owner. PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881 and via Twitter at @phwolfeDRC. Is it Illegal to Remove Utility Flags? It has a lot to do with speed, because the cords on sidewalls are far more likely to separate than tread cords. (The Official Answer)Continue, Seeing furniture on the side of the street is common and sometimes even a little exciting if youre looking, Read More Is It Illegal to Leave Furniture on the Street? If you discover utility lines put up in your garden, some repair or maintenance works will be carried on the utility lines in the area. Step two: Wait the required time . As you spot those flags, you may not be sure what to do or what they mean. 3 Advantages of Progressive Metal Stamping Services The Master Products Co. A detailed comparison to help you transition, Transcription of genes coding for metabolic key functions in Nitrosomonas europaea during aerobic and anaerobic growth. Utility color flags help workers who carry out the digging identify which utility line is running under the marked spots. Here is the official color code chart that is used to depict the location of underground utilities. Removing Your Lawn - California The removal usually happens when the job is done. What is the law, when a cable company digs up a yard. and then - Avvo Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Starting your garden or DIY landscape project? Not so fast! - WFMY News 2 At least they didn't try spraypainting the snow like they did here not long agothat didn't work out well. Here are the different colors used in marking flags and what they mean: Red Electric power lines, cables, conduits, and lighting cables. Californians have made great strides to improve indoor water efficiency; however, outdoor water efficiency achieves much more water savings. Custom metal stamping How to follow the signal when reading the schematic? When you get close to the flags, stop the mower. These projects involve underground facilities that need to be protected. A: After our Consumers Energy team has completed the pipe replacement work in front of your home, the flags can be removed. That way, contractors will not dig it up. Utility flags are important in the functions they play in informing people of utility lines that are specially placed underground. For orange flags, you could try to call your telephone or Cable TV company. (Check for This First), Can I Put a Pool in My Front Yard? I've started a nice collection of them in the back of my truck. Once flags are moved out of the way, mow over area where flags were. Blue Water, slurry, and irrigation lines. Yellow Flags In Yard: What Do They Mean? [Here's What You Should Know 175. A utility company can dig in your yard without permission. In instances where youve seen the flag on your yard for 14 days without someone doing any work, you can remove them. There were 2 supermarkets on that circuit as well as many other business's. The lawsuits from just the two supermarkets was over $800,000 in lost perishables. Receive information from our advertisers or special DR-C offers. When you see a pink flag utility flag on your yard, then you should not worry at the moment because there would not be heavy equipment moving, digging, or excavating. If they damage your property and try to make you pay for the damages, its just going to be your word versus theirs. Instead, they will call in several properties for one small excavation just to make sure that the locators have marked the proposed work area. It would also help you know if you can request removal or need to wait a while before requesting one. Here's a key to the flags' colors: If flags are in your yard, please do not remove them, they may have a logo and/or the name of the utility that has placed it there. When your installation is underground a crew chosen by your fiber provider will dig a small trench on your property to bury the line that comes from the street. If this happens, do not plant the flags to the ground as you may not know where they were exactly located. If there is an easement, they don't need your permission to run the cable. I was likeman I hope it didn't go all the way in. If you are unable to gather the information from the state 811, you can simply refer to the color of the flag. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Underground Utility Lines. Mailboxes come in all shapes and, Read More Can a Mailbox Be Any Color? Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Here are a few examples of the little colored utility flags that mark the location of underground utilities: When locating underground utilities, we may occasionally designate a utility to an unknown termination point. THESE COMMENTS ARE NOT LEGAL ADVICE. I had 811 mark my utility lines. Who is Miss Dig? - IronSet If the house you purchased came with an easement, theres nothing you can do but comply. In some states, the law stipulates that utility flags have a 30 days duration time without any work going on before they can be removed. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. Utility flags can help prevent damage to expensive underground wires or stop gas leaks before they become possible catastrophes. Other utility flags cannot be removed for any reason because of the utility lines they represent. Utility Locator, LLC is a division of Trinity Subsurface Engineering, LLC and specializes in locating underground utilities on private campuses and other properties where most of the underground utilities are privately owned. Why are there flags and paint in my yard? | Deltona FL Just purchased my first house and I'm shocked at the little things that I just never knew or understood about daily life. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Seeing colorful flags in your yard can be surprising and maybe at times, frustrating, especially if you like to maintain a beautiful, pristine yard. The only person who should be removing them is the one responsible for the placement of the flags. The colors of the flags and their symbolism are listed below: A white flag, which usually has a shovel symbol, indicates a proposed excavation. Removing Utility Flags : r/homeowners - Reddit The Yellow flag utility has an oil drop symbol in it. Rutted up the lawn to the point you could forget about mowing it. Flags in my yard | AT&T Community Forums When someone is going to dig up the ground for any reason, they are required to locate utilities first. Instead, call 811 dig hotline, report what happened, and request for them to mark the utility lines again. Moving or removing flags and paint markings will ultimately make you liable for any damage that occurs to that utility, and trust us those can be expensive. Seeing a utility flag on your lawn or elsewhere around your apartment calls for concern. Why Call Before Digging in my Yard? - Buzz Custom Fence . 1200mm freestanding vanity unit, INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING BLOG YOU SHOULD BE READING. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. Positive Response can be checked here or by calling 800-445-3894. Backyard Utility Marking Flag Guide (Dig Markings Colors) Before You Dig | City of Longmont, Colorado The circuit was out for 3 hours. The answer is NO, you can't remove any utility flags placed in your yard. (Roofing Ideas & Options), and they can do so legally to gain access to pipelines and cables.