The flags wont be there for long. While most utility companies pay compensation to customers without any hesitation, others might put up a challenge. Known as "locate flags," the person who called for their placement is responsible for removing them when the job is complete. If you have a kids who love to dig, the centers offer child . In the mean time is it OK to mow the . Utility flags are placed to prevent any disturbances or accidents in the area as utility work is being carried out. A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. If youre unsure, a more helpful way to deal with this is to call 811. (We Checked)Continue, Deciding to demolish a house may save you from some expensive renovations that seem too much to take on, Read More Can You Demo a House With a Mortgage? Digging works could involve installation, repair,and maintenance of underground lines. The lost time from the utility company and repair costs to that feeder was in the range of $450,000. Here are the different colors used in marking flags and what they mean: Red Electric power lines, cables, conduits, and lighting cables. For most homeowners, your insurance policies will likely not cover the damages that arise from what the Utility Commission will classify as negligence. jfields@dentonrc.com, A long time coming: No. The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. This post contains affiliate links. About seven to eight utility companies are typically contacted. shaft cross Maybe try searching. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Question: is it my responsibility to remove the flags? The 811 call centers also serve an educational purpose. This color is used for communication systems, TV cables and alarm lines. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. 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. If you happen to notice that these flags have shown up in your entire neighborhood, this is likely the case. Sometimes calls come in for landscaping and these flags need to be placed, or sometimes it's a year long project that needs a long time to plan. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Depending on the state youre in, there should be a law that prohibits any person from removing or tampering with utility flags. And at highway speeds, that is dangerous. Utility companies are empowered by law to place such flags, given that such utilities are considered public property by law. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Positive Response can be checked here or by calling 800-445-3894. Utility color flags help workers who carry out the digging identify which utility line is running under the marked spots. The APWA color code guide can tell you which colors indicate which type of utility. As a result, they will give an estimate, which includes your property. (Roofing Ideas & Options), and they can do so legally to gain access to pipelines and cables. This will likely bump your concern to the top of their list. I'm assuming my neighbor needed to dig and had the lines flagged. The symbols also help to pass the information on the purpose of the flag even without any writing inscriptions made on the flags. Instead, call 811 dig hotline, report what happened, and request for them to mark the utility lines again. Did any DOS compatibility layers exist for any UNIX-like systems before DOS started to become outmoded? Usually, this involves potable water. Cookie Notice At the same time, if your property is the only area neighbors can access to get to another street, that means you cant block the way or you cant even stop them from crossing your yard. These lines can include oil, gas, water, sewers, electrical lines, and telephone lines. Part of their maintenance program is to mark their lines whenever someone places a "notice" or "ticket" with the Virginia 811 center. Seeing the utility flag means some utility work is about to be done in the area. There are different laws regarding utility flags their role, mounting, and removal across different states. A property owner concerned about lingering flags could call 811 for more information about who called in and sought utility locations, according to Denton city spokesperson Jessica Rogers. The standard utility service paint or flags colors are: Red: Electric; Orange . You're better off leaving them where they're. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. When someone is going to dig up the ground for any reason, they are required to locate utilities first. Utility companies usually place flags to mark . Placing orange flags means companies should be careful about digging this area, especially when people are expecting a big game on TV. :laugh: when a construction site pops up on my properties, i will mow around the junk and tools, no trimming, i didnt quote all the debris in the mowing price. They are there for a purpose, which is to protect underground lines that may be damaged during digging. Flags can be used to mark even simple digging projects like installing clothesline or repair and maintenance projects such as repairing the fire hydrant nearby. A standing flag symbol is drawn on the pink utility flag. You may panic as someone just came to your property to put up the marking flags. Cannot fix sidewall punctures, its either a new tire or a tube. (Is This Illegal to Do? Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed? These utility contractors are also responsible for removing locate flags and any other utility flags installed when necessary. The operator should be able to provide the name of the company or individual who requested the dig and their contact information. But just because there are flags on your lawn it doesnt always mean the utility company is going to start digging up your yard. If damages have been done to your property, its best to notify the company. Last month a dozen utility flags appeared on my front lawn, my neighbors front lawn and along our property line. They should be able to provide the contact name and number for the individual who called in the dig request. What do normal homeowner's do about utility flags/markings? You can see these markings in your yard if you have an upcoming project and if your neighbor or city is doing a digging project. For more information, visit California811. There is typically only a few reasons these types of little colored flags will appear in your yard or lawn. ), Do You Need a Permit to Dig a Pond? To children, those colorful flags could be very attractive. Removing the marks and flags put them at risk. The flags help utility workers locate the lines . According to Krueger, once a project is completed, it's the responsibility of the contractor to remove the flags. 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. If youre surprised by the sight of a trench dug on your yard by a utility company, its normal to be upset and wonder whether or not a utility company can dig in your yard without permission. These will help workers locate important marked spots. In some states, property owners are the ones that have the responsibility of removing locate flags. Once you see little flags in your yard, you can start digging. I've had sidewall plugs hold the life of the tire. Utility companies are not the only ones that can own easement to your property. Utility flags are meant to protect these utility lines when future homeowners or landscapers plan on digging. (We Checked With the USPS). You may panic as someone just came to your property to put up the marking flags. They were here today.They marked with both spraypaint and flags. The purple flag indicates another set of utilities that should not be tampered with. A utility company working on power lines, telephone lines, and what-not, are doing their job and its a necessity. you can plug sidewalls. Red flags - Red is the most common flag. These markings should not be tampered with by unauthorized parties for community safety. JavaScript is disabled. The question of legality and the right to remove utility flags from your lawn or property can be tricky. Digging works could involve installation, repair,and maintenance of underground lines. I've had others leak and need another plug. Mow around the markings. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. (Try Doing This First)Continue, Are you looking for a way to add some personality to your mailbox? Proper attention to pipe that has been exposed will prevent problems later. By Brooke Colombo Note that if you see any white paint or flags, this is typically marking the route of the proposed excavation. Having a decent security system like aRing Video DoorbellorOutdoor Security Cameras(both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do in this situation so that you can prove your case. We work with local utility companies to identify gas, electric, and water lines that are already in your yard. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. In some other states, the locate flags are removed by both the state apparatus and the property owners. White flags usually mark the area where there is a proposed excavation. First, we can help answer they "Why" part of the equation. Am I allowed to mow my yard? Utility flags have been in use for as long as they can be remembered. wholesale rapid test kit You can get more details as to who requested the placement by calling the hotline. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. The red flag utility marking is probably one of the most important ones that should be tampered with for any reason. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-box-4','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-box-4-0'); The utility companies are given this right for the major purpose of public safety as these utility lines are placed underground. They usually have a validity of 30 calendar days. If youre unsure, a more helpful way to deal with this is to call 811. They should leave the yard in substantially the same condition they found it. The state requires utility companies and their subcontractors to locate and mark where underground lines are buried. If you must remove the utility flags in your lawn or backyard, make sure you call the utility company in charge of the utility lines of your area or street to ensure it is safe to remove any utility flag. Is someone ever going to come? However, waking up to utility flags scattered across your lawn and someone digging in your yard is another story entirely. In most cases, it is illegal to tamper with these markings. 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. However tempting it may be, one should not remove those flags. Refresh Marks requests can only be submitted for excavation projects that were started within 14 calendar days of the initial locate requests. The only person who should be removing them is the one responsible for the placement of the flags. You may have no idea what it is and you just see it as something that ruins the overall aesthetics of your yard.