If this happens, do not plant the flags to the ground as you may not know where they were exactly located. Also, most flags bear the name of the company that placed them, so you should be able to see the contact information. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. They usually have a validity of 30 calendar days. 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 (just like 911 but replace the 9 with an 8!). There is typically only a few reasons these types of little colored flags will appear in your yard or lawn. 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. The markings are valid per their rules for 30 days. This happens all the time due to the use of easements. If you are unable to gather the information from the state 811, you can simply refer to the color of the flag. 3. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Calling 811 will get your underground utility lines marked and your project off to a safe start. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The blue flag marking indicates portable water lines and is not to be tampered with for any reason. For yellow flags, try to call your natural gas provider, and for green flags try to call your local sanitary sewer authority or DPW. In most cases, it is illegal to tamper with these markings. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Be mindful of these flags; you may not like seeing green flags on your yard but dont consider removing them. To reply to the question of the illegality of removing utility flags, yes, it is illegal to remove them. 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. Other utility flags cannot be removed for any reason because of the utility lines they represent. The 811 call centers also serve an educational purpose. The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. Other states place a validity of the flags for 30 calendar days. However tempting it may be, one should not remove those flags. Does a Propane Fire Pit Keep Mosquitoes Away? Digging on a spot without knowing beforehand the location of underground utility lines can be risky. If you are unable to gather the information from the state 811, you can simply refer to the color of the flag. Obviously the safety factor is greater if you're trusting a plug in a sidewall of a vehicle at highway speeds, they also don't externally plug vehicle tires in the tread either, they come from the inside which requires removal of the tire. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 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. Good point! Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Small alcoves in exterior walls for utilities access? Is someone ever going to come? You would be really upset if you lived in my area, we also spray paint on the ground above the utility path. In some, they are valid for only two weeks especially if you havent observed any activity. The short answer is yes, utility companies can dig up your yard and they can do so legally to gain access to pipelines and cables. This is because the removal of utility flags can land you in trouble with the states authorities. What are these capped, metal pipes in our yard? 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. But when I called 811 they directed me to the seller's listing agent before the home was sold, and she was at a loss as to what to tell me and told me to just remove them. All they do it dump and run. 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. The colors are as follows are noted in this handy chart. However tempting it may be, one should not remove those flags. But even if thats the case, you, as the landowner, may still face restrictions when using a part of your land that is covered by the easement. 7x14 Stealth SE Enclosed with 48" side ramp. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Green flags are put up to mark drain lines and sewers. :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. Removing the marks and flags put them at risk. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Success! It's been two weeks now the lawn is a mess because we are unsure of how to avoid all the markings and flags. By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe These will help workers locate important marked spots. Green flags are put up to mark drain lines and sewers. Construction workers do road repair near the intersection of Alice and Egan streets in June. You may be so tempted to remove utility color flags from your yard. In NJ, that is 10 days. There is typically only a few reasons these types of little colored flags will appear in your yard or lawn. Also, most flags bear the name of the company that placed them, so you should be able to see the contact information. 8 Ponder upsets No. Why are there miss dig flags in my yard? The answer is NO, you can't remove any utility flags place in your yard. At the same time, the flags on private property would be removed by the property owners. Yard Blogger provides practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to your home and yard. 99% of the time they do. Be mindful of these flags; you may not like seeing green flags on your yard but dont consider removing them. Last month a dozen utility flags appeared on my front lawn, my neighbors front lawn and along our property line. Gunbuilder is right, they are good for 10 days to 2 weeks before requiring a relocate. custom marker flags This gives utility companies the legal right to be on your property to fix any broken lines or install new utility lines, even if it means . This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. They wont even wait for your approval to do the digging. 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. The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. In some, they are valid for only two weeks especially if you havent observed any activity. The American Public Works Association (APWA) has color-coded all utilities so it's easy for those in the industry to immediately identify what utility is running where. We work with local utility companies to identify gas, electric, and water lines that are already in your yard. Its vital to avoid the spot marked with the yellow flags. If you push through with this project, you may be forced to destroy the structure. You may be wondering at this point: Can a utility company dig in my yard without permission? Wait two full business days before beginning the digging. They are provided for informational purposes only. You may panic as someone just came to your property to put up the marking flags. Typically they will replace the pole in the exact same location of the existing pole, or within a few feet, but regardless they always seem to call in way more than they need. The other reason why there are flags on your lawn is that there is a bigger excavation project planned in your area. (Is This Illegal to Do? In instances where youve seen the flag on your yard for 14 days without someone doing any work, you can remove them. Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and shouldnotbe interpreted aslegal advice or acted upon as such. The flags help utility workers locate the lines . Replace flags in original position. Utility color flags help workers who carry out the digging identify which utility line is running under the marked spots. This color is used for communication systems, TV cables and alarm lines. Once you do, find out where and how you can file a complaint. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. This post contains affiliate links. While you cant really prevent a utility company from coming on your property, its good to know what theyre doing when they are there. By Brooke Colombo Mailboxes come in all shapes and, Read More Can a Mailbox Be Any Color? This color is used for communication systems, TV cables and alarm lines. Then, plan accordingly when you're ready to plant so that there's ample space between the plant and utility line. 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. If you see yellow flags across your yard, it means that there will be a planned work involving natural gas lines. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Antioxidants Its even more frustrating to see people come to your yard and put up flags without permission. Norm of an integral operator involving linear and exponential terms, Styling contours by colour and by line thickness in QGIS. You may also see a marking in the street or near a pole or structure with an arrow that says Call 811, Miss Utility, One Call, Dig Safe, UFPO, etc. If the tree's projected height is 12 feet tall for example, dig your hole at least 12 feet away from the utility flag. If the line is damaged, the neighborhood could experience a flood or that water will not be safe for drinking for days. Error! Rutted up the lawn to the point you could forget about mowing it. The colored flags in your yard each have a meaning. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Clear skies. pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com. How To Remove An Easement From Your Property The Right Way, Can You Get Street Lights Turned Off? To take matters to court, you must be ready with proof that the utility company has been negligent with their task. If you must dig within 24" of utility marks/flags, be sure to dig with care. ; Green Sewer and drain lines. Generally speaking, you should not remove utility flags from your yard because they are meant to avoid disturbances, damage to utility lines, ensure safety during any repairs to utility lines. This center will take care of communicating with your local utilities, who will send their people out to mark line locations. The question of permission and the legality of you removing utility flags will be discussed in this article.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Utility flags are the small, mostly orange reflective markers that are used to indicate underground utility lines.