Pennsylvania requires notice to PA One Call at least three business days before digging. Permits depend on your municipality, and DEP sets erosion rules for every earth disturbance. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Do I need a permit to dig or excavate on my property?
A small dig on your own property may need no local permit, but it always needs a PA One Call request and basic erosion control. Permits are commonly needed for demolition, foundations, retaining walls, plumbing, work in the right-of-way and larger grading. HomeGuide puts excavation permits at $50 to $400; your municipality sets the fee.
When is a grading permit required?
A grading permit depends on the municipality. In the city, commercial grading over 50 cubic yards, or on slopes over 25 percent with cuts 5 feet or deeper, needs a Land Operations Permit. Suburbs set their own limits. Nationally, grading permits cost $50 to $400, per HomeGuide.
Does my project need an erosion control plan or a stormwater permit?
Pennsylvania DEP requires erosion and sediment controls on every earth disturbance, a written erosion and sediment control plan once disturbance reaches 5,000 square feet, and an NPDES construction stormwater permit at one acre or more, including smaller lots in a larger development. The county conservation district reviews them.
Do I need a permit for clearing, tree removal or work near a stream?
Large clearing needs an erosion plan at 5,000 square feet, and in the city, removing vegetation over 10,000 square feet or on slopes over 25 percent needs a Land Operations Permit for commercial work. Streams and wetlands need DEP review. Street trees belong to the municipality.
In Pittsburgh's suburbs, who pulls the permits, me or the excavator?
Who pulls permits depends on the work: contractors usually pull their own trade permits, and the owner or general contractor pulls building and demolition permits. Under Pennsylvania's home improvement law, the contract must say whether a permit is needed and who gets it.
Do I have to call 811 before a small dig?
Yes. Homeowners and contractors must notify PA One Call before any digging, by dialing 811 or filing online. Utilities mark their own lines; private lines such as a garage feed or a yard drain are not marked.
How much notice does PA One Call need, and how long do marks stay valid?
PA One Call needs at least three business days of notice and no more than ten business days for construction work. Marks are meant to stay valid while the job is active; if work is delayed past the window, or marks are lost, file a new request.
Who is responsible if a utility line gets hit?
Responsibility for a hit utility line depends on whether notice was given, whether the line was marked correctly, and how carefully the digger worked near the marks. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission enforces the one call law and has fined both utilities and contractors. If you hit gas, leave and call 911. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I dig at the property line without my neighbor's okay?
You can dig on your own side of the property line, but not onto your neighbor's land, and you must not undermine their wall, steps or foundation, which matters a lot on Pittsburgh slopes. A boundary survey settles it; HomeGuide prices one at $300 to $900. This is general information, not legal advice.
For a price on your own property, call or text (412) 501-2259. We see the site, then give you the scope and price in writing.