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Kentucky 811 — The 811 Process
Step-by-Step Guide

How the 811 Process Works

From submitting your request to safely digging around utilities, here's what to expect every step of the way.

Before You Break Ground

ROADMAP TO
SAFE DIGGING

10 Essential Steps
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STEP 01
Plan
Review your project scope and timeline before any excavation begins.
Step 01
Plan
Safety Tips
Mark out your entire dig area with white paint or flags before contacting 811.
Identify all utility types that may run through your property — gas, electric, water, telecom.
Schedule your timeline to include required wait periods for utility locating responses.
STEP 02
Notify 811
Contact 811 at least a few business days before digging. Submit online or by phone.
Step 02
Notify 811
Safety Tips
Call 811 or submit online at least 2–3 business days before your planned dig date.
Provide exact dig site details including address, nearest intersection, and scope of work.
Save your confirmation ticket number for tracking responses and record keeping.
STEP 03
Call Non-Members
Contact utility companies not in the 811 system to request separate locates.
Step 03
Call Non-Members
Safety Tips
Municipal utilities, private pipelines, and co-ops may not participate — contact them directly.
Ask your local 811 center which operators in your area are non-members.
Document all calls and responses for a complete record of every utility contacted.
STEP 04
Wait
Allow the required time for utility companies to mark their underground lines.
Step 04
Wait
Safety Tips
Kentucky requires at least 2 full working days before you may begin excavation.
Never begin digging before the waiting period expires, even if some utilities responded.
Use the wait time to finalize equipment, review maps, and brief your crew.
STEP 05
Positive Response
Confirm that all utilities have responded before proceeding with excavation.
Step 05
Positive Response
Safety Tips
"Positive response" means every notified utility has replied — marked, cleared, or scheduled.
Check the positive response system to verify each utility's status individually.
Do not dig until every single utility has confirmed — one missing response means wait.
STEP 06
Locate
Ensure all underground utilities have been properly marked with paint or flags.
Step 06
Locate
Safety Tips
Learn the APWA color code: Red=Electric, Yellow=Gas, Blue=Water, Orange=Telecom.
Markings are approximate — the actual line may be up to 24 inches on either side.
If markings seem incomplete, call the locator back before starting excavation.
STEP 07
Verify
Double-check that all markings match the positive response information.
Step 07
Verify
Safety Tips
Cross-reference field markings against your positive response documentation.
Look for "clear" or "no conflict" responses — no facilities exist in your dig zone.
Photograph all markings before excavation begins for evidence and reference.
STEP 08
Respect
Respect marked lines and maintain proper clearance from all identified utilities.
Step 08
Respect
Safety Tips
Maintain at least 24 inches of clearance on either side of marked utility lines.
Treat the tolerance zone as a no-machine area — hand dig only within this buffer.
Protect and preserve all markings and flags throughout the entire project duration.
STEP 09
Dig with Care
Use hand tools near marked utilities. Mechanical equipment should maintain safe distance.
Step 09
Dig with Care
Safety Tips
Hand-dig or use vacuum excavation within the tolerance zone of any marked line.
If you strike a line, stop immediately — call 911 for gas leaks or exposed wires.
Never use backhoes or trenchers directly over a marked utility path.
STEP 10
Repeat
Request new locates if your project extends beyond the valid marking period.
Step 10
Repeat
Safety Tips
Locate markings are typically valid for a limited period — check Kentucky regulations.
If markings fade or get disturbed, request a re-mark before continuing work.
For multi-phase projects, file a new 811 ticket for each new section of excavation.
Know Your Colors

UNDERSTANDING UTILITY MARKING COLORS

Utility operators use standardized colors to identify different underground utilities and excavation areas. Lines will be marked using flags and paint to indicate approximate locations of underground facilities.

Hover or tap flags to see what each color represents

DOWNLOAD THE UTILITY COLOR GUIDE

Keep a printable reference guide available for job sites, crews, and homeowners.

Download PDF
Important

THE TOLERANCE ZONE

Paint and flags identify the approximate location of underground facilities. Always use caution when digging near marked utilities.

Excavators should preserve markings throughout the project whenever possible.

The tolerance zone is the width of the facility plus 24 inches to either side, with a minimum of 48 inches total (plus the facility width). Always exercise extreme caution when excavating within the tolerance zone.

Facility
← 24" 24" → Tolerance Zone (min. 48" + facility width) Cross-section: facility width + 24" each side (48" minimum + facility width)
Private Utilities & Responsibility

WHAT KENTUCKY 811 TYPICALLY DOES NOT MARK

Participating utility operators generally mark public utility lines up to the meter, pedestal, or primary service connection point. Lines beyond those points may be privately owned.

Utility lines beyond public connection points may be privately owned and may not be included in standard locate requests. If your excavation project takes place beyond these points, you may need to hire a private utility locating company to identify underground lines on private property.

Submitting a locate request through Kentucky 811 is an important first step, but property owners and excavators should also understand the limitations of standard utility locating services. When private utilities may exist, additional locating services can help reduce the risk of accidental damage.

Not all utilities stop at the same point. Some end at the property line, others at a pedestal or meter, and some run all the way to the home. If you're unsure where utility responsibility begins or ends, contact the utility provider.

When in doubt, request additional utility locating assistance before excavation begins.
Property Overview
Property Line
Electric
Water
Gas
Telecom
Meters

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to common questions about Kentucky 811, utility locating, and safe excavation practices.

🔍
Homeowners
Do I need to contact 811 for small projects?+
Yes. Even small projects like planting trees, installing mailboxes, or building fences can damage underground utilities.
Is Kentucky 811 free?+
Yes. Locate requests are free for homeowners and excavators.
How long should I wait before digging?+
Always allow at least two full working days after submitting your request before excavation begins.
Do all utility lines get marked?+
Public utility operators typically mark their lines, but private utilities may not be included.
Contractors
Can contractors manage multiple locate requests?+
Yes. Professional excavators can use online tools to manage and track locate requests.
What is white lining?+
White lining identifies the proposed excavation area before utilities arrive to mark underground facilities.
Can I start work before all utilities respond?+
No. Always confirm utility responses before excavation begins.
Ticket Status
What is positive response?+
Positive response allows utility operators to communicate the status of locate requests and utility markings.
How do I check my ticket status?+
Use the online ticket status search tool to review locate activity and utility responses.
What if utilities have not responded?+
Do not begin excavation until responses are complete or additional instructions are provided.
Emergencies
What qualifies as an emergency locate request?+
Emergency requests involve immediate danger to life, health, property, or essential services.
What should I do if I hit a gas line?+
Leave the area immediately and contact emergency services and the utility operator.
Should I continue digging if markings become unclear?+
No. Stop excavation and request updated utility markings if necessary.
Hold Your Horses

Ready to Dig?

Whether you're breaking ground today or planning ahead, the next step is simple. Submit a locate request. Check the status of an existing ticket. Dig safely.

Submit a Ticket Ticket Search

Are You a Professional or Homeowner?

Select your role to be directed to the appropriate ticket submission portal.

Professional Homeowner
Upcoming Holidays That May Impact Your Ticket
Loading…
10-Day Dig Forecast Detecting location…
Plan Around the Forecast
Before submitting a locate request, check the weather to make sure conditions will allow you to complete your excavation. Remember, locate requests are valid for 21 calendar days.
Fetching forecast…
Kentucky 811 — Safety Since 1987