An orange flag marks the location of underground telecommunications lines near the curb. Technically, you shouldnt be removing flags the moment you see them. I understand your perspective..but tell me this if you cannot disturb flags for a certain period of time, why does the utility not come and gather up the flags when that period is over? You may have no idea what it is and you just see it as something that ruins the overall aesthetics of your yard. A: After our Consumers Energy team has completed the pipe replacement work in front of your home, the flags can be removed. Please refer to our full affiliate disclosure policy for full details. To put it simply, an easement gives a company or individuals the right to legally use a landowners property for a specific purpose. Generally, flags should not be taken off. If you or someone you've hired is going to install an irrigation system, plant a tree or do anything else that requires digging, be sure to call 811 at least two business days before starting the project. While you cant really prevent a utility company from coming on your property, its good to know what theyre doing when they are there. These lines can include oil, gas, water, sewers, electrical lines, and telephone lines. Known as "locate flags," the person who called for their placement is responsible for removing them when the job is complete. If you must dig within 24" of utility marks/flags, be sure to dig with care. Utility companies usually place flags to mark underground facilities for projects like repair and maintenance. In some other states, the locate flags are removed by both the state apparatus and the property owners. The operator should be able to provide the name of the company or individual who requested the dig and their contact information. Doing so is illegal and you could pay a fine. This is because they are placed on public right of way. In the sections below, were going to provide you with tips on what you can do as a homeowner. Removing Utility Flags. rev2023.3.3.43278. 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. In most cases, it is illegal to tamper with these markings. Utility operators mark any underground line that is directly in the way of construction, or even near it. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. Call Before You Dig (811) - Indiana Utilities Corporation Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Norm of an integral operator involving linear and exponential terms, Styling contours by colour and by line thickness in QGIS. one of them has like 10 plugs crammed into the same big hole. But it does not call for removal. How 811 works. In most cases, you will be given compensation. When you see a white utility flag on your yard, prepare and make arrangements for the possible disruptions that would come from an excavation.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-109{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Here are the different colors used in marking flags and what they mean: Red Electric power lines, cables, conduits, and lighting cables. Can I remove utility flags in my yard? Contact the state agency that supervises all public utilities. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Why Are There Utility Flags In My Yard - 5ws.wiki Can I Have an Electric Fence Around My Property Legally? It could be that individuals or companies calling in the dig request cant provide the exact location to mark. 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. Had to make a run to get a tube installed in a BRAND NEW TIRE! Cookie Notice Insight Denton: Whose responsibility is it to remove those little utility flags and when? Construction workers do road repair near the intersection of Alice and Egan streets in June. While most utility companies pay compensation to customers without any hesitation, others might put up a challenge. But just because there are flags on your lawn it doesnt always mean the utility company is going to start digging up your yard. The Neighbor's Yard Smells Like Dog Pee and Poop: What To Do? Can you transfer utilities to another person? - Wise-Answer Automatic Can Seamer This does not mean that someone will be parking a huge excavator in front of your home and tearing up your entire lawn. You can then call the person or company and ask about the status of the project or if the flags are still necessary. Before you blow your stack, relax a little bit. The 8 Likely Reasons There Are Utility Flags in Your Yard. Doing so is illegal and you could pay a fine. Waking up to the sound of construction going on near your area is not an uncommon occurrence. If you see plenty of white flags wrapped around an area, that should give you an idea of how big the project is. While you cant really prevent utility companies from doing their jobs, its good to know who is setting foot on your property and what theyre doing. As a result, they will give an estimate, which includes your property. Is it Illegal to Remove Utility Flags? shaft cross The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. Call the . I've mowed twice with my flags in the ground. White flags usually mark the area where there is a proposed excavation. In cases where you accidentally removed it, its best to call 811 for help. The colors are as follows are noted in this handy chart. juan.betancourt@dentonrc.com, Beth Maries has churned up a new flavor, North of Ordinary, to represent Denton, By John Fields What to do about utility flags/markings on yard - to mow or not? You can find this by searching the .gov website of your state of residence. Owner Rights The circuit was out for 3 hours. We won't share it with anyone else. FAQs | JULIE Before You Dig The primary reason is because there is a planned excavation in the vicinity of your property. It would also help you know if you can request removal or need to wait a while before requesting one. Avoiding the flagged areas, of course. The Process | Missouri 811 This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see our plug them and put some tire slime in the tire. If a gas main or service line is exposed during digging, call Greater Dickson Gas Authority. I've yet to . Marking power lines connecting to a grid can eliminate the risk of a wide power outage or electrocution. Seeing colorful flags in your yard can be surprising and maybe at times, frustrating, especially if you like to maintain a beautiful, pristine yard. Colorful Flags and Underground Utility Markings Keep Everyone Safe Please let us know if that helps answer your . If you see plenty of white flags wrapped around an area, that should give you an idea of how big the project is. Can I Remove Utility Flags In My Yard: Is this Illegal? So far, i've mowed and trimmed around them to the best of my ability. In addition, you will be held responsible for damages to the utility. She often shares practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog. Placing orange flags means companies should be careful about digging this area, especially when people are expecting a big game on TV. (Answered), Do Deer Eat Canna Lilies? Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Last month a dozen utility flags appeared on my front lawn, my neighbors front lawn and along our property line. Damages to your property resulting from negligence or accidents is inevitable, especially when a utility company digs in your yard. However, an easement holder doesn't own the land. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. You can guess at what company placed what flags based on you local utility providers. It can be very tempting to play with them or even remove them. Sewer lines need to be preserved if there are in-ground projects. Many times, the individuals or companies who call in the Call 811 Ticket request to dig does not have all of the information needed to pin-point the locate technicians to the exact spot of the work. 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. She loves to take sunbathe and do a barbecue in her free time. Before they do this, they'll mark and protect any other buried utility lines in your yard by working with 811 Call Before You Dig. Easements can easily be considered a burden for most property owners. When she is not writing, she goes camping with her husband and little kids. 5. Homeowners FAQs - Know what's below. Call 811 before you dig What is the law, when a cable company digs up a yard. and then - Avvo So leave it and let it lay its eggs; they cause no harm. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Removing turf with water-efficient plants can be cost-effective, beautiful, and low-maintenance. What are these little colored flags in my yard? | Utility Locator We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Insight Denton: Whose responsibility is it to remove those little