can i remove utility flags in my yard can i remove utility flags in my yard

Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. Talk to an Expert Today | Weekdays 6AM - 6PM. The answer to that question is yes, unfortunately. It looks like the link pointing here was faulty. Every morning, get a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the top Denton headlines you need to start your day. (Do This First)Continue, Well water offers many positive advantages, most importantly, fewer utility bills! Utility color flags help workers who carry out the digging identify which utility line is running under the marked spots. Removing the marks and flags put them at risk. What do the different colors mean? Call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987. The removal usually happens when the job is done. Has nothing to do with speed. Doing so is illegal and you could pay a fine. The red flag utility marking is probably one of the most important ones that should be tampered with for any reason. A utility company can dig in your yard without permission. Can I Remove Utility Flags In My Yard: Is this Illegal? You have the right to file a complaint if damages were done to your property while utility companies were doing their work on your yard. You can get more details as to who requested the placement by calling the hotline. I then called the number on this power box thing that is located on my front yard.. but I don't exactly know who I called it just said "before digging call ###-###-####" so I called them, and they also couldn't tell me who put the flags there or whether I can or cannot remove them. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. Utilities will send out locators who will come and mark the approximate location of buried utilities . If your cable company ripped out grass or landscaping, they need to replace it. (Somewhat Deer Resistant), Do Deer Eat Hellebores? If you must dig within 24" of utility marks/flags, be sure to dig with care. If the utility flags are not in place, workers can just dig and end up damaging underground lines. Gunbuilder is right, they are good for 10 days to 2 weeks before requiring a relocate. custom marker flags They are often placed in the city. There are a few utility flags that you may remove, but you need to contact the utility company handling your area to do that. covid test kit supplier 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. You might also enjoy our post on Can I Dig a Pond on My Property? Red -it is the most common color and its used to mark electric utilities or power lines Marking an area with red will help to avoid a power outage that can affect the whole neighborhood. Once mower is stopped, walk over and move the flags out of the way. You can remove the utility flags installed in your yard, but you would need approval. (Do This Before Digging)Continue. Yard Blogger is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I've had decent luck with plugs in mower tires. And at highway speeds, that is dangerous. Different colored flags signal the different utilities: blue for water, yellow for oil and gas, orange for telecommunications, green for sewer and drain lines, red for electric, white for excavation and pink for temporary survey. You can speak with the operator at 811 and ask for the details about the project in your area. Knowing the different flag colors representation helps you know what plans to make, and the kind of excavation or utility work would be done in your neighborhood. shaft cross They usually have a validity of 30 calendar days. A: After our Consumers Energy team has completed the pipe replacement work in front of your home, the flags can be removed. If they damage your property and try to make you pay for the damages, its just going to be your word versus theirs. If you push through with this project, you may be forced to destroy the structure. You have permission to edit this article. If you found blue flags, you can try your water company. (And Wind Chimes). If you find a turtle in your yard, try to identify its species if you can. This post contains affiliate links. Moving or removing flags and paint markings will ultimately make you liable for any damage that occurs to that utility, and trust us those can be expensive. mine haven't leaked in years. Staff Writer Water gas phone sewer.They flag the entire 1/4 mile rd frontage to work in 1 little stop grrrrr. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. A right of way is a type of easement or agreement that grants a utility the right to use, access or transit a piece of property. So, if you have been considering digging a, Read More Can I Dig a Well on My Property? Its expected of a property owner to be bothered by the sight of colorful flags in their yard. Survey Markers. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. The 8 Likely Reasons There Are Utility Flags in Your Yard. If youre having trouble contacting the company or if you feel they are not attending to your concern, you have two ways to approach this: Is it possible to sue your utility company? But just because there are flags on your lawn it doesnt always mean the utility company is going to start digging up your yard. At least 3 business days before you plan to dig, make your locate request online with the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Colorado 811). Email your question for Insight Denton to pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com. A utility company can dig in your yard without permission. Removing these flags could disrupt any project planned in the area. At this point you might start to wonder, Can I remove utility flags in my yard?. ; Yellow Lines used for natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, as well as other gaseous or flammable materials. Plastic Antioxidants The flags are red (electric), orange (telecommunication) and yellow (gas). How can I explain to my manager that a project he wishes to undertake cannot be performed by the team? I mow a storage facility that's on a main state road with city roads on 3 sides. The yellow flags will help identify contractors that a gas line is on that spot. 1. Can I remove the MISS DIG flags in my yard? Residential customers. Seeing the utility flag means some utility work is about to be done in the area. In such places, the state is responsible for removing locate flags that are on the streets and public places. Utility companies usually place flags to mark underground facilities for projects like repair and maintenance. You can get more details as to who requested the placement by calling the hotline. Known as "locate flags," the person who called for their placement is responsible for removing them when the job is complete. Utility flags can be of several different colors, with each of the flag colors indicating a different utility line or component. Last month a dozen utility flags appeared on my front lawn, my neighbors front lawn and along our property line. Why are Suriname, Belize, and Guinea-Bissau classified as "Small Island Developing States"? Mailboxes that have been directly hit by a snowplow will be repaired at the City's expense as soon as time and weather permit. If you found this article, chances are that you have just discovered a new set of colored little flags in your yard, but your not sure why. (Answered), Do Deer Eat Canna Lilies? Asked 8 years, 9 months ago. These will help workers locate important marked spots. The other reason why there are flags on your lawn is that there is a bigger excavation project planned in your area. The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. 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. Here's a key to the utility colors: It's crucial to preserve and maintain the location of flags and paint. one of them has like 10 plugs crammed into the same big hole. But keep in mind that removing these flags are a big no-no. The quick answer is yes, you can. they will stay there forever until you remove them or the home owner. Receive information from our advertisers or special DR-C offers. Utility flags can help prevent damage to expensive underground wires or stop gas leaks before they become possible catastrophes. If youre unsure, a more helpful way to deal with this is to call 811. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. wholesale rapid test kit All they do it dump and run. About half of the water we use at home is spent outdoors on landscaping. ROUTINE: A regular locate. Also, most flags bear the name of the company that placed them, so you should be able to see the contact information. Contact the state agency that supervises all public utilities. If so, when can I remove them? In some, they are valid for only two weeks especially if you havent observed any activity. You may have removed it before realizing its purpose. 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. If damages have been done to your property, its best to notify the company. The orange flag indicates communication lines, alarm lines, traffic loops, cables or conduit lines, and signal lines. If not, they will inform you when they will be able to send over a check to cover the damage. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. But it does not call for removal. And a damaged gas line can cause soil contamination and even explosion. When you see flags, you not only tend to question what it is and what purpose it serves but also what the different colors are. 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. If youre unsure, a more helpful way to deal with this is to call 811. Green flags are put up to mark drain lines and sewers. If the utility flags on your lawn do not have our logo imprinted on them, then we did not mark that utility and will not be able to provide any information regarding the flags or proposed work. Sure you can.on mowers, just not on a vehicle that will maintain highway speeds. Its vital to avoid the spot marked with the yellow flags. You can then call the person or company and ask about the status of the project or if the flags are still necessary. The 811 call centers also serve an educational purpose. Denton city spokeswoman Jessica Rogers recommends that a property owner concerned about lingering flags call 811 to get more information about who called in and requested utility locations. This year they pulled into the drive and drove their trucks and equipment across the lawn at a angle to get to the NW corner. A utility company working on power lines, telephone lines, and what-not, are doing their job and its a necessity. Staff Writer I've had others leak and need another plug. Lacks Neutral Wires and Grounding Bus. If you do so, someone can file a complaint against you and you could face a lawsuit. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. For more information, please see our An orange flag marks the location of underground telecommunications lines near the curb. Modified 8 years, 9 months ago. 4. They should leave the yard in substantially the same condition they found it. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. Each utility company will send a locator to your property within a few days of your call to 811. In most cases, it is illegal to tamper with these markings. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The first one is that there will be an excavation project planned in the spot where the flags are. Before deciding, you want to remove utility flags on your property because you did not authorize them to be placed. Also, most flags bear the name of the company that placed them, so you should be able to see the contact information. Refresh Marks requests can only be submitted for excavation projects that were started within 14 calendar days of the initial locate requests. Follow this procedure: 1. Unfortunately no. Or maybe a utility company decided to pay my property a visit without my knowledge and started digging in my backyard. I've yet to . At this point you might start to wonder, Can I remove utility flags in my yard?. About seven to eight utility companies are typically contacted. A pink utility flag indicates there is a temporary survey marking going on in the area. Good point! Is it Illegal to Remove Utility Flags? Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Maryland, Utility Locator, LLC14 Hadco Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, Toll Free(888) 232-5959Pennsylvania(215) 596-1234New Jersey(609)795-8998Delaware(302) 407-3724Maryland(443) 779-6060Emailinfo@utilitylocator.com, Monday Friday |6:00AM 6:00PMSaturday Sunday |Closed, Underground Utility LocatingSubsurface Utility EngineeringVacuum Excavation & Test HolesVideo Pipe Camera InspectionsConcrete Scanning & ImagingCable Fault & Pipe Leak Detection, A Division of Trinity Subsurface Engineering. How 811 works. I was likeman I hope it didn't go all the way in. Is a PhD visitor considered as a visiting scholar? 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. The following facility members will mark their lines in either water soluble paint or flags. Can I Have a Shipping Container in My Backyard Legally? Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Here is the official color code chart that is used to depict the location of underground utilities. After 10 days, we can remove the markings. If they are damaged, they can lead to substantial effects on the community. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. 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. Wait two full business days before beginning the digging. If you remove the flags before the plans are set in place, it could screw up the plans and the project as a whole. You still get to retain the title and you are the owner but someone who owns easement to your property has the right to use your property. Waking up to the sound of construction going on near your area is not an uncommon occurrence. (Answer Inside), Does Windex or Fabuloso Kill Roaches? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. (Do This Before Digging), utility companies do have the right to come onto your property, even without permission, the utility company is going to start digging up your yard. Never heard what happened. 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. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. The American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed a color code for marking underground utilities, so it's easy to immediately identify any utilities in the proposed excavation area. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. Please let us know if that helps answer your . If the company or its subcontractors do damage to your land while doing their work, you must immediately notify the persons involved. They are provided for informational purposes only. If you are unable to gather the information from the state 811, you can simply refer to the color of the flag. bcolombo@dentonrc.com, Stranger walks into unlocked home in Denton; resident pushes him out, Denton man sentenced to life in prison for murder of 7-year-old boy, By Juan Betancourt If you discover utility lines put up in your garden, some repair or maintenance works will be carried on the utility lines in the area. The colored flags in your yard each have a meaning. Any paint markings aren't permanent and should fade over time. Children may also accidentally take those flags out. Bunch of BS IMO. Must wait three business days for a markout, begin digging within 10 business days, ticket expires in 45 business days. If the species is a foreign one, it likely escaped captivity, or the owner let it out, and it might threaten those species in your region. Before you buy a new tree, find out about its growth potential. Placing orange flags means companies should be careful about digging this area, especially when people are expecting a big game on TV. There is typically only a few reasons these types of little colored flags will appear in your yard or lawn. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Clear skies. The colors are as follows are noted in this handy chart. If your lawn is marked and you didn't know about it, then either your neighbors are planning . (Roofing Ideas & Options), and they can do so legally to gain access to pipelines and cables. Wholesale Work Gloves This utility line work may involve excavation and digging. I deal with the stupid flags all the time. The most common reason for utility flags in a yard is to mark the location of underground utility lines. If you have blue flags, you can call the water company, and so on. i have plugs in both of my mowers. Some may notify you ahead of time, while most companies wont. The answer is NO, you can't remove any utility flags placed in your yard. Underground Utility Lines. 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. Red flags - Red is the most common flag. The blue flag marking indicates portable water lines and is not to be tampered with for any reason. But if it happens to you, you should know that it means someone is planning to turn it into an excavation site. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Just purchased my first house and I'm shocked at the little things that I just never knew or understood about daily life. For this, a professional may be called upon to handle it. The hidden costs of underground utility damage. Can I remove utility flags in my yard? As electricity lines involve great danger to digging personnel and people living nearby, cables and power lines are marked in red. However, you may wonder why there are flags on your lawn without your permission or if it is allowed for utility companies to mount utility flags on your property without permission. Digging works could involve installation, repair,and maintenance of underground lines. There are different laws regarding utility flags their role, mounting, and removal across different states. Doing so could result in fines. We will label this, When hiring a privateunderground utility locating company, you expect that they will find all of the underground utilities present within the project or location that, The release of last months Common Ground Alliance 2016 DIRT Report is a sobering reminder about how important it is to excavate safely around underground, Let's Discuss Your Project. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Cannot fix sidewall punctures, its either a new tire or a tube. Depending on the state youre in, there should be a law that prohibits any person from removing or tampering with utility flags. Can I remove the flags in my yard? You can then call the person or company and ask about the status of the project or if the flags are still necessary. Never allow anyone to dig on your property without contacting Missouri 811 first. After calling 811: The One Call Center will contact the appropriate utility companies, and a trained technician will mark the location of underground facilities with colored flags, stakes or paint at no cost to you. This repair in such situations involves sections of the utility line that pass through your yard. They usually have a validity of 30 calendar days. I can just imagine the neighbors questioning what we're doing to the yard. It would also help you know if you can request removal or need to wait a while before requesting one. At the same time, the flags on private property would be removed by the property owners. For the quickest answers, call you local Call 811 center by dialing 811 from any land line or cell phone. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. You may have no idea what it is and you just see it as something that ruins the overall aesthetics of your yard. A standing flag symbol is drawn on the pink utility flag. A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. Proper attention to pipe that has been exposed will prevent problems later. You would be really upset if you lived in my area, we also spray paint on the ground above the utility path. They were here today.They marked with both spraypaint and flags. Did any DOS compatibility layers exist for any UNIX-like systems before DOS started to become outmoded? Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? Get answers directly from our subject matter experts.Never report a natural gas leak online. Technically, you shouldnt be removing flags the moment you see them. Every Wednesday morning, get the week's top crime stories in Denton from the Blotter in your inbox. Marking power lines connecting to a grid can eliminate the risk of a wide power outage or electrocution. They are often placed in the city. )Continue, If youre in the mood to spice up your yard, a pond can be a great idea. Its vital to avoid the spot marked with the yellow flags. Placing orange flags means companies should be careful about digging this area, especially when people are expecting a big game on TV. If the tree's projected height is 12 feet tall for example, dig your hole at least 12 feet away from the utility flag. We'll come out and mark the underground lines for free. What do you want to know? Avoiding the flagged areas, of course. The flag colors come in the uniform color code for general designation and use. You can also make requests by calling 8-1-1 or 800-922-1987. Make sure you're prepared with the Denton Record-Chronicle's coverage of Denton County's key races, and the candidates in the running for them. 8 Ponder upsets No. and our However tempting it may be, one should not remove those flags. These flags aside, the color comes with symbols. 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. If you see yellow flags across your yard, it means that there will be a planned work involving natural gas lines. Have you ever wondered about orange flags? Insight Denton: Whose responsibility is it to remove those little utility flags and when? Call the . If you must dig within 24" of utility marks/flags, be sure to dig with care. Image Credit: Rick Beauregard, Shutterstock. Call Now (888) 792-5353, Let's Discuss Your Project.Call Now (888) 792-5353. As you spot those flags, you may not be sure what to do or what they mean. 7x14 Stealth SE Enclosed with 48" side ramp. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Utility companies usually place flags to mark . 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. Owner Rights 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. 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. Do not remove the flags, stakes or paint marks until you have finished . I'm assuming the work hasn't been completed yet since the flags haven't been removed from their yard. Why are there flags and paint in my yard? I'll chat with them today. The utility flags installed in properties are to be left in place for a minimum of 6 months before they can be removed, while other states have laws that do not allow the removal of utility flags. In the mean time is it OK to mow the . Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We will label this asEOI(End of Information). Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Construction workers do road repair near the intersection of Alice and Egan streets in June. I had 811 mark my utility lines. Once you do, find out where and how you can file a complaint. ; Orange Telecommunication systems, alarm and signal lines, as well as cables or conduits. Each excavator is required to place their own locate request. The red flag indicates Electric power lines, lighting cables, and conduit cable lines. They Do), Do Moths Come From Caterpillars? - Ohio Revised Code: 3781.29 (A) To reply to the question of the illegality of removing utility flags, yes, it is illegal to remove them. Do not disturb the markings enough to make them disappear. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. So leave it and let it lay its eggs; they cause no harm. Removing turf with water-efficient plants can be cost-effective, beautiful, and low-maintenance. 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 . Stop mower. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Privacy Policy | Powered by UtilitySmarts. 3. Error! This will result in everyday inconveniences that can affect not only you but also other people in the community. Utility operators mark any underground line that is directly in the way of construction, or even near it. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Please refer to our full affiliate disclosure policy for full details. If you have blue flags, you can call the water company, and so on. If this happens, do not plant the flags to the ground as you may not know where they were exactly located. They wont even wait for your approval to do the digging. These will help workers locate important marked spots. The colors of the flags and their symbolism are listed below: A white flag, which usually has a shovel symbol, indicates a proposed excavation. Once you see little flags in your yard, you can start digging. Staff Writer The standard utility service paint or flags colors are: Red: Electric; Orange . ALWAYS LEAVE IMMEDIATELY then. 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 . Digging on a spot without knowing beforehand the location of underground utility lines can be risky. Utility flags are meant to protect these utility lines when future homeowners or landscapers plan on digging. Not only does the utility company have the right to use a strip of land for the lines, but they will also enter your property if repair and maintenance is needed. I've got 2 properties that are peppered with these flags. Press J to jump to the feed. WHEN will someone come to do something about them? Each color of paint/flag represents a unique type of underground utility. Even neighbors can have easement over your property, giving them access to your land. :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. The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. Blue Water, slurry, and irrigation lines. One thing to note is that utility companies do have the right to come onto your property, even without permission. This will result in everyday inconveniences that can affect not only you but also other people in the community.