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

A pink utility flag indicates there is a temporary survey marking going on in the area. How To Remove An Easement From Your Property The Right Way, Can You Get Street Lights Turned Off? Ir Lens In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. More people now want to invest, Read More Can I Have a Shipping Container in My Backyard Legally?Continue, A pergola is a great way to add some extra shade to your yard or garden, and it can, Read More Can a Pergola Have a Solid Roof? Be mindful of these flags; you may not like seeing green flags on your yard but dont consider removing them. However, an easement holder doesn't own the land. This allows utilities to come out and mark their buried lines before the project begins. Blue Water, slurry, and irrigation lines. If a gas main or service line is exposed during digging, call Greater Dickson Gas Authority. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Any paint markings aren't permanent and should fade over time. This year alone they have flagged it 4 times.From the flags I can tell you there is 4 utility's running alone the state road. As someone who places these flags for a living, leave them there for as long as you can or until you're 100% sure the work is completed. For most homeowners, your insurance policies will likely not cover the damages that arise from what the Utility Commission will classify as negligence. Doing so could result in fines. The first one is that there will be an excavation project planned in the spot where the flags are. The other reason flags have appeared in your yard is because someone is planning to do work. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. You may be so tempted to remove utility color flags from your yard. Even neighbors can have easement over your property, giving them access to your land. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. Choose wisely! Usually, this involves potable water. Can I have utility location done well in advance of a fence project? Utility companies usually place flags to mark . In the sections below, were going to provide you with tips on what you can do as a homeowner. By Brooke Colombo 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. Before a power line is built, Duke Energy acquires easements . ; Orange Telecommunication systems, alarm and signal lines, as well as cables or conduits. . Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and shouldnotbe interpreted aslegal advice or acted upon as such. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. 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. Manage Settings The answer is NO, you can't remove any utility flags place in your yard. Image Credit: Rick Beauregard, Shutterstock. 8 Ponder upsets No. i have plugs in both of my mowers. 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. These projects involve underground facilities that need to be protected. Thanks for the insight - I'll leave all the flags where they are and hope they're gone in time for spring cleanup around the yard. A property owner concerned about lingering flags could call 811 for more information about who called in and sought utility locations, according to Denton city spokesperson Jessica Rogers. 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. Scan this QR code to download the app now. A surveyor places survey markers to label major points on the land's surface. Instead, call 811 dig hotline, report what happened, and request for them to mark the utility lines again. DIG CAREFULLY. Those are the little white and yellow flags you . Worse, you could end up in court. The state requires utility companies and their subcontractors to locate and mark where underground lines are buried. 175. The quick answer is yes, you can. And at highway speeds, that is dangerous. Talk to an Expert Today | Weekdays 6AM - 6PM. Utility flags are meant to protect these utility lines when future homeowners or landscapers plan on digging. Damaging this line could release poisonous gases and may cause a flood in the neighborhood. (Is This Illegal to Do? Why are there miss dig flags in my yard? We've been plugging sidewalls on mowers for years. In most cases, you find flags in your yard on the occasion of a repair or maintenance going on in your neighborhood. The color of the flags are typically going to follow The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Code. Utility flags are important in the functions they play in informing people of utility lines that are specially placed underground. 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 first one is that there will be an excavation project planned in the spot where the flags are. Last month a dozen utility flags appeared on my front lawn, my neighbors front lawn and along our property line. Wholesale Work Gloves The colors follow the Uniform Color Code set by the American Public Works Association. Neighbors Keep on Putting Trash in My Garbage Can: What to Do? 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. 3. PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881 and via Twitter at @phwolfeDRC. However, waking up to utility flags scattered across your lawn and someone digging in your yard is another story entirely. 4. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I've started a nice collection of them in the back of my truck. For instance, she may place marks at the northeast and southwest corners of a piece of land to . The other reason why there are flags on your lawn is that there is a bigger excavation project planned in your area. 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. Sunny. (We Checked With the USPS)Continue, Electric fences are an efficient way to keep critters or other unwanted visitors out of your yard. She often shares practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog. At this point you might start to wonder, Can I remove utility flags in my yard?. 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. one of them has like 10 plugs crammed into the same big hole. That way, contractors will not dig it up. The blue utility flag has a water drop symbol on it. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Engineers will request to have utilities marked out so that they can design new utility systems around the old ones. As a result, they will give an estimate, which includes your property. Utility services such as cable TV, telephone, electric, gas, water and sewer are often buried underground. I've had sidewall plugs hold the life of the tire. An easement is typically granted by property owners to an electric utility for the purpose of constructing and maintaining power lines and other equipment. ; Yellow Lines used for natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, as well as other gaseous or flammable materials. Use Marking Flags for Safety and Many Other Purposes Marking flags offer a way to clearly identify underground electric lines or mark construction borders. 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. I've had decent luck with plugs in mower tires. But this authority only takes place after the initial need for the flags is completed. Mailboxes that have been directly hit by a snowplow will be repaired at the City's expense as soon as time and weather permit. These mark the power lines that connect to a neighbor's power grid. Ok rant off "Every step we take towards making the State the Caretaker of our lives, Eh, I've tried to plug mower tires before most of the time they don't take too soft of rubber. No such luck. If my crew shows up to a site that is marked, they are instructed to get a close as possible, but in no way disturb the flags or markings in anyway at all. High End Residential work. (Roofing Ideas & Options)Continue. The colors are as follows are noted in this handy chart. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'yardpit_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because utility lines and flags used to mark them are placed on public rights, private individuals do not have a right to tamper with utility flags and where they are placed in most cases. If youve called them and did a follow-up on your concern several times but to no avail, you can move to the next step by taking the issue to court. If your lawn is marked and you didn't know about it, then either your neighbors are planning . Removing the marks and flags put them at risk. Its even more frustrating to see people come to your yard and put up flags without permission. This post contains affiliate links. However tempting it may be, one should not remove those flags. While tempting, you should never remove these flags, as doing so can cause serious damage that you may be responsible for. (We Checked With the USPS). Each excavator is required to place their own locate request. I've yet to . The color codes are as follows: Proposed excavation will be marked in white, power lines will mark in red, gas lines will mark in yellow, all communication lines will mark in orange, water marks in blue, sewer marks in green and Purple is for Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines. OK, so today I am on my virtually new VRide cutting an apartment complex which has some marking flags in the lawn. 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. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? Removing Your Lawn. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. You can speak with the operator at 811 and ask for the details about the project in your area. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. Each color of paint/flag represents a unique type of underground utility. 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. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Gunbuilder is right, they are good for 10 days to 2 weeks before requiring a relocate. These utility contractors are also responsible for removing locate flags and any other utility flags installed when necessary. In some states, the law stipulates that utility flags have a 30 days duration time without any work going on before they can be removed. Here's a key to the utility colors: It's crucial to preserve and maintain the location of flags and paint. (Yes. Other utility flags cannot be removed for any reason because of the utility lines they represent. Fully Licensed and Insured. What is utility easement anyway? (The Official Answer)Continue, Seeing furniture on the side of the street is common and sometimes even a little exciting if youre looking, Read More Is It Illegal to Leave Furniture on the Street? pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com. 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. 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? 2. Refresh Marks requests can only be submitted for excavation projects that were started within 14 calendar days of the initial locate requests. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The green flag has a sinkhole cover plate symbol; the flag indicates sewage and drain lines which are also very important. Stephanie is fond of doing all backyard-related work at her home. Modified 8 years, 9 months ago. You may have no idea what it is and you just see it as something that ruins the overall aesthetics of your yard. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! As you spot those flags, you may not be sure what to do or what they mean. We will see if they are there next week. If the flags are removed before work is done, buried utility lines could be damaged and workers could be injured. If you remove the flags before the plans are set in place, it could screw up the plans and the project as a whole. They are often placed in the city. In cases where you accidentally removed it, its best to call 811 for help. - Ohio Revised Code: 3781.29 (A) Unfortunately no. In some, they are valid for only two weeks especially if you havent observed any activity. That could be as long as 14 weeks. Is it permissible to have exposed mains conductors in holiday lights? The purple flag indicates Reclaimed water lines, irrigation lines, and slurry lines. But generally, the law requires utility companies to pay compensation. A tip from many homeowners is to bug the company about your concern. The question of legality and the right to remove utility flags from your lawn or property can be tricky. Blue Water, slurry, and irrigation lines. State law requires contractors, utilities or individuals who plan to dig even a homeowner planting a tree to call 811 to come locate underground utilities in the work area. Why are there flags and paint in my yard? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Can I remove utility flags in my yard? In most cases, you will be given compensation. If you must dig within 24" of utility marks/flags, be sure to dig with care. Stop mower. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. (Do This First)Continue, Well water offers many positive advantages, most importantly, fewer utility bills! Every morning, get a link to our newly redesigned e-Edition and the top Denton headlines you need to start your day. Please refer to our full affiliate disclosure policy for full details. They are provided for informational purposes only. A utility company can dig in your yard without permission. I had 811 mark my utility lines. No problem, I just weave around them. How do I get utility lines marked on my property? 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 happen to notice that these flags have shown up in your entire neighborhood, this is likely the case. 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. and our If you push through with this project, you may be forced to destroy the structure. NO! After 10 days, we can remove the markings. This means Yard Blogger may earn a commission should you make a purchase using any of our links. Avoid digging near buried utilities if possible. 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;}. These flags aside, the color comes with symbols. I can just imagine the neighbors questioning what we're doing to the yard. 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. And as I said, I'd rather plug a sidewall than screw around with a leaking tube that has to have the bead broken, tire removed and the tube patched. Doing so could result in fines. You cannot legally work from someone else's request. Utilities will send out locators who will come and mark the approximate location of buried utilities . If you have these flags and paint in your yard, it means that someone in the area is planning to dig and they did the responsible thing and called 811 . Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. In most cases, it is illegal to tamper with these markings. In some, they are valid for only two weeks especially if you havent observed any activity. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Generally, flags should not be taken off. Staff Writer We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. (Try Doing This First), Can a Mailbox Be Any Color? Where does this (supposedly) Gibson quote come from? Utility companies usually place flags to mark underground facilities for projects like repair and maintenance. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you do so, someone can file a complaint against you and you could face a lawsuit. (Roofing Ideas & Options), and they can do so legally to gain access to pipelines and cables. For orange flags, you could try to call your telephone or Cable TV company. If the marks are past the row remove and mow. 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? 3 Advantages of Progressive Metal Stamping Services The Master Products Co. A detailed comparison to help you transition, Transcription of genes coding for metabolic key functions in Nitrosomonas europaea during aerobic and anaerobic growth. This does not necessarily mean that the work to be done would involve your lawn or house. We work with local utility companies to identify gas, electric, and water lines that are already in your yard. Yellow locator flags are crucial for avoiding damaging gas lines. What do normal homeowner's do about utility flags/markings? One way to do this is to call them three times a day. The only person who should be removing them is the one responsible for the placement of the flags. The removal usually happens when the job is done. Privacy Policy. If a utility does not mark its underground utility facilities or contact the excavator within that time, the utility is deemed to have given notice that it does not have any facilities at the excavation site. At least 3 business days before you plan to dig, make your locate request online with the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Colorado 811). Proper attention to pipe that has been exposed will prevent problems later. (Check for This First), Can I Put a Pool in My Front Yard? To children, those colorful flags could be very attractive. Lets take this scenario for example: I wake up to find Verizon digging in my yard because of an service upgrade job. Removing turf with water-efficient plants can be cost-effective, beautiful, and low-maintenance. I've mowed twice with my flags in the ground. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. 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. That way, contractors will not dig it up. It is our state law that the flags can not be removed by ANYONE for the duration of the valid mark out. Also, most flags bear the name of the company that placed them, so you should be able to see the contact information. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. I'm assuming my neighbor needed to dig and had the lines flagged. If there has been no action for more than 14 days, the property owner can delete the find flags because they are no longer valid. Ask the title company, attorney or your real estate agent to retain all documents . Do not remove the flags, stakes or paint marks until you have finished . The yellow flags will help identify contractors that a gas line is on that spot. SECTION 10. Red utility flags are used to mark underground electric and cable lines. If not, they will inform you when they will be able to send over a check to cover the damage. Get answers directly from our subject matter experts.Never report a natural gas leak online. shaft cross athermalized lenses Success! The orange flag indicates communication lines, alarm lines, traffic loops, cables or conduit lines, and signal lines. Depending on the state youre in, there should be a law that prohibits any person from removing or tampering with utility flags. 5. To children, those colorful flags could be very attractive. You would be really upset if you lived in my area, we also spray paint on the ground above the utility path. Receive information from our advertisers or special DR-C offers. Digging on a spot without knowing beforehand the location of underground utility lines can be risky. We would advise that you do not remove the markings or flags. Its worth noting that each state has different laws when it comes to this situation. It will be about 2 weeks before I can get the landscaping work done. A utility company working on power lines, telephone lines, and what-not, are doing their job and its a necessity. rev2023.3.3.43278. Having a decent security system like a Ring Video Doorbell or Outdoor Security Cameras (both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do.