New SC811 Law Brings Changes to Excavation Safety Requirements
May 3, 2026
Important updates to South Carolina’s Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act take effect May 22, 2026, and local utility providers want residents, contractors, and businesses to be prepared.
The changes, outlined in House Bill 3571, affect all stakeholders involved in excavation, including contractors, locators, utility operators, and homeowners. The updates are designed to improve communication, protect underground utilities, and promote safer digging practices statewide.
Among the most significant additions is the new Large Project Ticket system, which establishes definitions for large projects and requires customized coordination agreements for long-term excavation work. Projects that qualify include utility and highway infrastructure work as well as development projects.
Other key changes include updates to the Positive Response System, which will require operators to provide timely status updates so excavators can confirm markings before work begins. The law also introduces stricter excavation practices in the tolerance zone, where only approved soft digging methods are allowed and visual confirmation of clearance is required. Emergency tickets will now be limited to situations involving existing essential services such as gas, water, or electricity. Updated fines and penalties are also included to reinforce compliance.
State law already required that excavators provide three full working days’ notice, excluding weekends and holidays, before beginning any digging. The new provisions build on that foundation with greater coordination requirements for larger-scale projects.
SC811 offers a summary sheet, law breakdown, and comparison chart on its website at sc811.com/state-law. In-person and online training are also available for those who want a closer look at how the changes may affect their work.
The call-before-you-dig reminder remains as relevant as ever. Anyone planning excavation work of any size is encouraged to dial 811 before breaking ground.
