Call 811 Before You Build a Fence in Charlotte, NC

Putting up a fence, building a deck or pool, planting a tree, running irrigation — or just hiring someone to dig in your backyard? Before a shovel goes in the ground, North Carolina requires one free call to 811. Even if you’re not building a fence, this guide is for you — it covers what 811 is, what you (or the contractor you hire) must do, and what to expect. Have a question about fence permits in Charlotte, NC? Read our post at "Do I Need a Fence Permit in Charlotte, NC?"

Quick answer: In North Carolina, you’re legally required to contact NC811 (dial 811 or visit nc811.org) at least 3 full working days before you dig — for a fence, deck, pool, tree, mailbox, or any backyard project. It’s free. Local utilities then mark buried gas, electric, water, sewer, and cable lines so no one hits one. Wait for the marks, then dig carefully around them.

What is 811?

811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” number. In North Carolina it connects to NC811, a free one-call center. You place one request, and NC811 notifies every member utility near your property so they can come mark where their buried lines run — before anyone breaks ground. One call covers them all.

It’s not just fences — 811 applies to almost any dig

People assume 811 is for big construction. It’s not — it’s for any excavation, including the everyday backyard projects:

• Fence posts
• Deck and pergola footings
• Pool excavation
• Planting trees or large shrubs
• Mailbox and sign posts
• Garden beds, retaining walls, and drainage work
• Irrigation and sprinkler lines

If a shovel, auger, or trencher is going into the ground, the rule applies — and each separate project needs its own locate.

Why it matters

Even a small hole can reach a buried line. Strike one and you’re looking at injury, a neighborhood outage, and repair bills that can run into the thousands — plus liability if you skipped the required call. In North Carolina, notifying NC811 before you dig isn’t optional; it’s the law (the Underground Damage Prevention Act). And it’s free, so there’s no reason to skip it.

How to do it, step by step

1. Submit your request at least 3 full working days before you dig — call 811 or file online at nc811.org.
2. Provide your address and mark/describe where on the property you’ll be digging.
3. Utilities come out and mark their lines with color-coded paint and flags:
   • Red = electric · Yellow = gas/oil · Orange = communications/cable · Blue = potable water · Green = sewer · Purple = reclaimed water · White = the dig area you outlined · Pink = temporary survey
4. Wait until the marks are in and your ticket is valid before you start.
5. Dig carefully around the marks — hand-dig near a marked line instead of powering an auger right next to it.
6. Tickets expire. If the project slips past the validity window, file a new request.

Hiring someone to dig? Here’s what to expect

Whoever does the digging (the “excavator”) is legally responsible for the 811 request — so if you hire a fence company, landscaper, or pool builder, they should be filing the locate for you. A few things worth knowing as the homeowner:

• A reputable contractor does this automatically. Ask them to confirm they’ve filed the NC811 request — and, if you want, get the ticket number.
• Don’t let anyone dig before the marks are down. If a crew shows up ready to dig and there are no paint marks or flags, pause and ask.
• If a contractor shrugs off 811, treat it as a red flag — it’s a legal requirement and a basic safety step.

For our part: on every fence we install in Charlotte, we handle the NC811 locate — filed ahead of time, with the marks confirmed before posts go in. It’s just part of doing the job right.

The bottom line

It’s a free, quick, legally required step that protects your property, your utilities, and your wallet — whether you’re hiring it out or doing it yourself. Planning a project? Request a free quote and we’ll walk you through it — including whether you need a permit. If you want to get an idea of budget for your fence, you can use our Free Virtual Estimator to draw your own fence line, select your fence type from over 35 options, and select your gates (4', 5', 8, or 10' wide options).

Related

Doing a fence specifically? See Do you need a permit to build a fence in Charlotte, NC? — permits, height limits, HOA rules, and property lines.

Frequently asked

Do I need to call 811 to plant a tree or build a deck?
Yes — any digging qualifies, not just fences, and each project needs its own locate.

Is calling 811 free?
Yes — NC811 is a free service.

How far ahead do I need to call?
At least 3 full working days before you dig.

I’m hiring a contractor — do I still need to call?
The excavator (your contractor) is responsible, but confirm they’ve done it. If you’re digging yourself, you must call.

Locate rules can change — nc811.org has the current requirements.