{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-265.15_1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-265.15_1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-265.15_1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-265.15_1.html"}],"law_id":77182,"edition_id":1,"section_id":77182,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.15:1","catch_line":" Exemptions; routine maintenance","history":"1994, c. 890; 1996, c. 79; 2002, c. 841; 2010, cc. 777, 832; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 532.","full_text":"Nothing in this chapter shall apply to:\n\n1\n\nAny hand digging performed by an owner or occupant of a property.2\n\nThe tilling of soil for agricultural purposes.3\n\nAny excavation done by a railroad when the excavation is made entirely on the land which the railroad owns and on which the railroad operates, provided there is no encroachment on any operator’s rights-of-way or easements.4\n\nAn excavation or demolition during an emergency, as defined in § 56-265.15, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the underground utility lines.\n\t\t\tIn the case of the state highway systems or streets and roads maintained by political subdivisions, officials of the Department of Transportation or the political subdivision where the use of such highways, roads, streets or other public way is impaired by an unforeseen occurrence shall determine the necessity of repair beginning immediately after the occurrence.5\n\nAny excavation for routine pavement maintenance, including patch type paving or the milling of pavement surfaces, upon the paved portion of any street, road, or highway of the Commonwealth provided that any such excavation does not exceed a depth of twelve inches (0.3 meter).6\n\nAny excavation for the purpose of mining pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of a permit issued by the Department of Energy.7\n\nAny hand digging performed by an operator to locate the operator’s utility lines in response to a notice of excavation from the notification center, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the underground utility lines.8\n\nAny installation of a sign that does not involve excavation as defined in § 56-265.15.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":276865,"text":"Nothing in this chapter shall apply to:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":276866,"text":"Any hand digging performed by an owner or occupant of a property.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":276867,"text":"The tilling of soil for agricultural purposes.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":276868,"text":"Any excavation done by a railroad when the excavation is made entirely on the land which the railroad owns and on which the railroad operates, provided there is no encroachment on any operator’s rights-of-way or easements.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":276869,"text":"An excavation or demolition during an emergency, as defined in § 56-265.15, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the underground utility lines.\n\t\t\tIn the case of the state highway systems or streets and roads maintained by political subdivisions, officials of the Department of Transportation or the political subdivision where the use of such highways, roads, streets or other public way is impaired by an unforeseen occurrence shall determine the necessity of repair beginning immediately after the occurrence.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":276870,"text":"Any excavation for routine pavement maintenance, including patch type paving or the milling of pavement surfaces, upon the paved portion of any street, road, or highway of the Commonwealth provided that any such excavation does not exceed a depth of twelve inches (0.3 meter).","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":276871,"text":"Any excavation for the purpose of mining pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of a permit issued by the Department of Energy.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":276872,"text":"Any hand digging performed by an operator to locate the operator’s utility lines in response to a notice of excavation from the notification center, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the underground utility lines.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":276873,"text":"Any installation of a sign that does not involve excavation as defined in § 56-265.15.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12882,"edition_id":1,"name":"Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act","identifier":"10.3","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":249261,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12882,"identifier":"10.3","token":"56\/10.3","url":"\/56\/10.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12881,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Service Companies","identifier":"56","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":248473,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12881,"identifier":"56","token":"56","url":"\/56\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":67078,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.14","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/56-265.14\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.14","metadata":false},{"id":58284,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.15","catch_line":"Definitions; calculation of time periods","url":"\/56-265.15\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15","metadata":false},{"id":77182,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.15:1","catch_line":" Exemptions; routine maintenance","url":"\/56-265.15_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15_1","metadata":false},{"id":84032,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.16","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.16\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.16","metadata":false},{"id":56272,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.16:1","catch_line":"Operators to join notification centers; certification","url":"\/56-265.16_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.16_1","metadata":false},{"id":71572,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17","catch_line":"Notification required prior to excavation or demolition; waiting periods; marking of proposed site","url":"\/56-265.17\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17","metadata":false},{"id":83153,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17:1","catch_line":"Notification and procedures for designers","url":"\/56-265.17_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17_1","metadata":false},{"id":61626,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17:2","catch_line":"Procedures for project owners","url":"\/56-265.17_2\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17_2","metadata":false},{"id":81609,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17:3","catch_line":"Procedures for operators in response to a designer notice","url":"\/56-265.17_3\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17_3","metadata":false},{"id":87274,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.18","catch_line":"Notification requirements","url":"\/56-265.18\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.18","metadata":false},{"id":56575,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.19","catch_line":"Duties of operator; regulations","url":"\/56-265.19\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.19","metadata":false},{"id":76344,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.19:1","catch_line":"Private sewer laterals and sewer system laterals","url":"\/56-265.19_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.19_1","metadata":false},{"id":61252,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.20","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.20\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.20","metadata":false},{"id":80434,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.20:1","catch_line":"Locating nonmetallic underground utility lines","url":"\/56-265.20_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.20_1","metadata":false},{"id":77696,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.21","catch_line":"Marking by color","url":"\/56-265.21\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.21","metadata":false},{"id":64117,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.22","catch_line":"Duties of notification center upon notification by person intending to excavate; record of notification made by telephone required","url":"\/56-265.22\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.22","metadata":false},{"id":66270,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.22:1","catch_line":"Meetings between excavators and operators","url":"\/56-265.22_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.22_1","metadata":false},{"id":87171,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.23","catch_line":"Exemption for roadway maintenance operations by the Virginia Department of Transportation and certain counties, cities, and towns","url":"\/56-265.23\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.23","metadata":false},{"id":68853,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.24","catch_line":"Duties of excavator","url":"\/56-265.24\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24","metadata":false},{"id":84234,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.24:1","catch_line":"Request to cease operation; immediate threat; penalty","url":"\/56-265.24_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24_1","metadata":false},{"id":57821,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.25","catch_line":"Liability of operator and excavator; penalties","url":"\/56-265.25\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.25","metadata":false},{"id":54008,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.26","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.26\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.26","metadata":false},{"id":84847,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.26:1","catch_line":"Utility line depth requirement","url":"\/56-265.26_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.26_1","metadata":false},{"id":77994,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.27","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.27\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.27","metadata":false},{"id":86798,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.28","catch_line":"Sovereign immunity","url":"\/56-265.28\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.28","metadata":false},{"id":79358,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.29","catch_line":"Other similar laws","url":"\/56-265.29\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.29","metadata":false},{"id":56066,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.30","catch_line":"Authority of the State Corporation Commission","url":"\/56-265.30\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.30","metadata":false},{"id":54014,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.31","catch_line":"Commission to establish advisory committee","url":"\/56-265.31\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.31","metadata":false},{"id":73298,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.32","catch_line":"Commission to impose civil penalties for certain violations; establishment of Underground Utility Damage Prevention Special Fund","url":"\/56-265.32\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.32","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":58284,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.15","catch_line":"Definitions; calculation of time periods","url":"\/56-265.15\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":84032,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.16","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.16\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.16","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-265.15:1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1994. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 890<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1996, chapter 79<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 841<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 777<\/a> and 832<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":84234,"section_number":"56-265.24:1","catch_line":"Request to cease operation; immediate threat; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.24_1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":58284,"section_number":"56-265.15","catch_line":"Definitions; calculation of time periods","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.15\/"}],"permalink":{"id":249271,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77182,"identifier":"56-265.15:1","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15_1","url":"\/56-265.15_1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-265.15_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15_1","dublin_core":{"Title":" Exemptions; routine maintenance","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-265.15:1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Any hand digging performed by an owner or occupant of a property. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The tilling of soil for agricultural purposes. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Any excavation done by a railroad<\/span> when the excavation is made entirely on the land which the railroad<\/span> owns and on which the railroad<\/span> operates, provided there is no encroachment on any operator’s rights-of-way or easements. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> An excavation or demolition during an emergency, as defined in § 56-265.15<\/a>, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the underground utility lines.\n\t\t\tIn the case of the state highway systems or streets and roads maintained by political subdivisions, officials of the Department of Transportation or the political subdivision where the use of such highways, roads, streets or other public way is impaired by an unforeseen occurrence shall determine the necessity of repair beginning immediately after the occurrence. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Any excavation for routine pavement maintenance, including patch type paving or the milling of pavement surfaces, upon the paved portion of any street, road, or highway of the Commonwealth provided that any such excavation does not exceed a depth of twelve inches (0.3 meter). <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Any excavation for the purpose of mining pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of a permit issued by the Department of Energy. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Any hand digging performed by an operator to locate the operator’s utility lines in response to a notice of excavation from the notification center, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the underground utility lines. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Any installation of a sign that does not involve excavation as defined in § 56-265.15<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\n EXEMPTIONS; ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (\u00a7 56-265.15:1)\n\nNothing in this chapter shall apply to:\n\n1. Any hand digging performed by an owner or occupant of a property.\n\n2. The tilling of soil for agricultural purposes.\n\n3. Any excavation done by a railroad when the excavation is made entirely on the\nland which the railroad owns and on which the railroad operates, provided there\nis no encroachment on any operator’s rights-of-way or easements.\n\n4. An excavation or demolition during an emergency, as defined in §\n56-265.15, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the\nunderground utility lines.\n\t\t\tIn the case of the state highway systems or streets and roads maintained by\npolitical subdivisions, officials of the Department of Transportation or the\npolitical subdivision where the use of such highways, roads, streets or other\npublic way is impaired by an unforeseen occurrence shall determine the necessity\nof repair beginning immediately after the occurrence.\n\n5. Any excavation for routine pavement maintenance, including patch type paving\nor the milling of pavement surfaces, upon the paved portion of any street, road,\nor highway of the Commonwealth provided that any such excavation does not exceed\na depth of twelve inches (0.3 meter).\n\n6. Any excavation for the purpose of mining pursuant to and in accordance with\nthe requirements of a permit issued by the Department of Energy.\n\n7. Any hand digging performed by an operator to locate the operator’s\nutility lines in response to a notice of excavation from the notification\ncenter, provided all reasonable precaution has been taken to protect the\nunderground utility lines.\n\n8. Any installation of a sign that does not involve excavation as defined in\n§ 56-265.15.\n\nHISTORY: 1994, c. 890; 1996, c. 79; 2002, c. 841; 2010, cc. 777, 832; 2021, Sp.\nSess. I, c. 532.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}