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Before a street or sidewalk permit can be issued, a contractor must mark the location to indicate underground utility company lines such as gas, electric, water, and cable. This is required by New York State law.

Once construction is completed, the contractor must remove the pre-construction markings.

Contractors or excavators can get assistance by phone with locating underground utility company lines.

  • Agency: New York 811
  • Phone Number: 811 or (800) 272-4480
  • Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Time and Length of Construction

The Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn't have a timeframe for when a contractor will request a street or sidewalk opening permit.

Line Marking Color Codes

You can identify the type of utility or construction work based on the line color.

  • Blue: Potable water
  • Green: Sewer and drain lines
  • Orange: Communication, alarm, signal lines, cables, or conduit
  • Pink: Temporary survey markings
  • Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, slurry lines
  • Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
  • Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials
  • White: Proposed excavation

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