Excavating for a slab, footings, piers or posts counts as digging. Louisiana requires a locate request first.
The rule
Louisiana 811 says you should contact them at least two business days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, before starting to dig. Its Dig Law page summarizes the statute: notice at least 48 hours before, and no more than 120 hours before, excavation begins, excluding weekends and holidays. Emergencies have separate rules.
How long marks are valid
Louisiana 811 says marks are valid for 20 calendar days (30 for agricultural and forestry work) from the "mark-by" time. For bigger projects, only call in the work you can do within that window.
Tolerance zone
Per Louisiana 811, the tolerance zone is the marked width of the facility plus at least 18 inches on each side. Dig inside it with non-powered hand tools or non-invasive methods until the line is exposed.
Private lines
Utilities typically mark only up to the meter. Service lines beyond it, such as a line to a shop, are usually the owner's to locate.
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm with the agency linked below or a licensed professional before you start work.
Sources
Last reviewed: October 2026.
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