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Power line safety: the 10 foot rule
Utah Code 54-8c-2 says no person or thing may be brought within 10 feet of a high voltage overhead line (more than 600 volts) unless the utility has been notified and the utility and the responsible party have agreed on precautions. That covers people, ladders, tools and equipment alike. If you do not know who owns a line, the county clerk in that county will provide the utility's name and contact information. (source: Utah State Legislature)
Digging for a sewer, water or gas line, a post or a trench is excavation. Utah Code 54-8a-4 requires notice to underground utility operators (Blue Stakes of Utah, 811) at least 48 hours ahead, counted on business days starting at 8 a.m. on the first business day after notice, and no more than 14 days before digging. Gardening and tilling private ground are exempt. (source: Utah State Legislature) (source: Blue Stakes of Utah 811)
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Sources
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code Title 54, Chapter 8c, Electrical Power Line Safety (54-8c-1 Definitions, 54-8c-2 Notification to public utility) (checked October 30, 2026)
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code Title 54, Chapter 8a, Damage to Underground Utility Facilities (54-8a-4 Notice of excavation) (checked October 30, 2026)
- Blue Stakes of Utah 811 (utility notification association under Utah Code 54-8a-9): Blue Stakes of Utah 811 (checked October 30, 2026)
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