2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes § 87-106. Exceptions.

§ 87‑106.  Exceptions.

The following excavations are exempted from the notification requirements of this Article:

(1)       Tilling of soil for agricultural purposes;

(2)       Excavation by a utility owner, by the State or its subdivisions or agencies, or by anyone contracting with any of these entities to perform the excavation, on or within an easement, right‑of‑way, or property owned or controlled by any of these entities, where:

a.         Only the facilities of the utility owner doing the excavating  are permitted; or

b.         All persons having an interest in the excavation and the underground utilities that may be damaged during the excavation have agreed in writing to provide the equivalent of the notification required by this Article among themselves; or

(3)       The replacement of a pole as long as the replacement pole is within three feet of the original pole and within the line of existing poles. This exception shall not apply to poles at highway intersections or at the crossings of highways and permanently marked transmission underground utilities.

(4)       In the case of an emergency involving danger to life, health, or property requiring immediate correction, or in order to continue the operation of a major industrial plant, or in order to assure the continuity of utility services, excavations immediately required to repair or maintain the needed service may be made, without using explosives, if notice is given to the utility owner or association as soon as is reasonably possible; except that the prohibition against the use of explosives shall not apply to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Performance of emergency excavation shall not relieve the excavator of liability for damages. (1985, c. 785, s. 1.)