Yes. California law requires anyone excavating, including digging fence post holes, to contact the regional notification center at least two working days, and no more than 14 days, before digging. In Santa Clara, that center is USA North 811. Call 811 or file a ticket online, then wait for lines to be marked before the first hole goes in.
Updated October 2026
Why does it matter for a fence?
Every fence post needs its own hole, and most residential fences run right along property lines where utility lines can also run. A single strike can damage a gas, power, water or communications line, cause injury and leave you paying for the repair.
Which service covers Santa Clara?
USA North 811 is the notification center for Northern and Central California. Southern California is served by a different center, DigAlert. Member utilities, which in Santa Clara include the city-owned electric utility, Silicon Valley Power, along with gas, water and communications providers, are notified and mark their lines.
Who makes the call?
The person or company doing the digging. When you hire a fence contractor, the contractor should request the ticket and wait out the notice period. If you dig the holes yourself, the responsibility is yours.
What does 811 not mark?
Utilities generally mark their lines up to the meter. Private lines after that point, like sprinkler pipes, a line to a detached garage, landscape lighting or a gas line to a grill, are usually not marked. Ask about these during your estimate so they can be located or avoided.
When does the answer change?
It depends less than people expect: if you are digging, you need to notify. What changes is timing. Marks are only valid for a limited window, so if the project is delayed, the ticket may need to be renewed before digging.
How do we handle it?
- We request the 811 ticket ahead of the scheduled start.
- We wait until the marks are in place before digging.
- We walk the line with you to locate private lines and sprinkler pipes.
Related: fence permits and fence height.
Sources
Contractors State License Board newsletter, "Excavate Safely" (cslb.ca.gov); California Government Code Section 4216.2. Checked October 2026. The newsletter is dated 2016; confirm current procedures with USA North 811 before digging.