Rulemaking: Changes to Oregon Dig Rules in 2025
Updated 10/20/25
Several proposed rule changes have come before the Governance Committee and the Oregon Utility Notification Center Board of Directors in 2025. Here is a status report on what has been approved, what is pending, and what has been tabled:
The following changes to Oregon Administrative Rules have been approved by the board and incorporated into Oregon Administrative Rules:
- Create OAR 952-001-0005 – this identifies the specific organizations that serve as board recruitment partners that are consulted to select members for the OUNC Board.
- Amend OAR 952-001-0010 (13) – this definition of “non-invasive methods” was enhanced to more specifically include hand digging, air cutting, vacuum excavation and hydro vacuum excavation.
- Amend OAR 952-001-0050 (2) – this change exempts working within a facility enclosure (such as meter boxes and vaults) if not digging beneath the base of the structure.
- Amend OAR 952-001-0010 (23) – this change adjusts the definition of ticket life from 45 days to 30 days. After being referred to the Governance Committee and the Ad Hoc Notification Center Operations Committee, it was approved by the OUNC Board at the July meeting.
- OAR 952-001-0010 (10) – the proposed revision of the “large area” definition has been referred to the ad hoc Notification Center Operations Committee for further discussion. This will be considered after the October 16 board meeting.
- OAR 952-001-0040 – the proposal to allow electronic white lining was tabled indefinitely and is not currently an active proposal. While there was support for the concept, there were concerns about unintended consequences if implemented.
- OAR 952-001-0080 – this proposal was tabled in favor of an operational solution to address the need for facilitating information sharing for design locate requests. These changes are being implemented by One Call Concepts.
At the July meeting, the board voted to initiate a temporary rule change to address recommendations from the Oregon Public Utility Commission ruling (Order 25-093) on complaint NC-405 regarding sewer laterals. This adds a definition of “control over” to OAR 952-001-0010 to align with chapter 952, the Public Utility Commission, Common Ground Alliance Best Practices 21.0 and recommendations, ensuring operators with expertise handle locates and OUNC subscription for their respective underground facilities. Temporary rule changes take effect right away, but with an expiration date. This change is intended to bridge the gap to a more permanent solution by early 2026.
A new printed and online version of the Standards Manual will be introduced once these items are addressed. The current manual is available on our website, and the new version will be available there as well in 2026.
The Oregon Utility Notification Center welcomes public input and involvement, and with the rare and limited exception of executive session, all board and committee meetings are open to attend virtually or in person. If you have questions or need additional information, contact me (OUNC Executive Director Josh Thomas) at [email protected].
- Reducing ticket length from 45 days to 30 days. [amends OAR 952-001-0010 (23)]
- Adding hand digging, air cutting, vacuum excavation or hydro vacuum excavation to the definition of “non-invasive methods.” [amends OAR 952-001-0010]
- Defining “large area” as a project exceeding seven hundred fifty linear feet. [amends OAR 952-001-0010 (10)]
- Allowing for the use of electronic white lining. [amends OAR 952-001-0040]
- Working within a facility enclosure exempted from notification requirement. [amends OAR 952-001-0050 (2)]
- Clarifying design locate request process, delivery of drawings and maps owned by facility operators during planning. [amends OAR 952-001-0080]
- Specifying recruitment partners for OUNC board. [adds OAR 952-001-0002]
The Oregon Utility Notification Center adopts rules that regulate the notification and marking of underground facilities to prevent damage to underground facilities. Written comments on the proposed changes were invited starting January 1, 2024, and public comment was welcomed at the OUNC Board Meeting on July 18, 2024 and October 17, 2024.
