The bill amends subsection 7 of section 49-23-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which defines "excavation" in relation to the one-call excavation notice system. The definition encompasses various operations that involve moving or displacing earth, rock, or other materials, while explicitly excluding certain activities. Notably, the bill clarifies that normal maintenance of paved roads and streets is exempt from the definition of excavation, provided it does not extend deeper than the existing pavement and does not involve the road ditch. Additionally, it introduces a new exemption for normal surface maintenance of gravel roads and streets, as long as it also does not involve the road ditch.

The bill also specifies that gardening and landscaping activities are excluded from the excavation definition unless they disturb the soil to a depth of twelve inches or more, and agricultural activities are excluded unless they disturb the soil to a depth of eighteen inches or more. The amendments aim to refine the understanding of excavation activities and their associated regulations, ensuring that routine maintenance and certain agricultural practices are not unnecessarily burdened by excavation notice requirements.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 49-23-01
Enrollment: 49-23-01