Utility markout The practice of spraying color-coded paint or placing flags on a sidewalk to indicate the exact location of buried utility infrastructure.
Before any excavation, drilling, or sidewalk demolition can begin, utility technicians must physically locate and mark underground pipes, conduits, and cables. These markings follow a strict nationwide color code, with yellow indicating gas, blue for potable water, red for electricity, and green for sewer systems. Performing sidewalk repairs without a fresh, visible markout is extremely dangerous and violates New York State Industrial Code Rule 753. Contractors must respect the tolerance zone around these paint marks, using hand tools rather than heavy machinery to dig within two feet of any marked utility line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utility markout
What is a utility markout?
Color-coded paint or flags placed on the surface to show the location of buried utility lines before excavation.
What do the colors mean?
Yellow for gas and other flammable material, blue for potable water, red for electric, green for sewer, orange for communications, and white for the planned excavation.
Is a markout legally required?
Yes. Excavating without a valid markout violates New York State excavation safety rules and is extremely dangerous.
What is the tolerance zone?
The buffer around a marked line where mechanical digging is prohibited and hand tools must be used. Confirm the applicable distance before starting.
Do markouts expire?
Yes. They are valid for a limited period, after which the request must be renewed before digging.