What Is the Extent of Excavation (EOE) Policy?
The Extent of Excavation (EOE) Policy defines the maximum amount of work that may be included on a single Location Request (ticket).
The purpose of the policy is to:
- Ensure work areas are clearly defined
- Improve locate accuracy
- Reduce delays caused by oversized or unclear tickets
- Support timely job starts
When followed correctly, the EOE Policy benefits excavators, locators, and utility operators alike.
First implemented in 2005 and most recently updated in 2026, the EOE Policy undergoes changes based on environment, stakeholder needs, and technology. The most recent update became effective on February 16, 2026.
Why Was the Policy Updated?
In recent years, jobs not started due to late locates and dig delays have increased, while overall ticket volume has remained relatively flat.
Oversized or vague Location Requests often:
- Overwhelm locator resources
- Delay completion of markings
- Prevent crews from starting work on schedule
- Increase the likelihood of Code 55 responses
The updated policy helps ensure tickets reflect realistic, buildable work areas, allowing projects to move forward more efficiently.
Key Policy Updates
Continuous Work
Continuous work is limited to:
- Intersection to intersection (center point to center point), and
- No more than one block or one-quarter (¼) mile (1,320 feet) per Location Request.
Work exceeding these limits must be divided into multiple tickets.
Poles
- One pole installation, replacement, or removal per Location Request.
- Exception: Multiple poles on the same parcel may be placed on one ticket.
- Anchors associated with a pole may be included on the same ticket.
Soil Borings
- All soil borings on a single parcel may be placed on one ticket.
- Soil borings on different parcels require separate Location Requests.
Signs
- Up to three signs per Location Request (same side of road).
- No maximum for state routes or interstates.
- Continuous work limitations still apply.
Work at an Intersection
One Location Request may include:
- The full intersection
- Up to 50 feet down adjacent streets (measured from curb/pavement edge)
Work exceeding 50 feet requires an additional ticket.
To view a side-by-side comparison of the current, updated EOE policy language, with the previous policy language, click here.
Important Reminder: Locator Marking Buffer
Under NYS Code Rule 753-4.5(a)(2), operators must mark underground facilities within 15 feet of the proposed work area, where practical.
This means:
- Narrowing your ticket to the actual excavation area does NOT eliminate protection.
- A built-in buffer is still required by regulation.
Smaller, clearer tickets improve response time while maintaining safety.
What Happens If a Ticket Exceeds the Policy?
Location Requests that exceed EOE limits may:
- Be rejected
- Require resubmission
- Result in delayed job starts
Submitting accurate, well-defined tickets helps prevent avoidable delays.
Need Help?
UDig NY offers:
- Free virtual EOE training sessions
- Web Services support
- In-person educational events
- Local Field Representative Support
Visit: UDigNY.org/events or contact your local Field Representative.
The Extent of Excavation policy is designed to assist all those who are involved with the one call process. It helps establish a format; one that determines how much location can be allowed on one ticket. It also allows excavations on separate properties or ones that continue for miles down the road to become more finite, resulting in faster clearances and less wait time for excavators.
