Planning an excavation project in New Brunswick? Understanding permit requirements and insurance obligations can save you from costly fines, project delays, and legal liability. This complete 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about excavation regulations, utility locates, building permits, and insurance requirements in NB.
1. Utility Locates: The #1 Legal Requirement
⚠️ LEGAL REQUIREMENT: Call Before You Dig
Service: NB One Call
Phone: 1-800-565-2754
Notice Required: Minimum 3 business days before digging
Cost: FREE
Coverage: All underground utilities (power, gas, telecom, water, sewer, fiber optic)
⚡ Penalties for not calling:
- • Fines up to $100,000 (Excavation Damage Prevention Act)
- • Full liability for all damages and service disruption
- • Potential criminal charges if injury or death occurs
- • Insurance claims may be DENIED
How Utility Locates Work
- Call NB One Call: Provide project address, dig area description, start date
- Utility companies notified: NB Power, Enbridge Gas, Bell, Rogers, Saint John Water, etc.
- Locators mark utilities: Colored flags/paint indicate buried lines
- Wait 3 business days: All utilities must respond within this timeframe
- Hand dig within 1 meter: Use hand tools (not machine) near marked utilities
- Locate valid 21 days: If project delayed, must call again
2. Municipal Building Permits (Saint John)
When You Need a Building Permit
Full building permit required
Building permit + structural drawings
Pool permit from Planning & Development
If >10 m² (108 sq ft)
Unless changing drainage patterns
No permit needed
Right-of-Way permit required
Call utilities, get locates
City of Saint John Contacts
- Planning & Development: (506) 658-2855
- Building Inspections: (506) 658-2870
- Engineering Services: (506) 658-2850
- Address: City Hall, 15 Market Square, Saint John
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
3. Insurance Requirements for Equipment Rental
Equipment owners on the platform require proof of insurance BEFORE equipment release. Here's exactly what you need:
Required Coverage
Commercial General Liability (CGL)
- • Limit: $2,000,000 per occurrence minimum
- • Additional Insured: Equipment owner (and platform where specified in the listing) must be named
- • Primary & Non-Contributory: Required endorsement
- • Waiver of Subrogation: In favor of equipment owner (and platform where specified)
- • Coverage: Bodily injury, property damage, personal injury
Rented/Leased Equipment Coverage
- • Limit: Full replacement value (varies by equipment)
- • Loss Payee: Equipment owner (and platform where specified in the listing)
- • Coverage: Physical damage, theft, fire, vandalism
- • Deductible: Your responsibility
How to Get Insurance in New Brunswick
Option 1: Add to Existing Policy (Homeowners/Business)
- Call your broker and request "equipment rental" or "rented equipment" endorsement
- Provide rental details (equipment value, rental dates, project description)
- Cost: Typically $150-400 for short-term rental
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days
Option 2: Short-Term Rental Policy
- Designed specifically for equipment renters
- Covers both liability AND equipment
- Cost: $300-600 depending on project scope
- Turnaround: Same day or next day
Option 3: U-Dig It Referral Partners
We work with Saint John insurance brokers who specialize in equipment rental coverage and can provide same-day quotes. equipment rental insurance guide for NB for recommended brokers.
Pro Tip: Get your insurance quote BEFORE booking equipment to avoid delays. Most brokers can provide coverage certificates within 24 hours.
4. Provincial Regulations (All of NB)
Environmental Regulations
You need provincial approval for:
- Watercourse alteration: Any work within 30m of stream, river, or wetland
- Fill placement: Dumping clean fill in wetlands or near water
- Large excavations: Removal of >1,000 cubic meters of material
- Contaminated sites: Any site with known or suspected contamination
Contact: NB Department of Environment - Environmental Impact Assessment: 1-877-662-6800
WorkSafe NB Requirements
If you're hiring employees or subcontractors for your project:
- WCB coverage required for all workers
- Fall protection plan for excavations over 3m (10 feet) deep
- Confined space procedures for deep pits or trenches
- Traffic control plan if working near roads
5. Municipality-Specific Rules
Saint John
- Excavation within 1m of property line requires Building Permit
- Driveway/sidewalk work requires Right-of-Way permit
- Storm water management plan for sites over 1 acre
- Contact: (506) 658-2855
Rothesay
- Building permit for all foundation work
- Pool permit with engineered drawings
- Strict setback requirements (contact Town before digging)
- Contact: (506) 848-6600
Quispamsis
- Building permit for pools, foundations, major grading
- Environmental assessment for wetland areas
- Erosion control required for large sites
- Contact: (506) 849-5000
6. Cost of Non-Compliance
Real examples of what happens when regulations are ignored:
❌ Scenario: Homeowner digs pool without permit (Rothesay)
- • Stop-work order issued: $500 fine
- • Building permit retroactively required: $400 application + $800 inspection fees
- • Engineered drawings required after fact: $1,500-2,500
- • Total cost: $3,200-4,400 + project delays
❌ Scenario: Contractor hits gas line without locate (Saint John)
- • Fine from Enbridge Gas: $25,000-50,000
- • Emergency response costs: $10,000-30,000
- • Repair costs: $15,000-100,000+
- • Liability for business disruption: $50,000-500,000
- • Total cost: $100,000-680,000+
❌ Scenario: No insurance, equipment damaged
- • Hydraulic line rupture repair: $3,500
- • Downtime charges (3 days): $1,350
- • Equipment recovery/transport: $800
- • Total out-of-pocket: $5,650
- • With insurance: $500-1,000 deductible only
7. Quick Reference Checklist
Before Starting ANY Excavation in NB:
8. The Platform Makes Compliance Easy
When you rent through the platform, equipment owners provide safety briefing and orientation at delivery. The platform helps with:
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to call NB One Call before digging?
You must call at least 3 business days before digging. NB One Call notifies utility companies, who mark underground lines. Wait the full 3 days before starting work.
What insurance do I need to rent equipment in New Brunswick?
You need Commercial General Liability ($2M minimum) with U-Dig It as Additional Insured, and Rented Equipment coverage for full replacement value. We refer to NB brokers who specialize in short-term rental coverage.
Do I need a permit for an in-ground pool in Saint John?
Yes. Pool permits are required from City of Saint John Planning & Development. Rothesay and Quispamsis also require pool permits with engineered drawings. Contact your municipality before digging.
What if I hit a utility line while excavating?
Stop immediately. Call 911 if gas, power, or injury. Call the utility company (number on locate markers). Evacuate 100m for gas; stay in cab for power lines. You may face fines up to $100,000 and full liability.
Sources Cited
- NB One Call — Utility locate requirements for New Brunswick
- WorkSafeNB — Workplace safety and WCB requirements
- City of Saint John — Planning & Development, building permits
- U-Dig It Rentals — Insurance referrals and permit information
Sources verified February 2026.
Ready to Start Your Project Legally & Safely?
Compliance isn't complicated when you have the right resources. U-Dig It Rentals provides professional equipment rental and refers you to official sources for permits, insurance, and safety requirements. See our equipment rental guide for Saint John and our Kubota SVL75 safety operation tips for more.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Consult NB One Call, WorkSafeNB, your insurance broker, and municipal offices for your specific situation. See our full Disclaimer.
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