Category: Rules, Statutes, & Laws
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Mandatory Electronic Positive Response Starts August 1, 2026, in Minnesota
This is an important update from Gopher State One Call (GSOC). The state of Minnesota recently made two changes to MN State Statute 216D. Starting August 1, 2026, electronic positive response will be mandatory in Minnesota. Effective August 1, 2026, all facility operators will be required to provide an electronic positive response on each excavation notice through the notification center prior…
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Private Facilities: Are They On Your Property?
Private underground facilities, also called customer-owned facilities, may be found anywhere, including your excavation site. Chapter 216D requires operators of lines buried in the public right-of-way to register with Gopher State One Call (GSOC), so these lines will be marked as the result of a locate request. Privately-owned facilities, like utility lines that serve heaters…
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Expanding Access to Safe Digging: GSOC Spanish Resources Now Available
To better serve Minnesota’s Spanish-speaking communities, GSOC has launched a Spanish Resources page within our Resource Center, making essential safe digging information easier to find, understand, and use. The Spanish Resources page includes a growing library of downloadable materials, and each document is listed with both English and Spanish titles for easy reference. These resources are intended to help…
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Coming Soon: Excavators Can Provide Electronic White Lining
Starting January 1, Minnesota excavators will be able to provide electronic white lining in place of physical markings, provided they deliver the same level of information. Whether you’re submitting tickets, locating facilities, or planning digs, understanding these changes will improve coordination and communication in the field. Electronic White Lining – How Does It Work? Beginning…
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Submitting Tickets for a Dig Site Without a Specific Address
My Dig Site Doesn’t Have a Specific Address—How Do I Submit a Ticket? If you ever find yourself needing to break ground in a location without a specific address—perhaps somewhere within a large lot, on a farm, or within a park—Gopher State One Call (GSOC) has got you covered. Keep reading for the key steps…
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New Tools at GSOC Now Available: MN’s One-Call Center has introduced automated marking instructions to prepare for Electronic White Lining
Next year, Minnesota excavators will be able to provide electronic white lining in place of physical markings, provided they deliver the same level of detail as traditional physical marking. To support this change, GSOC is introducing new tools and processes designed to make providing clear, effective marking instructions easier than ever. Whether you’re submitting tickets,…
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New Updates to Certification Requirements for Fiber Installation
Starting in 2026, Minnesota state law (Minnesota Statutes 326B.198) requires individuals performing the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure to complete and maintain a Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification. The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), in consultation with the Office of Broadband Development will approve standards for the certification program. Keep…
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2024 Minnesota One Call Law Changes: What You Need to Know
Information current as of: 11/27/24 The Minnesota State Statute 216D One Call Law has been updated as of August 1, 2024. Gopher State One Call has put together the following quick reference guide with the vital information you need to know. Keep reading to find out the five W’s of the 2024 MN one call law changes.
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Boundary Surveys: Answering Five Frequent Questions
Updated: 11/27/24 Gopher State One Call (GSOC) processes four types of Non-Excavation Tickets: Owner Inquiry Request, Planning Ticket (Design Information Notice), Design/Pre-Con Meet Ticket, and Boundary Survey. This blog focuses on the use of the Boundary Survey Tickets in Minnesota. Keep reading to learn the answers to five frequent questions about this type of Non-Excavation…
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Design/Pre-Con Meet Tickets: Five Common Questions Answered
Updated: 11/27/24 In planning large-scale projects, it can often be helpful to meet in person with facility operators to discuss project design before construction begins. These meetings help align the planning team, contractors, and facility operators on underground utility coordination. Filing a Design/Pre-Con Meet Ticket through Gopher State One Call (GSOC) allows you to do…