MisUtility / Underground pipes, lines, etc..

[recycledsole]

Hello everyone
I am bidding on a shrub removal job and the client mentioned there might be some lines there. How do i find out what is below the soil? i know mis-utility comes and inspects the site, but do i call them, does the homeowner call them? does it cost money?
thank you very much

[Jimer]

Either of you can call. If you are dodging permits it might be better to have the homeowner call. Its free just call 811. But it may take up to 48 hrs for them to come out. and you can't dig 5 feet on either side. other than that you should be good.

[recycledsole]

thanks alot for your response
you dont need permits to remove shrubs right?
thanks

[Jimer]

Most of the time No you don't need a permit. But i service a few yards in some high end neighborhoods who will require hoa approval or a hoa permit before you can do anything and i mean anything. So thats what i meant by that. I don't call unless I'm using a bobcat or excavator. If I'm doing it by hand don't bother. But it is better to be safe as i have hit 3 lines in the past with a bobcat and hadn't called before i dug. lucky for me they were just service drops and nothing major. I know a guy that hit a fiber optic cable with out calling to have the lines marked and it cost him serious $$$$.