South Carolina § 58-36-80 - Emergency excavations or demolitions exempt from notice requirement; liability for damages.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 58-36-80 — Emergency excavations or demolitions exempt from notice requirement; liability for damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 58-36-80. Emergency excavations or demolitions exempt from notice requirement; liability for damages.
Section effective May 22, 2026. See, also, section 58-36-80 effective until May 22, 2026.
(A) An excavator performing an emergency excavation or demolition is exempt from the notice requirements in Section 58-36-60. However, the excavator must, as soon as practicable, provide notice of the emergency to the notification center and oral notice to any affected facility operators. The excavator must provide a description of the circumstances to the notification center and request emergency assistance from each affected operator in locating and providing immediate protection to the facilities.
(B) All operators within the delineated emergency excavation or demolition area are required to respond in the notification center's positive response system within three hours from the notification center's notice of the emergency.
(C) The person responsible for the emergency excavation or demolition shall either be on-site or in communication with the operator, their contract locator, or their representative through the notification center's positive response system. This communication must be made within three hours after the transmission of the notice of the emergency excavation or demolition by the notification center.
(D) The declaration of an emergency excavation or demolition does not relieve any party of liability for causing damage to an operator's facilities, even if those facilities are unmarked.
(E) Any person who falsely claims that an emergency exists requiring excavation or demolition shall have violated the provisions of this chapter.
HISTORY: 2011 Act No. 48, SECTION 1, eff June 7, 2012; 2025 Act No. 65 (H.3571), SECTION 1, eff May 22, 2026.
Effect of Amendment
2025 Act No. 65, SECTION 1, rewrote the section.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 58-36-80
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 58-36-80 cover?
Section 58-36-80 ("Emergency excavations or demolitions exempt from notice requirement; liability for damages.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 58-36-80?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 58-36-80" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 58-36-80 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.