When should I apply for a permit?

Apply as early as possible to be sure you have all required approvals before your planned project start date. For a large or complex activity that may take longer, it is often helpful to have a Pre-Application Meeting with the Corps during the early planning phase of your project. You may receive helpful information at this point, which could prevent delays later. When in doubt as to whether a permit may be required or what you need to do, don't hesitate to call the District Regulatory Office.

How can I design my project to eliminate the need for a Corps Permit?

• The best way to avoid the need for a permit is to select a site that is above the ordinary high water mark and avoid wetlands adjacent to a stream or lake.
• It may be possible that your activity is exempt and does not need a Corps Permit.
• Minor activities may be authorized by a Nationwide or a Regional General Permit.

So, before you build, dredge, or fill, contact the Corps Regulatory Office in your area for specific information about location, exemptions, and general permits.

Why should I waste my time and yours by applying for a permit when you probably won't let me do the work anyway?

Nationwide, less than one percent of all requests for permits are denied. Those few applicants who have been denied permits usually have refused to avoid and minimized impacts of the project (ex. change the design, timing, or location of the proposed activity). When a permit is denied, an applicant may redesign the project and submit a new application. To avoid unnecessary delays, Pre-Application Meetings, particularly for applications for major activities, are recommended. The Corps will endeavor to give you helpful information, including factors which will be considered during the public interest review, and alternatives to consider that may prove to be useful in designing a project.

What will happen if I do work without getting a permit from the Corps?

Performing unauthorized work in waters of the United States or failure to comply with the terms of a valid permit can have serious consequences. You would be in violation of federal law and could face penalties including fines and/or requirements to restore the area. 

Enforcement is an important part of the Corps Regulatory Program. Corps surveillance and monitoring activities are often aided by various agencies, groups, and individuals, who report suspected violations. When in doubt as to whether a planned activity needs a permit, contact the nearest District Regulatory Office.

Regulatory Request System (RRS) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is RRS?

The Regulatory Request System or RRS is a web tool where you can find general information on the Regulatory Program, submit individual and general permit applications, pre-application meeting requests, and jurisdictional determination requests using online forms.

What are the benefits to using RRS?  

RRS enhances efficiency by providing a structured and transparent application process. Key benefits include:

• Automated data validation ensures required fields are completed, leading to more complete and accurate submissions.
• Improved communication through automated emails and a real-time dashboard, reducing unnecessary back-and-forth between regulators and applicants.
• Providing on-line access to all relevant Regulatory information.
• Providing the ability to create a draft request, download it, and share it with your organization and clients, and revisit it later to finish it. 
• Reducing internal data entry requirements allowing project managers to focus on permit review.                                                                                                  

Why should you start using RRS?

Change can seem daunting; however, this transition is worth it!  Now, ALL the information you need is in one spot.

• RRS is easy to use. The Regulatory information is comprehensive, well-organized, searchable, and there are multiple examples and videos to help users understand more complicated concepts and processes. 
• RRS removes the burden associated with the preparation and mailing of paper applications. Your application cannot get lost in the mail.
• RRS is consistent across district boundaries. You get the same interface no matter where you are. 
• It’s transparent. You get regular status updates.
• The RRS features a Help Desk that’s responsive and interactive, which is a great resource for a new application. They are great with communication and troubleshooting any issues.

Can RRS be used by the public to view public notices and provide comments?   

Yes!  The public Notice module in RRS allows users nationwide to search, review, and comment on projects requiring a standard permit or when public notices are issued to develop Mitigation Banks, In-lieu Fee Programs or to issue/reissue a Regional or Programmatic Permit or Letter of Permission, significantly enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency.

It organizes notices by state and district, which can be viewed in a table format or on an interactive map. Users can easily search for notices by project name or address and submit comments directly through the platform, streamlining public engagement and reinforcing USACE's commitment to improving transparency and the permitting process.

What other new capability or enhancements are on the way?

Additional enhancements include adding joint permit application (JPA) sections to RRS for districts with shared application processes with other agencies, making RRS available to more users, and simplifying the process for users in those districts. Other planned enhancements for this year and next year include the following:

• Adding no permit required and general permit self-verification tools to improve response times and reduce unnecessary effort.
• Creating an area for resource agencies to coordinate and consult on projects.
• Expanding the dashboard to add milestones thereby improving transparency of submitted requests.
• Allowing users to submit multiple requests at the same time.
• Adding the ability to request additional information and for users to be able to respond to those requests in RRS, which will help speed up processing times for requests.