Permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Regulatory Program involves the regulating of discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States and structures or work in navigable waters of the United States, under section 404 of the Clean Water Act and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. A proposed project’s impacts to these areas will determine what permit type is required.Any person, firm or agency--including any government agency--planning to place structures or conduct work in navigable waters of the United States, or dump, place or deposit dredged or fill material in waters of the United States must first obtain a permit from the Corps of Engineers. Other federal, state and local statutes may require additional permits, licenses, variances or similar authorization.

Jump To

Permit Menu

Types of permits are:

  • Nationwide Permits
  • Letters of Permission
  • Regional General Permits
  • Individual Permits
  • Alternative Permit Process 

Corps permits are also necessary for any work, including construction and dredging, in the Nation's navigable waters. The Corps balances the reasonably foreseeable benefits and detriments of proposed projects, and makes permit decisions that recognize the essential values of the Nation's aquatic ecosystems to the general public, as well as the property rights of private citizens who want to use their land. During the permit process, the Corps considers the views of other Federal, state and local agencies, interest groups, and the general public. The results of this careful public interest review are fair and equitable decisions that allow reasonable use of private property, infrastructure development, and growth of the economy, while offsetting the authorized impacts to the waters of the US. The adverse impacts to the aquatic environment are offset by mitigation requirements, which may include restoring, enhancing, creating and preserving aquatic functions and values. The Corps strives to make its permit decisions in a timely manner that minimizes impacts to the regulated public.

Regulations and Guidance

Collapse All Expand All
 Corps Regulations, Administrative and Policy Materials

Corps of Engineers Statutory Authorities

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program Regulations

 Related Laws
 Related Regulations
 Selected Related Code of Federal Regulations