How to Apply For a Corps Permit

An applicant must provide several types of information to enable the Corps to evaluate the proposed project. The types of information we need include a completed application form, legible drawings and clear illustrations. For your convenience, you can complete the application form on-line, print and sign it and mail it to us.

Sample Streambank application

Another checklist you might find useful is the information we need to verify jurisdictional waters and wetlands. You can get an idea of the type of waters the Corps regulates by viewing this drawing.

We have a Nationwide permit information form and Guidance on completing the nationwide permit form that the staff uses to determine whether an activity qualifies for nationwide permits. For more information about nationwide permits, click here.

Your proposed activity might affect Federally-listed threatened or endangered species. Please check with our staff or a biological consulting firm to determine whether there might be an effect on listed species when you submit your application. The Corps must consult with the appropriate Federal agencies if your activity might affect listed species. In order for the Corps to initiate consultation, we request the following information to help expedite the consultation process.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended, requires federal agencies to consider the effects of proposed federal undertakings on heritage resources. NHPA’s implementing regulations found in 36 CFR Part 800, require federal agencies (and their designees, permitees, licensees, or grantees) to initiate consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) as part of the Section 106 review process. In order for the Corps to determine if your project will have an effect on historic properties or culturally significant resources, we request that you provide an archaeological report or literature and records search from the California Historical Resources Information System.

Mitigation measures may be required for direct and indirect impacts to the aquatic environment caused by projects in waters of the U.S. A mitigation plan is required for all forms of compensatory mitigation.

If your project site is  located in one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties (San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Sonoma or Marin Counties) you may also use the JARPA form.  JARPA stands for Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application.  This application will be accepted by the Corps and other Bay Area regulatory agencies (such as, BCDC and the Regional Water Quality Control Board) instead of their regular application forms.  It has been designed to include the application requirements of each of the the regulatory agencies.

If your project is navigation dredging in San Francisco Bay; such as, dredging navigation channels, marinas, boat slips and boat basins, the Bay Area regulatory agencies will also accept a joint application specific for dredging projects. For more information about completing this application form, you can visit the DMMO web site.

If you still have questions regarding the preparation of an application after reading this material please contact our general information line at (415) 503-6795.