Norfolk District Regulatory Branch

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Notice

You are viewing the redesigned version of the Norfolk District Regulatory Branch webpages. We’ve reorganized the content to improve usability and accessibility. The previous version will remain available for a limited time during this transition period. We welcome your feedback—please email dll-cenao-pa@usace.army.mil with any comments or suggestions.

Regulatory Branch

The Norfolk District Regulatory Office is dedicated to protecting the nation's aquatic resources while allowing reasonable and necessary development, as wetlands filter pollutants from runoff, help store and slow floodwaters during storm events, and provide habitat for many different types of plants and animals.

The office issues permits for regulated activities proposed throughout the state of Virginia. Areas Norfolk District regulates include, but are not limited to, tidal marshes, seasonally saturated forested and nonforested wetlands, swamps, rivers, bays, and streams.

Regulatory issues permits under authority of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.

Click here to find your local regulator.

The Regulatory Program: Importance to the Public

Permit applications are now available in RRS!

USACE is pleased to announce that the new national online application portal and management platform, known as the Regulatory Request System (RRS) now includes an electronic submission option for permit applications. This platform has been introduced to modernize our permit application process and to address our users' expectations by providing a straightforward and transparent process for the submittal of permit requests.

RRS is a web-based platform currently in a beta version that enables users to submit pre-application meeting requests, jurisdictional determination requests, and now applications for individual and general permits. This new system aims to streamline the process, improve efficiency, and provide a more user-friendly experience for our applicants.

We believe that RRS will not only benefit our users by simplifying the application process but will also enhance our ability to effectively manage and review permit requests. We are confident that this modernization initiative will lead to improved customer satisfaction and greater overall efficiency within our Regulatory Program.

At this time, Norfolk District will not be accepting applications through RRS, so please continue using the normal Joint Permit Application Process. Norfolk District > Missions > Regulatory > JPA (army.mil).

We encourage users to explore and utilize the new Regulatory Request System to take advantage of its benefits and features. Visit rrs.usace.army.mil today!

For additional information or to provide feedback on the RRS, please contact us at rrs@usace.army.mil.

Regulatory announcements

+ RRS Webpage Announcement
8 May 2025 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages use of Regulatory Request System for an improved permitting experience

Last year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers introduced its new Regulatory Request System (RRS), an online application portal that allows the public to submit permit applications and other information when requesting permission to dredge, fill or conduct activities in jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S.

RRS is accessible at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs.

RRS users can submit individual permit applications, general permit pre-construction notifications, jurisdictional determination requests, and other information needed during the permit evaluation process using easy-to-follow online submission forms. Applicants can also track the status of their requests using a user-friendly dashboard.

RRS benefits the applicant by eliminating the burden associated with the preparation and mailing of paper applications. It also reduces some of the effort associated with processing applications and data entry making the permitting process more efficient. Click here to learn more about the benefits of RRS (RRS Testimonial Video).

For more information on the USACE Regulatory Program visit https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/.

For further details or to provide feedback about the RRS, please contact USACE at rrs@usace.army.mil.
Special Emergency Processing Procedures under Executive Order (E.O.) 14156
+ Updated Information to the Public for "Waters of the United States"
Waters of the United States Updates

For additional information, please visit the EPA website here.
EPA and Army Finalize Rule Establishing Definition of WOTUS and Restoring Fundamental Water Protections
+ Interim Draft of the National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams
December 1, 2022, USACE and EPA announced the availability of the Interim Draft of the National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams (National OHWM Manual) and its accompanying data sheet. Please click here to view the public notice, the Interim Draft of the National OHWM Manual, and additional information on the research supporting OHWM identification and delineation.

Regulatory Request System

Customer Service Survey

The Norfolk District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. In order for us to better serve you, we would appreciate you completing our Customer Service Survey.

We value your comments and appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey.