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.

6 January 2025
Public Notices Module Now Available—Enhances RRS Functionality!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is excited to announce the launch of the Public Notice module on the Regulatory Request System (RRS). Released in January 2025, this new feature allows users nationwide to search, review, and comment on projects being reviewed by the Regulatory Program, significantly enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency. The Public Notice module provides access to Regulatory 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 Section 404 Letter of Permission.  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.

The RRS is a web-based platform, currently in its beta version, designed to simplify the permitting process and enhance user experience. In addition to the new Public Notice Module, RRS enables users to submit permit applications, request jurisdictional determinations, and schedule pre-application meetings, all through a user-friendly interface.

We encourage you to explore the Regulatory Request System and its new features by visiting rrs.usace.army.mil. For additional information or to provide feedback, please contact us at rrs@usace.army.mil.

15 May 2024 – 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 on or to provide feedback on RRS, please contact us using the following email: rrs@usace.army.mil.