Regional and Programmatic General Permits

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Overview of Regional and Programmatic General Permits
What are General Permits?

General Permits (GPs) are a form of Department of Army authorization issued on a nationwide or regional basis for a category or categories of activities where:

(a) those activities are substantially similar in nature and cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental impacts; or

(b) the RGP/PGP would result in avoiding unnecessary duplication of the regulatory control exercised by another Federal, state, or local agency provided it has been determined that the environmental consequences of the action are individually and cumulatively minimal.

What are the types of General Permits?

Nationwide General Permits (opens in a new tab) are issued by Corps Headquarters for certain activities nationwide.

Regional General Permits (RGPs) are issued on a regional basis and may require case-by-case reporting.

Programmatic General Permits (PGPs) are founded on an existing state, local or other Federal program designed to avoid duplication of that program.

How do General Permits work?

GPs are valid for five years and may be re-authorized by the Corps.

RGPs and PGPs may only be issued following the publishing of a public notice, and preparation of a decision document to ensure that the authorized activities cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental impacts.

In the majority of cases, RGPs and PGPs contain conditions to further ensure that environmental impacts are minimal, including conditions for the submittal of a permit application prior to activities occurring within waters of the U.S. To ensure compliance with the RGP or PGP, you must carefully read all of the terms and conditions of an RGP or PGP prior to initiating construction activities in waters of the U.S.

Current Regional General Permits
RGP 1: Minimal Impact Covered Activities Under the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan

EFFECTIVE: December 17, 2025
EXPIRES: December 17, 2030

Full Text (opens in a new tab)

RGP 2: Reservoir Maintenance Activities in California

Issued: September 4, 2025
Expires: September 4, 2030

Full Text (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

RGP 3: Boat Docks and Appurtenant Structures

Issued: August 29, 2024
Expires: August 29, 2029

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RGP 4: Lake Tahoe Minimal Impact Activities and Structures
RGP 5: National Energy Emergency Activities

EFFECTIVE: June 11, 2026
EXPIRES: June 11, 2031

FULL TEXT (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

RGP 6: NPS Actions in Glen Canyon and Lake Mead National Recreation Areas Categorically Excluded under NEPA

Effective: June 8, 2022
Expires: June 8, 2027

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Maps (opens in a new tab)

RGP 7: Construction and Maintenance under the Clark County Regional Flood Control District Master Plan
RGP 15: Minimal Impact Activities under the South Sacramento ILF Program

Issued: July 25, 2024
Expires: July 25, 2029

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RGP 19: Minimal Impact Activities By PCWA under the PCCP

Effective: April 8, 2026
Expires: April 7, 2031

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RGP 20: Minimal Impact Activities Under the Western Placer County ILF Program

Effective: April 8, 2026
Expires: April 7, 2031

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RGP 23: California Middle-Mile Broadband Network
Current Programmatic General Permits
PGP 10: Minimal Impact Activities in Conjunction with UT Stream Alteration Program

Issued: February 22, 2026
Expires: Feb 22, 2031

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PGP 17: Minimal Impact Activities under the South Sacramento HCP

Effective: July 25, 2024
Expires: July 25, 2029

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PGP 18: Minimal Impact Activities under the Placer County Conservation Program

Issued: April 8, 2026
Expires: April 7, 2031

Full Text (opens in a new tab)