NOTE: non-permit application submittals (such as delineation review requests or jurisdictional determinations) can be sent to PortlandPermits@usace.army.mil.

The preferred method to submit your USACE permit application is electronically.
All electronic documents should be submitted as Adobe Acrobat PDF files.

Application packages under 20 MB can be sent via email.
Do not send links to cloud storage, such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Sending application packages directly to a project manager can delay processing through our system.
Send application packages only to PortlandPermits@usace.army.mil.
We request applicants reduce the total file size as much as possible prior to submission.

Application packages over 20MB require the use of DoD SAFE to transfer files.
To request a SAFE file transfer link please send an email specifying the county where the project is located to PortlandPermits@usace.army.mil.

Hardcopy applications and documents can also be mailed to the appropriate office on a CD or DVD.

Alternatively, the Regulatory Request System allows applicants to submit permit applications, pre-application meeting requests, and jurisdictional requests. To track the status of a permit application and receive updates, users are required to create an account using LOGIN.GOV. 

A permit application requires a clear description of the proposed project, to include drawings, maps and other supporting documents. One of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ goals is to help you understand what you should be thinking about while you’re planning and designing your project, before you apply for a permit. Something as easy as changing the types of materials you propose to use, or the time of year you plan to do the work can affect the time it takes to review your permit application.

The easiest way to ensure your project complies with state and federal agency requirements is to find out what they are when you are planning your project and incorporate design elements that minimize environmental impact. This often expedites the permitting process. If you want to set up a pre-application meeting when planning of your project, contact your local Corps Regulatory project manager.

USACE's responsibilities and your responsibilities
Before a permit is issued or verified, the Corps must ensure we've met all our obligations under federal and state laws. Because of this, the Corps may ask you for more information regarding your project. In some cases, however, it's solely the applicant’s responsibility to obtain other authorizations. When related to USACE authorization, we will inform you of other agencies’ requirements and work with you to fulfill those requirements. For information on recent updates to our program, as well as public outreach, visit our Projects, News and Updates page.

Projects that require permits from USACE and Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL)
The joint permit application allows you to complete one permit application that satisfies both agencies’ requirements.
Joint Permit Application

Projects that require a Corps permit only
If your project does not require a permit from the DSL you may complete the application for a USACE permit only. However, if you prefer, you can use the Joint Permit Application found in the section above.
USACE Permit Application

Projects that require USACE Nationwide Permit verification only
If your project does not require a permit from the DSL and you are submitting for potential Nationwide Permit verification, you may complete the USACE -only pre-construction notification form. Pre-Construction Notification Form (If you receive an error opening in your browser, right-click to save to your computer)

​If your project may impact a federally authorized project you may also need a Section 408 review.
Some examples of federally authorized projects include navigation channels, levees, dams, sea walls, jetties and wetland restoration projects. Learn about the Section 408 process.

Required drawings when submitting an application
A permit application must include the following drawings in the correct format (see drawing format requirements below):
• Location map
• Site plan
• Cross-section drawings

USACE may require a wetland delineation, which is document that clearly defines the boundaries of any waters that might be affected. It includes all wetlands, streams and other bodies of water in your project area. Completing a wetland delineation requires expertise and may require professional assistance. Contact your local Corps office for more information on wetland delineations.

Drawing format requirements
All drawings should be clear, legible and formatted to fit an 8-1/2 by 11 inch sheet.
Use the fewest number of sheets necessary.
Permit Application Drawing Requirements
Permit Applications Drawing Checklist

Permit applicants who are planning projects in or near Portland Harbor should review the Portland Harbor Permitting Guide (2.5 MB pdf). USACE, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this guide to enhance interagency coordination when reviewing permit applications. It provides information to help permit applicants:

• Understand the agencies’ permitting processes
• Understand various permit requirements
• Identify some potential permitting hurdles
• Provide technical resources that support best practices when designing projects

The SEF provides regional guidance for the characterization and assessment of dredged sediment and potential water quality impacts that may occur during dredging. The SEF describes procedures for the evaluation of potential contaminant-related environmental impacts of dredging and the aquatic disposal of dredged material in inland waters (regulated under the Clean Water Act [CWA]) and the transport and disposal of dredged material in ocean waters (regulated under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act [MPRSA]). The Regional Sediment Evaluation Team agencies prepared the SEF for use in the Pacific Northwest, defined here as the States of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The SEF is periodically revised and updated to account for advances in regulatory practice and technical understanding.

The May 2018 SEF can be downloaded at the following website: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental-Stewardship/DMM/

The following general criteria will be considered in the evaluation of every application:
• the relative extent of the public and private need for the proposed activity;
• the practicability of using reasonable alternative locations and methods to accomplish the objective of the proposed activity;
• the extent and permanence of the beneficial and/or detrimental effects which the proposed activity is likely to have on the public and private uses to which the area is suited.

Benefits and detriments are balanced by considering effects on:

Additional evaluation factors and resources
Alternatives analysis (video)
Alternatives analysis framework (760KB pdf)
Clean Water Act, Section 404 b(1) guidelines (video)
Cumulative impacts (video)
Dredging permit application review process (153KB pdf)
Public interest factors (video)

USACE characterizes an emergency as a situation which would result in an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant loss of property, or an immediate, unforeseen and significant economic hardship if no action is taken. In these situations, the District Engineer can authorize expedited reviews of permit applications.

You must notify USACE of the need to perform emergency work before taking any action, if possible. Call the USACE Regulatory Project Manager for your county as soon as possible to discuss the situation. Alternatively, you can contact the Portland or Eugene Section chief for assistance.

USACE has the responsibility to determine if the proposed work is consistent with USACE's definition of an emergency, whether authorization is needed, and if so, which type of authorization is required. Unauthorized work may be subject to enforcement action.

USACE may not view an action as an emergency if the applicant has known of the deficient condition of the failing structure and has not made reasonable attempts to secure appropriate permits and conduct timely repairs. Emergency declarations by the state or a county government do not mean all repair activities qualify as emergency situations.

All permit reviews, including emergency reviews, require coordination with tribes and state and federal agencies. In an emergency, reasonable effort will be made to receive comments from interest groups and others who may be affected by the action.

Executive Order 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, directs federal agencies to use, to the fullest extent possible and consistent with applicable law, the emergency Army Corps permitting provisions to facilitate the Nation’s energy supply.  Portland District has established special emergency processing procedures pursuant to 33 CFR § 325.2(e)(4) for certain energy activities subject to EO 14156 that require a Department of the Army permit. 

Section 404: Requires permits for discharging dredged or fill material into U.S. waters to protect water quality.

Section 103: Authorizes permits for transporting dredged material for ocean disposal.

36 CFR Part 800-899 - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
40 CFR Part 22 - Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties and the Revocation or Suspension of Permits
40 CFR Part 230 – Clean Water Act Implementing Regulations and 404(b)(1) Guidelines
40 CFR Part 233 - State Program Regulations
40 CFR Part 233G - Tribal Regulations
40 CFR Part 1500 et seq - Council on Environmental Quality
50 CFR Parts 400-499 - Endangered Species Regulations
50 CFR Part 600 - Essential Fish Habitat Regulations

Projects may also require evaluation under other laws, including:

• Section 401, Clean Water Act: Requires state or tribal water quality certification (or EPA certification if state/tribe lacks authority) for projects that may discharge into U.S. waters. This certification is often required concurrently with USACE permit review. Contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the applicable Native American Tribe, or the EPA to apply for certification.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Section 401 webpage
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's Section 401 webpage
     

• Endangered Species Act (ESA): Requires consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) if a project affects listed species or their habitats. The USACE uses the Standard Local Operating Procedures for Endangered Species (SLOPES) to streamline consultation.

36 CFR Part 800-899 - Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
40 CFR Part 22 - Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties and the Revocation or Suspension of Permits
40 CFR Part 230 – Clean Water Act Implementing Regulations and 404(b)(1) Guidelines
40 CFR Part 233 - State Program Regulations
40 CFR Part 233G - Tribal Regulations
40 CFR Part 1500 et seq - Council on Environmental Quality
50 CFR Parts 400-499 - Endangered Species Regulations
50 CFR Part 600 - Essential Fish Habitat Regulations

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. A Department of the Army permit is considered to be such a federal undertaking. Historic properties, commonly referred to as cultural resources, are archaeological sites, historic districts, buildings or structures, and traditional cultural properties that are included in the National Register of Historic Places, or meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Register. The term encompasses artifacts, records and human burials related to and located within such properties. If there are indications your project has the potential to effect historic properties, you may be asked to complete a cultural resource assessment, which may include a historic property or cultural resource survey.

The federal government’s unique relationship with Native American tribes is embodied in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, court decisions, federal statues and executive orders. Native American treaties are not a granting of rights, but a protection and preservation of land and certain rights retained by the tribes when they sign treaties. Treaties with tribes are equal to federal laws passed by Congress. As a federal agency the Corps has federal trust responsibility to ensure that Native American rights reserved by treaties are not compromised as part of our permit application review.