Chicago District Regulatory Division
Jurisdiction – Illinois
The Chicago District administers regulatory authority in the northeastern portion of Illinois, including the greater Chicago metropolitan area and the western shore of Lake Michigan. This district handles a high volume of urban development, infrastructure, and shoreline stabilization projects.
Regulatory jurisdiction includes navigable waters, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The Chicago District covers Illinois counties including Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Iroquois, Lake, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, McHenry, and Will. We regulate aquatic resources under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (navigable waterways) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
For more information on how jurisdiction is determined, including definitions of waters of the United States (WOTUS), visit the About Jurisdiction page. Determination of jurisdiction is affected by current guidance and rulings. You can view completed Jurisdictional Determinations and Permit Decisions (USACE Public).
You can request an approved jurisdictional determination or a preliminary jurisdictional determination (pre-jd) through the Regulatory Request System (RRS). You can assume federal-jurisdiction over waters on your property and proceed with a permit application.
Permit Types
Find permitting information, application procedures, and helpful resources for your project in this jurisdiction.
Visit https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs/home/permitting to learn about the types of permits USACE issues.
Nationwide Permits
The current Nationwide Permits (NWP) expire on March 14, 2026
- NWP 1 - Aids to Navigation
- NWP 2 - Structures in Artificial Canals
- NWP 3 - Maintenance
- NWP 4 - Fish and Wildlife Harvesting, Enhancement, and Attraction Devices and Activities
- NWP 5 - Scientific Measurement Devices
- NWP 6 - Survey Activities
- NWP 7 - Outfall Structures and Associated Intake Structures
- NWP 8 - Oil and Gas Structures on the Outer Continental Shelf
- NWP 9 - Structures in Fleeting and Anchorage Areas
- NWP 10 - Mooring Buoys
- NWP 11 - Temporary Recreational Structures
- NWP 12 - Oil or Natural Gas Pipeline Activities
- NWP 13 - Bank Stabilization
- NWP 14 - Linear Transportation Projects
- NWP 15 - U.S. Coast Guard Approved Bridges
- NWP 16 - Return Water from Upland Contained Disposal Areas
- NWP 17 - Hydropower Projects
- NWP 18 - Minor Discharges
- NWP 19 - Minor Dredging
- NWP 20 - Response Operations for Oil or Hazardous Substances
- NWP 21 - Surface Coal Mining Activities
- NWP 22 - Removal of Vessels
- NWP 23 - Approved Categorical Exclusions
- NWP 24 - Indian Tribe or State Administered Section 404 Programs
- NWP 25 - Structural Discharges
- NWP 26 - [Reserved]
- NWP 27 - Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Establishment Activities
- NWP 28 - Modifications of Existing Marinas
- NWP 29 - Residential Development
- NWP 30 - Moist Soil Management for Wildlife
- NWP 31 - Maintenance of Existing Flood Control Facilities
- NWP 32 - Completed Enforcement Actions
- NWP 33 - Temporary Construction, Access, and Dewatering
- NWP 34 - Cranberry Production Activities
- NWP 35 - Maintenance Dredging of Existing Basins
- NWP 36 - Boat Ramps
- NWP 37 - Emergency Watershed Protection and Rehabilitation
- NWP 38 - Cleanup of Hazardous and Toxic Waste
- NWP 39 - Commercial and Institutional Developments
- NWP 40 - Agricultural Activities
- NWP 41 - Reshaping Existing Drainage and Irrigation Ditches
- NWP 42 - Recreational Facilities
- NWP 43 - Stormwater Management Facilities
- NWP 44 - Mining Activities
- NWP 45 - Repair of Uplands Damaged by Discrete Events
- NWP 46 - Discharges in Ditches
- NWP 47 - [Reserved]
- NWP 48 - Commercial Shellfish Mariculture Activities
- NWP 49 - Coal Remining Activities
- NWP 50 - Underground Coal Mining Activities
- NWP 51 - Land-Based Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
- NWP 52 - Water-Based Renewable Energy Generation Pilot Projects
- NWP 53 - Removal of Low-Head Dams
- NWP 54 - Living Shorelines
- NWP 55 - Seaweed Mariculture Activities
- NWP 56 - Finfish Mariculture Activities
- NWP 57 - Electric Utility Line and Telecommunications Activities
- NWP 58 - Utility Line Activities for Water and Other Substances
- NWP 59 - Water Reclamation and Reuse Facilities
Regional General Permits
Individual Permits
Letter of Permission procedures for Section 10 and Section 404 waters.
Apply
The Chicago District processes permit applications for work within aquatic resources in northeastern Illinois, and projects with work in, above, or below navigable waterways. Department of the Army permit applications for work within the Chicago District can be submitted through the Regulatory Request System (RRS), sent via email to ChicagoRequests@usace.army.mil, or by mailing in a paper copy. We prefer that you utilize the RRS, as our files are digital. If you email your application, please use the appropriate request form, and keep attachments less than 20MB to ensure delivery. Please include a location map, and also plans and an aquatic resource delineation report if you have them.
Physical copies may also be mailed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Regulatory Branch
231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60604
Include all files on a CD/DVD – flash drives are not accepted.
Begin Standard Permit Application in RRS
Need Help?
If you're unsure which permit process applies to your project, contact the Chicago District Regulatory Office for assistance.
Coordination Requirements
Depending on the location and scope of your project, additional reviews or authorizations may be required from federal, state, or local agencies. These coordination steps are part of the Corps' responsibility to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Water Quality Certification (Section 401)
A Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) may be required for any discharges into waters of the United States.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be necessary if your project could affect federally listed species or their habitats.
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
Section 106 of the NHPA requires the Corps to assess the potential effects of permitted activities on historic properties. The Illinois State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) may be involved in the review.
Section 408 Review
If your project alters or affects a Corps-constructed civil works project—such as levees, dams, or federal flood protection systems—it may require a separate authorization under Section 408. For more information, visit the
Section 408 Program page.
Mitigation
Compensatory mitigation may be required to offset unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources. Visit the
About Mitigation page for guidance on developing mitigation plans that meet Corps standards.
Contact
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Chicago District, Regulatory Branch
231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 846-5530
Please leave a voicemail if prompted so we can return your call.
ChicagoRequests@usace.army.mil