New Army Corps Initiative Will Streamline Permitting Process

The Army Corps of Engineers on Feb. 23 announced a new initiative called “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” that the agency said will “shorten permitting timelines, and reduce or eliminate extraneous regulations and paperwork.” The transformation initiative features 27 different change initiatives, including several which are relevant for home building.

The Corps’ initiative directs a focus on incorporation of technology to accelerate permitting timelines, increase transparency, and leverage geospatial tools to reduce subjectivity in permitting decisions.

Permitting timelines and uncertainty have created significant barriers to home building, resulting in added costs which increase the price of building a new home. Moreover, uneven application of permitting programs across Corps districts has created uncertainty and challenges to building in regions across the country. Addressing these drivers of cost has been a key NAHB priority and is essential for bringing more homes to market.

“This initiative will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deliver critical projects and programs for the nation more efficiently, sooner, and at less cost than the current ways of doing business,” said Adam Telle, assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “This will eliminate bureaucratic delays and provide fast, clear decisions needed to save lives and empower our economy.”

NAHB applauds this new Corps initiative and appreciates the focus on alleviating permitting timelines. This significant regulatory step also follows the December 2025 passage of the PERMIT Act out of the House of Representatives, which includes several steps to alleviate costs associated with Clean Water Act permitting for home building.