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Universal · 3 pages

A neighborhood action guide.

No personal data required. Universal three-page handbook for neighbours, HOAs, churches, and community groups. Print, photocopy, share.

Universal three-page guide. No personal data. Print or save as PDF.

Before They Build

A Neighborhood Action Guide

A Neighborhood Action Guide

Plate I — Civic Handbook · Vol. I
Plate ICivic Handbook · Vol. I
Project
Any nearby project
Status
For neighbours, HOAs, and community groups
Location
Bring to your street

Vol. I · Edition One · Generated June 14, 2026 · Private to this device · Not legal advice.

Before They Build · Action Steps

Community Action Plan

When you hear about a project nearby — a notice, a sign, a rumour — work through these four steps in order. Each step has a worksheet on page 3.

Plate VII — Planning Office
Plate VIIPlanning Office
  1. 1. Before you call anyone

    Write this down first

    • What you saw, heard, or received.
    • The date and the time.
    • The exact street or property if you can.
    • Anyone else who saw it too.
    • What concerns you most.
  2. 2. Call your planning office

    Questions to ask

    • Is there a project on file at this address?
    • What kind of permit is being sought?
    • What conditions are attached?
    • Where can I read the documents?
    • When is the next public meeting?
  3. 3. If it affects air, water, or wildlife

    Questions for regulators

    • What is being manufactured or released?
    • Who monitors it, and how often?
    • Are reports public?
    • Has a wildlife or environmental survey been done?

    Documents to request

    • Operating permit
    • Inspection history
    • Environmental or wildlife surveys
  4. 4. If you're offered an easement to sign

    Before you sign anything

    • What does the easement allow — and forbid?
    • How long does it last?
    • Who has access, when, and for what?
    • Exactly which part of the property does it cover?

    Consider hiring a property attorney before you sign. An easement can outlast the project, the company, and you.

Before They Build · My Record

Community Record Worksheet

Plate III — Tools of the Record · notebook, camera, calendar, tape
Plate IIITools of the Record · notebook, camera, calendar, tape

Meeting Notes

Date
Who attended

Questions asked

Answers given

Observation Log

DateTimeObservationFollow-up

Common follow-up actions

  • Call planning office
  • Request permit copy
  • Contact wildlife office
  • Speak with neighbours
  • Photograph the site
  • Save notice in folder

Before They Build

Civic Handbook · Vol. I · Edition One

Community Guide · generated June 14, 2026

beforetheybuild.com

Private to this device. General information only — not legal advice. Confirm details with your local authority.

Before They Build

A neighbour-friendly guide for understanding, documenting, participating in, and remembering the decisions that shape your street.

Find your path

  • A project was proposed
  • Construction has started
  • A project is operating
  • I received a notice

Learn

  • How it works
  • What happens next
  • First steps
  • Community Guide
  • Notice Decoder
  • Evidence Helper
  • Meeting Helper
  • My Community Record
  • Reports
  • Printable Guide (3 pages)
  • Resources
  • Glossary
  • How we make recommendations

About

  • Our mission
  • Contact
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Privacy & Local Data
  • Terms

Plain-language note. Before They Build provides general information to help neighbours organize and ask better questions. It is not a law firm, a government agency, or a substitute for legal advice. Always confirm details with your local authority.

Last updated June 2026.

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