Universal · 3 pages
A neighborhood action guide.
No personal data required. Universal three-page handbook for neighbors, HOAs, churches, and community groups. Print, photocopy, share.
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Ready to use this? Print guide — yours to keep.
What this is for
The shared baseline. A three-page handbook that explains what notices mean, where decisions happen, and what to do next.
Who it's for
Neighbors, HOAs, churches, community groups, and anyone who just received a notice or letter about a project.
When to use it
Read it first. Print or photocopy a stack for your block. It pairs with every other tool on the site.
What's inside
A preview of what prints. The printed output is the deliverable; this is just so you know what you'd get.
Page 1 — Understand
- What notices mean
- Where decisions happen
- Common mistakes
Page 2 — Make a plan
- Questions to ask
- What to document
- What to do next
Page 3 — Worksheet
- Notes
- Contacts
- Timeline
Property owners most often arrive here after a notice, easement request, or project letter. Once you've read it, the Notice Decoder, Easement Handbook, and Public Records Center are the most common next stops.
Most common uses
If any of these match what you're working on, this is the right printable.
- You just received a notice in the mail
- Someone is asking you to sign an easement
- There's a hearing coming up on your street
- A neighbor is worried and you want to help
- An HOA or church group wants to get organized
- You want a printed handout for a block meeting
Before They Build
A Neighborhood Action Guide
A Neighborhood Action Guide
Keep this guide · Reusable Neighborhood Handbook
Vol. I · Edition One · Generated July 29, 2026 · Private to this device · Not legal advice.
© 2026 Before They Build™. All rights reserved. Educational re-use permitted; see beforetheybuild.com/permissions.
Community Action Plan
When you hear about a project nearby — a notice, a sign, a rumor — work through these four steps in order. Each step has a worksheet on page 3.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Community Record Worksheet
Meeting Notes
Questions asked
Answers given
Observation Log
| Date | Time | Observation | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
Common follow-up actions
- Call planning office
- Request permit copy
- Contact wildlife office
- Speak with neighbors
- Photograph the site
- Save notice in folder
Before They Build
Civic Handbook · Vol. I · Edition One
Community Guide · generated July 29, 2026
Prepared by Before They Build Editorial Team · Community Record Series
beforetheybuild.com/reports/community-guide
Printed July 29, 2026 · Reference ID ------
Private to this device. General information only — not legal advice. Confirm details with your local authority.
© 2026 Before They Build™. Educational use permitted. Not legal advice. Reprint or commercial use: beforetheybuild.com/permissions
Free during Public Beta · Suggested Support $2–3 · beforetheybuild.com/support