Agency Library
Which office should I contact?
Find the department that handles your question. Federal, state, county, or city — each page lists what they do, what they don't, and how to reach them.
≈4 min read
Federal
Sets and enforces federal rules for air, water, hazardous waste, and pollution. State agencies usually carry out day-to-day permitting.
Permits work in wetlands, streams, and other waters of the United States. The agency that decides whether a wetland can be filled.
Protects federally listed endangered species and migratory birds. Reviews projects that may affect listed species or critical habitat.
Federal agency for ocean, coastal, marine fisheries, and weather. NOAA Fisheries reviews projects affecting marine species and habitat.
Program within the USDA that manages conflicts between people and wildlife — bird strikes at airports, predator control, invasive species.
Licenses wireless facilities — cell towers, antennas, microwave links. Local zoning can regulate placement but cannot ban service.
Permits interstate natural gas pipelines, hydroelectric projects, and high-voltage transmission lines.
Federal safety regulator for pipelines (gas, oil, hazardous liquids) and hazardous-materials transport.
State
Every state has an environmental agency (DEQ, DEP, EGLE, etc.) that runs the day-to-day air, water, and waste permitting under federal rules.
State fish and game departments. Manage hunting, fishing, and most non-endangered wildlife. Often handle nuisance wildlife and habitat issues.
Reviews federally funded or permitted projects under Section 106 for effects on historic properties.
Designs, builds, and maintains the state highway system. Reviews access permits and traffic studies for projects that affect state roads.
Regulates investor-owned electric, gas, and telecom utilities. Reviews rates, service quality, and certain siting decisions.
Municipal
The office that writes and applies the zoning code. First stop for almost every land-use question.
Quasi-judicial body that hears variance requests, special-use permits, and zoning appeals.
Investigates violations of zoning, property maintenance, and nuisance codes after the fact.
City or county department for streets, stormwater, water, sewer, and capital construction.
Elected legislative body for a city or town. Adopts ordinances, the budget, and (often) final land-use decisions.