Community Response Directory
Who can actually help with this?
Pick the problem. We will show you who to call first, who to also contact, who may help, who to hire only if needed, and — the part most lists leave out — who is NOT usually responsible.
≈4 min read
Before They Build helps residents understand, document, and participate in local decisions. It does not assume any project is good or bad. Better information leads to better decisions. Listings do not imply endorsement. How this directory works.
Water quality & supply
FlagshipDrinking water, surface water, contamination, discharges.
Air quality
FlagshipEmissions, odours, dust, smoke.
Wildlife
FlagshipAnimals, habitat, hunting, nuisance wildlife.
Wetlands
FlagshipMarshes, swamps, bogs, vernal pools, wetland fills.
Noise
FlagshipConstruction noise, ongoing operational noise, late-night noise.
Traffic & roads
FlagshipNew driveways, traffic studies, road safety.
Easements
FlagshipUtility, access, conservation, pipeline, transmission easements.
Property rights
FlagshipDeeds, surveys, boundary disputes, recorded restrictions.
Zoning
FlagshipWhat is allowed on a parcel today.
Rezoning
FlagshipChanging what is allowed on a parcel.
Construction
FlagshipActive building, demolition, grading, site work.
Code violations
FlagshipProperty maintenance, nuisance, unpermitted work.
Historic preservation
FlagshipHistoric buildings, districts, demolition review.
Utility corridors
FlagshipLinear easements for power, gas, water, fiber.
Pipelines
FlagshipNatural gas, oil, hazardous liquid pipelines.
Power lines
FlagshipTransmission and distribution electric lines.
Cell towers
FlagshipWireless towers and antennas.
Stormwater
FlagshipRunoff, retention, drainage from developed sites.
Flooding
FlagshipFloodplains, repetitive flooding, FEMA maps.
Trees
FlagshipTree removal, protection, street trees.
Environmental complaints (general)
FlagshipNot sure where to start — start here.