Smart Growth America — Before They Build

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Before They Build^™

How it works Community Guide Evidence My Record Resources About Contact Start here

Public Beta · Edition 5 · Updated June 2026·Help improve Before They Build — report errors, suggest features, or share feedback.

Before They Build^™A neighbour education project

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

Best of the site · Sitemap · Binder Map

A · Hearing

Public Hearing Handbook
Hearing Survival Card
Rezoning Handbook
Meeting Helper

B · Records / C · Research

Public Records Handbook
Public Records Center
Records Request Packet
Research a Project
Easement Handbook
My Community Record
Evidence Packet
Notice Decoder

D · Response / E · Local Gov

Community Response Directory
Agency Library
File a Complaint
Understanding Local Government
Community Guide
Agency Contacts

F · Construction & Ops

Noise & Construction
Water & Wetlands
Wildlife
Understanding Permits
Permit Checklist
Permit Response Card

About & Trust

Our mission
Authority provenance
Trust ledger
Editorial standards
Edition log
Glossary
Contact
Privacy
Accessibility
Permissions
Terms
Support
Mission · Bundles · AI

Before They Build™ is supported by readers and mission supporters. Core educational resources remain free. Support the mission.

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.

© 1970 Before They Build™. All rights reserved. · Permissions · Last updated January 1970.

Public Beta · Edition 5 · June 2026 · what's new · feedback welcome