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Permitting

Permitting Resources

Overview

The following resources provide guidance on permits typically required for infrastructure deployment and related requirements of the BEAD program.

NBAM Training Series: NTIA Permitting and Environmental Information Application

Federal Interagency Broadband Permitting Summit Hosted by BLM and NTIA

Cover page of NTIA’s Guide to Streamlined ESA Compliance for Broadband Deployments.

NTIA's Guide to Streamlined Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance for Broadband Deployments

This guidance assists recipients in applying the permitting tools that NTIA has developed to streamline Endangered Species Act compliance.
Cover page of broadband permitting overview document.

What is Permitting?

An introduction to permitting as it relates to broadband projects including the types of permits a deployment may require, the process for securing an easement or right of way access, and steps to obtaining permission to access federal/state/local land.
Cover page of Local Permitting Challenges and Strategies document.

Local Permitting Importance, Challenges, and Strategies

Local permitting for broadband deployments may include approvals, authorizations, easements, and right-of-way permits from towns, counties, and other municipal entities. NTIA explains the importance of local permitting and offers strategies and examples of how project teams and local governments can address challenges and increase processing efficiency.
Cover page of Best Management Practices and Mitigation Measures document.

Best Management Practices (BMP) and Mitigation Measures

This guide provides examples of best management practices (BMPs) and mitigation measures to help grant recipients (grantees) avoid or minimize potential impacts during the construction, deployment, and operation of NTIA funded broadband projects.
Cover page of Permitting Best Practices Case Studies document.

Permitting Best Practices: Case Studies

Case studies and examples of how states have implemented policies and regulations to streamline state and local permitting processes.
Cover page of Permitting Needs Assessment checklist document.

Permitting Needs Assessment

Checklist for four major permitting categories including ROW, Pole Attachments, Conduit Access, and Environment Planning/Historic Preservation.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

NEPA Review: Guidance on NTIA National Environmental Policy Act Compliance (effective March 2024)

NEW: Guidance on NEPA process requirements, roles and responsibilities, and Appendices containing the full list of categorical exclusions and extraordinary circumstances applicable to NTIA programs effective April 2024.

NEPA Review: Categorical Exclusions

Guidance on NEPA analysis as it relates to categorical exclusions (CATEXs) including the definition, the CATEX review process, CATEX qualifications, and a link to the DOC CATEX list.

NEPA Review: Environmental Assessments

Guidance on NEPA analysis as it relates to environmental assessments including the definition, preparation steps, best practices, and the review process.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Program Comment for Federal Communications Projects

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Program Comment for Federal Communications Projects: Applicability of Program Comment Flow Chart