JARPA Frequently Asked Questions

		Frequently Asked Questions

Who should use JARPA?

Anyone who intends to perform work in or near what is considered "waters of the state". These waters are defined broadly as any surface water or ground water within the boundaries of the State of California. Examples include, but are not limited to, rivers, creeks (including intermittent, seasonal, etc.), springs, lakes, bays, marshes, mudflats, unvegetated seasonally ponded areas, drainage swales, sloughs, wet meadows, natural ponds, vernal pools, diked baylands, seasonal wetlands and riparian woodlands. More information can be found on the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board's web site (link opens in new browser): www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb2/certs.htm

Why should I use JARPA instead of the other permit applications?

Using JARPA enables an applicant to fill out just one form, instead of the three or more that may be required. Also, using JARPA means that each agency receives the same information at the same time, enabling better coordination among the involved agencies and the opportunity for a more streamlined permit process.

Where do I start?

You should begin at your local city or county permit counter, whichever has jurisdiction over your project. These permit counters are usually found in the Public Works, Building, or Planning Departments. They will be able to direct you the other agencies that may also have oversight. The local agency will also make a CEQA determination for your project. See page 1 of JARPA Instructions for more information on the CEQA process.

Why are there so many agencies involved?

Under state and federal law, different agencies have mandates over specific environmental concerns. For example, the State Water Quality Control Board is concerned with water quality issues such as pollution, California Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protect wildlife, including protected and endangered species, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains navigable waterways, including any smaller water bodies that flow into navigable waters.

Will using JARPA save time?

Filling out one form instead of three will probably save you, the applicant, time. Similarly, conferring with the agencies before submitting any application to ensure you understand the questions and are answering them thoroughly will save time. (Agencies don't like to ask applicants to re-submit either.)
Bear in mind that each agency, due to its unique mandates, has different processing procedures and processing times. JARPA does not change an agency's processing procedures or processing times. You may receive a permit from one agency before another even if the applications are submitted on the same day.

Will using JARPA save money?

Aquatic permit application fees, like permit review times, are established by state and/or federal law. Applicants need to submit appropriate fees independently to each agency.

Please note that if your project does not fall within 100 feet of the Bay shoreline, you do not need to fill out the BCDC section of JARPA.

Where can I get more help?

Most public agencies offer assistance to permit applicants. The last page of the JARPA instructions includes the phone numbers and websites of each agency. Most of the agency web sites offer instructions to help homeowners and other applicants with their projects. Local permit counter staff can assist you with local concerns. You may also call JARPA staff if you are confused at any point in the process.

	Who should use JARPA?
Anyone who intends to perform work in or near what is considered "waters of the state". These waters are defined broadly as any surface water or ground water within the boundaries of the State of California. Examples include, but are not limited to, rivers, creeks (including intermittent, seasonal, etc.), springs, lakes, bays, marshes, mudflats, unvegetated seasonally ponded areas, drainage swales, sloughs, wet meadows, natural ponds, vernal pools, diked baylands, seasonal wetlands and riparian woodlands. More information can be found on the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board's web site (link opens in new browser): www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb2/certs.htm
	Why should I use JARPA instead of the other permit applications?
Using JARPA enables an applicant to fill out just one form, instead of the three or more that may be required. Also, using JARPA means that each agency receives the same information at the same time, enabling better coordination among the involved agencies and the opportunity for a more streamlined permit process.
	Where do I start?
You should begin at your local city or county permit counter, whichever has jurisdiction over your project. These permit counters are usually found in the Public Works, Building, or Planning Departments. They will be able to direct you the other agencies that may also have oversight. The local agency will also make a CEQA determination for your project. See page 1 of JARPA Instructions for more information on the CEQA process.
	Why are there so many agencies involved?
Under state and federal law, different agencies have mandates over specific environmental concerns. For example, the State Water Quality Control Board is concerned with water quality issues such as pollution, California Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protect wildlife, including protected and endangered species, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains navigable waterways, including any smaller water bodies that flow into navigable waters.
	Will using JARPA save time?
Filling out one form instead of three will probably save you, the applicant, time. Similarly, conferring with the agencies before submitting any application to ensure you understand the questions and are answering them thoroughly will save time. (Agencies don't like to ask applicants to re-submit either.) Bear in mind that each agency, due to its unique mandates, has different processing procedures and processing times. JARPA does not change an agency's processing procedures or processing times. You may receive a permit from one agency before another even if the applications are submitted on the same day.
	Will using JARPA save money?
Aquatic permit application fees, like permit review times, are established by state and/or federal law. Applicants need to submit appropriate fees independently to each agency.
	Please note that if your project does not fall within 100 feet of the Bay shoreline, you do not need to fill out the BCDC section of JARPA.

	Where can I get more help?
Most public agencies offer assistance to permit applicants. The last page of the JARPA instructions includes the phone numbers and websites of each agency. Most of the agency web sites offer instructions to help homeowners and other applicants with their projects. Local permit counter staff can assist you with local concerns. You may also call JARPA staff if you are confused at any point in the process.