In cases where permits would be needed for work in wetlands or drainages, a Preliminary Delineation of Wetlands and Other Waters, State of California and California Department of Fish and Wildlife Jurisdiction (“Wet Del”) is usually a component of the permit applications. This type of study follows established protocols to determine areas potentially under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A Wetland Assessment or Riparian Assessment/Top of Bank Delineation is a less formal study and can be used in project planning stages to avoid impacts on jurisdictional areas and required permitting.