This paper reflects an approach for state and local recovery managers to define the radiological clearance levels to be implemented following a terrorist detonation of a Cs-137 Radiation Dispersal Device (RDD). These clearance levels address public health and safety, debris management, business, agriculture, and environmental concerns. These values help the affected community define clearance goals, so the physical, social, political, cultural, and economic infrastructure of that community can be expeditiously recovered. The range of values is consistent with accepted risk assessment processes that bridge dose-and-risk criteria. The process described in this paper is designed to support a recovery timeframe goal of twelve to eighteen months. Critical infrastructure and other essential portions of the city, as designated by the decision makers and community, may be restored in a shorter time frame. For less inhabited or non-critical areas, the time frame may be longer. Because recovery is both time and budget sensitive, it is imperative that the community address these values, and have agreement, before a disaster strikes. A key principle is the inclusion of multiple stakeholders and the general public. Pre-event clearance level concurrence is key to a community's resiliency and speedy recovery.