Yes you can photograph that Federal Building

[J Eddington]

The right of photographers to stand in a public place and take pictures of federal buildings has been upheld by a legal settlement reached in New York. to learn more go here:

You Can Photograph That Federal Building: Civil Liberties Union and Homeland Security Reach Agreement - NYTimes.com

[markfh]

That's all well and good but this still leaves the question.

"absent a written local rule, regulation or order.”

I haven't had problems here in Houston but I do go to the court house and tell them I'll be in the area before I start shooting just so they know. So far nobody has mentioned to me that I can't shoot the building.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

I've had no problems in Dallas or Ft Worth shooting events outside and around Federal Property- now DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) is another thing-they think their Palace is unshootable for some reason, and they are just one of many tenants in the building where they have their main offices.