Air Quality Permit FAQs

What forms must I complete and submit to the District?

•       Form APP116 is the District’s general permit application form that must be submitted with each application.
•       In addition, a supplemental application form must also be submitted.  Review the various Supplemental Application Forms 01A through 59C and select the correct one for your equipment type.
•        Form 116 is a checklist available to assist you in preparing and submitting a complete application.  Use of this form is optional.
•       Permit application forms and registration forms are available in both Adobe Acrobat (PDF) and Microsoft Word formats.  Microsoft Word forms are interactive allowing you to fill them out, save them and print them electronically. Adobe forms can be printed and completed manually.
•       You should also submit any supplemental information that you feel is necessary to support your application.  Information such as detailed process descriptions, blueprints, site plans, manufacturer brochures, emission calculations, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), Best Available Control Technology (BACT) analyses and equipment certification documentation should be submitted with your application where appropriate.

•      Fees for this permit include: 1) an Evaluation Fee, 2) a Processing Fee and in some cases 3) an Air Contaminant Emission Fee.
•     Processing Fee - a $95 non-refundable processing fee must be submitted with all applications for an Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate.
•       Evaluation Fee – District Rule 40 contains detailed information on all the District’s fees.  Fees vary by equipment type and are organized by fee schedule.  If a T+M (time plus materials) or a T+RN (time plus renewal) fee is indicate, contact the District at one of the phone numbers listed below for a cost estimate.  If you have a new (not previously permitted by the District) piece of equipment, you must submit an Initial Evaluation Fee that is shown in Column 1 of the fee schedule.  If you are modifying a previously permitted piece of equipment, your Evaluation Fee is equal to the fee shown in Column 1 (Initial Evaluation Fee) minus the fees shown in Column 2 (Emission Unit Renewal Fee). 
•       Air Contaminant Emission Fees – If you do not currently have at least one valid District permit you are also required to submit an air contaminant emission fee.  The air contaminant emission fee is specified in Rule 40(d)(4).
  
  

•  Fees can be paid by check, payable to the Air Pollution Control District or by Discover Card or American Express Card. 

·         If you email or fax your application and intend on paying with a Discover or American Express Card you must provide contact information (contact name and phone number) so that the District can complete payment.  If requested the District will provide a hard copy receipt for payment.  ·         Application will not be accepted without full payment of fees.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY PAYMENT?  

         Rule 18 specifies a timeline for actions that the District must take in processing applications.  The District is required to act on complete applications within 180 days. ·         Typically permits are issued in about 60 days. More complex processes will take longer and simpler ones may take less time. ·         One thing you can do to ensure quick processing of your permit is to submit as complete an application as possible.

         The District has a procedure to ensure that trades secret information is protected.  The procedure is explained in District Rules 176 and 177. All information claimed to be trade secret must be clearly identified to allow the District to separate it from non-trade secret information. To identify the information you may use a highlighter or you may physically separate all trade secret information from the rest of the application submittal.  Written justification is required for all trade secret information per District Rule 176.

         If you have questions about how to complete the application you may contact the District Small Business Assistance Program Coordinator at (858) 586-2656 or the District Engineering Section at (858) 586-2716 for assistance.