San Diego County
Air
Pollution
Control District
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Air Quality Forecast -
AQ Forecast by Site -
About
Business Assistance Program
Watch the latest training video: Permit Renewal and Expiration
Through our free Business Assistance Program, we help businesses understand and comply with air quality regulations. Whether you need guidance on permits, compliance requirements, or training, our team is here to help maintain compliance.
Our program provides guidance and supports regional clean air goals. Watch the video below to see how these efforts fit into the broader work of California’s Air Districts to protect public health and improve air quality.
What is a courtesy inspection? Our Business Assistant will go to your site for a free evaluation of your operations to help with permits, recordkeeping, and more to ensure your business complies with air quality regulations.
What should I expect? We will take a look at your on-site operations. You should be clear and transparent about your business practices to ensure we can address all requirements. We will NOT issue violations during courtesy inspections.
How do I prepare? Identify equipment, processes, and products to discuss. Prepare operating manuals, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and any other relevant information to review and discuss.
How do I schedule? Call (858) 586-2650 or email APCDSBA@sdapcd.org.
Our Business Assistant can help identify equipment that requires a permit and assist with completing permitting forms and supplemental information.
We are also available to ensure coatings, solvents and other materials used meet District rules and explain how to properly maintain records.
Our Business Assistant can provide tailored training to your facility or industry group. Training is provided in person or virtually as needed.
Schedule a training by calling (858) 586-2650 or emailing APCDSBA@sdapcd.org or see below for pre-recorded trainings available on demand.
Resources
Learn more about permitting process through a recorded training on Permit Renewal and Expiration. For detailed information and to obtain application forms and fees, please visit the Permits page.
Visit the Forms, Notifications & Advisories page to view all compliance advisories.
To learn more about how to respond to Notices of Violations, please visit the Violation Information page.
View sample record-keeping forms and permit attachments on our Forms and Notifications page.
Learn about specific Compliance Program your operation might be subject to by visiting the Compliance Programs page.
Visit our Citzen Access site to submit an asbestos notification.
Recorded Trainings
Aboveground Storage Tank Permitting
Workshop
Retail Gas Station Inspection Process
Gas Station Compliance School
OPERATORS
Phase One Inspection
Quarterly
Clean Air Separator Check
Monthly
Flow Rate Check
Healy Insertion Interlock
Check
Healy Nozzle Bag
Check
Weekly Healy Audibility
Check
Weekly Balance Hose
Drain
Weekly VST Nozzle
Check
Carbon Canister Check
TESTERS
Introduction to Vapor
Recovery Testing
Drop
Tube Integrity Test Pressure
Healy Clean Air Separator Exhibit 4 Test
VP 1000 Vacuum Integrity
Test (B 3-6)
Static Torque Test Procedure
Vapor to Liquid Exhibit 5 Test Procedure
96-1 Test Procedure (10" Pressure Decay
Test)
TP201.3 (2" Pressure
Decay Test)
Pressure/Vacuum Vent Valve
Testing
Veeder-Root ISD Operability
Test
The Business Assistance Program helps businesses and other facilities in San Diego County comply with Air Pollution Control District (District) regulations at the lowest possible cost. It serves as a liaison between business owners and the APCD.
Most small business owners are too busy serving their customers and running their businesses to worry about air pollution. And many can't afford to hire a consultant or staff person to keep their company up-to-date on changing environmental requirements.
However, the equipment, materials and processes used by many small businesses can produce emissions that contribute to San Diego County's air pollution problem. That's why the Air Pollution Control District developed the Business Assistance Program-to help make it easier for business owners to comply with District rules and regulations.
Why require air quality permits?
The permit system enables the District to track air pollution sources in order to reduce emissions and ensure compliance with District rules and regulations. The purpose is to protect the public health from the harmful effects of air pollution. The District offers a number of services designed to save business owners time and money during the permit process, including:
• Explanation of regulatory requirements
• Help completing a permit application
• Assistance obtaining a variance from district requirements
• Field permit inspections for routine equipment found operating without a permit
• Assistance for businesses new to the area
What compliance resources are available?
The Business Assistance Program also offers several compliance measures to make it easier for small businesses to meet regulatory requirements, including:
• Sample record-keeping forms
• Advisories on new regulations
• Courtesy compliance inspections
• Training workshops on new rules
• A Notice to Comply policy (for minor violations only); the business will not be subject to a fine if an administrative problem is corrected by a specified date.
• A Notice of Repair program for gas stations; the owner will not be subject to a fine if minor deficiencies in vapor recovery equipment are repaired within seven days.
What is the purpose of the Business Assistance Program?
To help small and large businesses in San Diego County comply with Air Pollution Control District regulations at the lowest possible cost. Most small business owners are too busy serving their customers and running their businesses to worry about air pollution. And many can't afford to hire a consultant or staff person to keep their company up-to-date on changing environmental requirements.
However, the equipment, materials and processes used by many small businesses can produce emissions that contribute to San Diego County's air pollution problem. That's why the Air Pollution Control District developed the Business Assistance Program-to help make it easier for business owners to comply with District rules and regulations.
Industry Recognition Program
The Air Pollution Control District's Industry Recognition Program recognizes those companies or organizations that have made significant contributions to improve air quality. Throughout the year, the District recognizes Clean Air Champions, and once a year, presents the APCD-IEA Blue Sky Leadership Awards.
If you would like to nominate a business or organization please email us or call (858) 586-2650.
Other Information
What to do when you receive a violation notification
Forms, Notifications & Advisories
Training Classes offered by Air Resources Board
Compliance Division Contact
Contact us Monday through Friday 7:00am-5:00pm at (858) 586-2650 or by email at apcdcomp@sdapcd.org.
Business Assistance Trainings
Below is a list of past trainings that we offered for various
audiences.
Rule 1206 Asbestos
06/26/2025 - Public (virtual)
03/27/2025 - City of San Diego
(City of San Diego office)
07/31/2024 - Department of
Environmental Health (virtual)
05/09/2024 - Industry
(virtual)
01/17/2024 - Public (SDAPCD Headquarters)
Engine and Boiler Regulations
08/04/2025 - SDG&E (virtual)
07/21/2025 - SDG&E
(virtual)
09/30/2024 - Biocom (Biocom office)
08/27/2024 -
SDG&E (virtual)
08/15/2024 - SDG&E (virtual)
Asbestos Regulations
08/25/2025 - EIA (EIA office)
08/25/2025 Asbestos Regulations - for EIA (EIA office)
08/04/2025 Engine and Boiler Regulations - for SDG&E
(virtual)
07/21/2025 Engine and Boiler Regulations -
for SDG&E (virtual)
06/26/2025 Rule 1206 Asbestos - for the
Public (virtual)
03/27/2025 Rule 1206 Asbestos - for City of San
Diego (City of San Diego office)
09/30/2024 Engine and Boiler
Regulations - for Biocom (Biocom office)
08/27/2024 Engine and
Boiler Regulations - for SDG&E (virtual)
08/15/2024 Engine
and Boiler Regulations - for SDG&E (virtual)
07/31/2024 Rule
1206 Asbestos - for Department of Environmental Health (virtual)
05/09/2024 Rule 1206 Asbestos - Industry training (virtual)
01/17/2024 Rule 1206 Asbestos - for the Public (SDAPCD Headquarters)
Contact Us
For additional assistance, please contact us at (858) 586-2650 or at APCDSBA@sdapcd.org.
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