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

Common permitted facilities

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.