Apply for Permits

Step 1 - Submit your Application Package

A completed application package will include:

1. A General Application
2. A CEQA Supplemental Form
3. Equipment Type Supplemental Forms (see equipment list below)
4. Fee Estimate Form & Payment

Within 30 days of receiving your application, SDAPCD will determine whether it is complete or incomplete. Application progress can be tracked through our Online Services.

Step 2 - Authority to Construct (ATC) Issuance

Once your application is approved, the District will issue an Authority to Construct (ATC). The ATC:

• Authorizes construction or installation
• Is valid for one year
• May be extended annually for up to five years
• Contains the permit conditions that apply until a Startup Authorization (SA) is issued.

Step 3 - Submit Construction Completion Notice (CCN) to SDAPCD

A CCN must be submitted after construction is complete and before the equipment begins operation. Once the CCN is submitted the ATC serves as the temporary authority to operate your equipment. The applicant is required to comply with the conditions outlined in the ATC and should review them carefully. If you have any questions, contact the engineer assigned to your project.

Step 4 - SDAPCD Inital Inspection

SDAPCD will visit the equipment location to ensure that operations are in accordance with the permit conditions. The District representative will review records and equipment and ask the applicant if they have any questions.

Step 5 - Startup Authorization (SA) Issuance

If the site inspection indicates compliance with the ATC conditions and other requirements, then a Startup Authorization (SA) will be issued, which authorizes continued operation until a final Permit to Operate (PTO) is issued, or until required test results are submitted. The SA authorizes continued operation until either a final PTO is issued or required source testing and/or additional information has been provided.

Step 6 - Permit to Operate

Once all permit review requirements have been satisfied, SDAPCD will issue a Permit to Operate (PTO).  The PTO:

• Is valid for one year (Expiration date on PTO)
• Must be renewed annually (Due before expiration date of PTO)
• Lists the operating conditions that apply to your equipment to maintain compliance with rules and regulations

Please keep your contact information up to date with the District to ensure renewal invoices and updated permits are sent to the correct recipient.  See Change of Equipment Ownership and Contact Update for more information.

How to Complete Fee Estimates

When preparing your application:

• Select the appropriate equipment type below.
• Open the Fees tab.
• Use the fee estimate tool to calculate the estimated application fee.  Refer to the instruction tab within the tool for additional information.
• Submit the estimated fee with your completed application.  Reference your application record number, e.g. APCD2026-APP-123456 or APCD2024-CER-000001

Applicants must use the fee estimate forms to calculate application fees and it must be submitted with each completed application package for it to be accepted.  Multiple fee estimate forms may be necessary if applying for multiple types of equipment.

Additional Fee Information

Application fees are established by SDAPCD Rule 40 and vary depending on the equipment, emissions, and complexity of the project. The application fee may include the following fees:

• Base Application Fee
• Emissions Fee
• Initial Application Evaluation Fee
• First Annual Permit Renewal Fee
• Toxics/ Health Risk Assessment Fee
• Other Program Specific Fees

For questions related to submitting fee estimates, please contact the APCDPermits@sdapcd.org.  Note that your facility must be in good standing with all renewal fees paid to accept new applications.

How to Pay

Fees may be paid by check payable to "Air Pollution Control District" or by credit card. Checks can be mailed or dropped off to SDAPCD, 10124 Old Grove Rd, San Diego, CA 92131. Please include your APCD SITE Record ID or Application/Registration (APP/CER) ID with the payment.

The San Diego County APCD (District) accepts VISA, Master Card, and American Express Cards. Credit card payments will be assessed a processing fee of 2.19% of the amount paid by credit card. This processing fee covers only costs assessed to the District by credit card providers. If you pay by credit card, please call (858) 586-2600 between the hours of 9a-12p or 1p-4p and ask to speak with accounting to make a payment. Accounting can also be reached at APCDFiscal@sdapcd.org.  Please have your SITE/APP/CER record ID ready to reference for payment.