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General Permitting Information
View general permitting instructions.
Types of Permits
The Air District's permitting process encompasses multiple permit types to ensure comprehensive environmental compliance. While most projects require two fundamental permits, certain major facilities are subject to additional regulatory oversight.
The standard permitting process requires two critical permits that must be obtained prior to initiating any project. The two essential permits are the Authority to Construct (ATC) and the Permit to Operate (PO).
Authority to Construct Permit
The Authority to Construct (ATC) is the initial permit that evaluates and approves the proposed project's design and environmental specifications. This permit ensure that the planned facility meets all applicable air quality regulations before construction begins. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with all regulations and provide detailed project plans for review.
Permit to Operate
Following successful construction, the Permit to Operate (PO) becomes the final regulatory requirement. This permit validates that the completed facility operates in full compliance with established standards and emissions regulations.
Title V Permits
For major stationary sources with significant emissions, Title V permits represent comprehensive operating permits which consolidate all air quality requirements for large-scale facilitates. Title V permits may impose more stringent monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting obligations.
Unlike standard ATC and PO permits, Title V permits apply to facilities that emit significant quantities of regulated pollutants.
Permit Requirements
By law, an air quality permit is required for several scenarios which include:
- Installing equipment that may cause air pollution
- Modifying existing permitted equipment
- Moving permitted equipment to a new location
- Installing emission control equipment
Permit Process
An Air District permit is a document that gives the permit holder authorization to build equipment and/or to operate that equipment. Nearly all stationary equipment that emits to the atmosphere requires an Air District permit. Each project is evaluated before a business can build and operate their equipment to ensure that all air quality requirements are met. During the permitting process, air quality engineers review projects, calculate emissions and determine compliance with all federal, state and local regulations before issuing a permit.
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I. Application ReceivedAir District reviews application and contacts applicant
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- Calculate Emissions and Conduct Plant Visit
- Complete a Health Risk Assessment
- Determine Compliance with Rules and Regulations
- Require Add-on Pollution Control Equipment
- Set Emissions & Operating Limits and Require Monitoring in the Permit Conditions
- Post a Public Notice, Address and Respond to All Comments
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II. Issue Authority to ConstructIssue Authority to Construct After Review and Approval
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- Project Construction, Startup, and Source Test
- Review Source Test for Compliance with Permit Conditions
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III. Issue Permit to OperateIf All Requirements are Met, Air District Issues Permit to Operate
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IV. Ensure Continued ComplianceEnsure Continued Compliance with the Enforcement Division
Contacting Us
Have a specific inquiry? Please use the appropriate contact method:
Open Burn Inquiries:
- Email: openburn@baaqmd.gov (preferred)
- Phone: 415-749-4999
Asbestos, Demolition, Renovation, or Job Number Questions:
- Email: asbestosjobs@baaqmd.gov (preferred)
- Phone: 415-749-4762
Facility with Assigned Engineering Staff:
- Email your assigned staff member. For contact information, refer to the staff directory.
General Questions on Permitting or No Assigned Staff:
- Email: permits@baaqmd.gov (preferred)
- Voicemail: 415-749-4990
Questions on Compliance Assistance:
- Visit the Compliance Assistance Page.
Last Updated: 03/01/2025