South Coast AQMD released new online tools to make getting permits faster and easier. These upgrades are part of the agency’s Permitting Enhancement Program (PEP), which is one of the South Coast AQMD Chair Vanessa Delgado’s initiatives to implement mechanisms to improve permit processing for businesses. 

What’s New with the Permitting Enhancement Program: 

Website Design Updates 

• Easy-to-navigate permit tracking and evaluation

• Guidelines on rules and requirements as well as step-

Automated Permitting and Registrations 

• Online processes for some certified equipment permits and Rule 222 registrations 

• Module for small, certified emergency engines permits 

• Eligible applicants can apply, pay, and receive approval in less than an hour 
• Digital submissions reduce paperwork 

Health Risk Assessment (HRA) Tool 

• Evaluate potential health impacts of toxic emissions from a facility through a simple, interactive tool, replacing complex calculations and paper-based documents. 

• Tool includes three levels of analysis for instant results to advanced risk calculations using data models. 

The changes, particularly the HRA online tool, are expected to make the permitting process faster, more efficient, and easier for everyone involved in the process. South Coast AQMD’s PEP initiative will continue including working with various industry sectors and the public to receive input. The next PEP update is expected in early 2025. For more information on permitting updates, please sign up for notifications: www.aqmd.gov/sign-up.