Topic - Air Management
New Business
Construction Permit or Exemption?

As a brand new business, you have a range of options available that includes permitting or exemptions from permits.

How do you know if you are exempt from a Construction Permit?

You may be able to avoid the need for a construction permit if your business is eligible for an exemption. There are three approaches by which you may qualify for an exemption. These approaches include exemptions based on:

• categories of units being installed,
• total actual emissions from the whole operation, or
• total maximum theoretical emissions for the operation.

If you are not eligible to use one approach, you will be prompted on to the next exemption, walking through each approach until you find either that you are exempt or that you must apply for a permit.

If you cannot qualify for an exemption, there are streamlined permit options that allow construction without the need to apply for a separate construction permit. Streamlined permit options include Registration Operation Permits and General Operation Permits. These operation permits offer streamlined applications, rapid approval, standardized conditions, and flexibility to install or modify equipment, or even construct a new facility, without the need for a construction permit in return for keeping facility-wide emissions below threshold levels.

Continue on to review your options and walk through the process of determining whether you need a construction permit for your new business.