A permit is required of any new or modified air pollution source prior to construction or making modifications (including equipment, process, or design changes) that affect the level of air contaminants emitted. This permit is obtained through the Notice of Construction program.

The list of activities requiring a Notice of Construction/Order of Approval, as well as the types of sources that are exempt, are detailed in Regulation I, Section 6.03 (PDF). If you are unsure which forms apply to your activity, our technical staff is available to assist you.

Process Overview

The Notice of Construction permit process involves the following steps:

Step 1

Submit a complete Notice of Construction application. This must include:

1. General Information - Form P (PDF)
2. Environmental Checklist (PDF) - Required unless another government agency has already required one, in which case please include a copy of the checklist. A complete checklist with signatures is required. Checklists lacking information or without signatures will not be accepted. 
3. $3,000 filing fee (nonrefundable). The Agency will not process applications received without the filing fee.
4. Source-specific application, as listed on our Source Specific page (PDF files)

Step 2

Within 30 days of submitting a Notice of Construction application and filing fee, air agency engineers will review applications to determine whether they are complete, or whether additional information is needed. Applicants will be assessed a fee for this review.

Step 3

Within 60 days of receiving a complete application, the Clean Air Agency will either issue or deny the permit. A complete application means that the engineer has all of the information he or she needs to thoroughly review the proposed project and develop appropriate permit conditions and also that all permitting fees are paid. In some cases, an additional 30-day public comment period may be required, pursuant to WAC 173-400-171.

Confidentiality

You may request information be kept confidential if it relates to processes unique to your company that could adversely affect the competitive position of your business if released to the public or to a competitor. These items must be clearly identified in your application.