Overview

SCAQMD has been a pioneer in developing and implementing a wide range of permit streamlining measures. In the early 1990s, the SCAQMD developed several innovative measures to promote permit streamlining and other customer service programs, some of which were incorporated into state law (California Health and Safety Code Section 42320 et seq) and made mandatory for state-wide implementation. In 1998, the Governing Board Chairman announced a new Permit Streamlining Initiative to further improve permitting efficiency. In April 1998, the Permit Streamlining Task Force (PSTF) subcommittee, including Governing Board members, industry representatives, local government representatives, environmental groups, and SCAQMD staff, was launched to brainstorm new ways to expedite permitting and improve customer service. In order to facilitate and implement these permit streamlining recommendations, the SCAQMD Executive Officer appointed  a permit streamlining ombudsman and a consultant was retained to confer with the permitting staff and the public to determine areas needing improvement.  Recommendations were developed and implemented in the following four basic areas:

• Reduce steps required to issue permits,

• Improve communications internally and externally,

• Optimize permit structure and systems, and

• Enhance management and organizational effectiveness.

In 2005, PSTF reconvened to continue exploring and developing ways to enhance permit processing.  A new running list of recommendations was generated by the PSTF.  In 2006, the Governing Board approved two million dollars for the following areas in permitting:

• Staff Enhancement/Augmentation

• Systems Enhancements

• Staff Training

Completed tasks are:

• Establish on-line credit card and e-check payments 

• Establish on-line Fee Calculator

• Develop and place on-line a Risk Assessment Calculator    

On-going and recurring tasks are:

• Redefine the permit application backlog

• Update/develop templates for permit applications

• Update Policies and Procedures

If you need further assistance, please contact Mitch Haimov of Engineering and Permitting at mhaimov@aqmd.gov


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