Authority to Construct / Permit to Operate

The "Authority to Construct" is a permit issued by the District granting permission to install, modify, and/or construct equipment or processes that will meet local air quality standards. The "Permit to Operate" is a permit granting permission to operate the equipment or processes within enforceable limits designed to meet local air quality standards.

How to Apply for a Permit

Download an Application Form or contact the District and ask for a permit application package. Be prepared to describe the equipment and/or processes for which you are applying so the correct forms can be provided. Submit the completed permit application package to the District, in person or by mail, along with a check for the non-refundable filing fee to:

Feather River AQMD
541 Washington Avenue
Yuba City, CA 95991
Make check payable to: Feather River AQMD

Incomplete or incorrect application packages will be returned.

The completed application will be assigned to a District Engineer who will review the package and perform a permit evaluation. In some cases, you may be contacted for clarification or additional information. If the equipment/process meets all applicable rules and regulations, an Authority to Construct (ATC) will be issued. Applications for equipment or processes which cannot meet the applicable rules will be denied. Hence, it is always wise to contact the District and apply for the permit prior to purchasing new equipment. Please note that, in addition to the administrative filing fee, the District charges an hourly rate for permit evaluation and inspection.

Once issued, the ATC will be valid for a one year period. The ATC is the temporary permit which allows your facility to begin construction of the proposed process or equipment unit. If the ATC will expire prior to completion of construction, you must contact the District to request a permit renewal.

Upon completion of construction, you must contact the District to approve and close out the ATC. Typically, an inspection is also required for final approval. If all District requirements are met, the ATC will be finalized and it will be replaced with a Permit to Operate.  The Permit to Operate must be renewed annually.