The purpose of this Permit Handbook is to set forth the fixed standards and objective measurements to be used by District engineers in determining whether a particular permit may be issued to a particular project belonging to a given source category. Permits prepared in accordance with the Permit Handbook are deemed “ministerial” for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The various sections of the permit handbook have been developed to provide information on different aspects fo the permitting process.  The Introduction section explains the intent of the Permit Handbook. 

The Permit Application Guidance explains the Permit Application process.  The Permit Evaluation Guidance explains what is involved in evaluating a permit application; it identifies and explains the relevant requirements that are involved in evaluating a permit.  Both chapters are written in general terms and not for a specific source category, because the requirements apply generally to all source categories.

The last two chapters provide source-specific information.  The Permit Condition Guidance provides a listing of template permit conditions for specific source categories.  Using these template conditions will ensure that permits issued for the same source category are consistent.  Each chapter in the Source-Specific Guidance explains what is involved in evaluating a permit application for a specific source category.  It references the general requirements explained the the Permit Evaluation Guidance and details what specific requirements are applicable for each identified source category. 

To get a complete understanding of what is involved in the evaluation of a permit application, it is recommended that that the reader review the general guidances (Permit Application & Permit Evaluation) and the relevant chapter in the Source-Specific Guidance for the specific source cateogry they are permitting.

Permit Handbook

1. Introduction
   
2. Permit Application Guidance
   
3. Permit Evaluation Guidance
   
4. Permit Condition Guidance
   
5. Source-Specific Guidance
   
6. Appendices
   
   1. Permit Exemption Guidance
      
   2. Data Form Guidance
      
   3. Fee Calculation Guidance
      
   4. Completeness Determination Checklist
      
   5. Evaluation Report Template Guidance
      
   6. Frequently Asked Questions - Permitting and Other
    

Questions and/or comments regarding the Permit Handbook should be e-mailed to M.K. Carol Lee or call (415) 749-4689.