Permit Streamlining Task Force

Overview
Documents and Reports
Members
Upcoming PSTF Meeting Dates
Contact

Overview

AQMD has been a pioneer in developing and implementing a wide range of permit streamlining measures. In the early 1990s, the AQMD 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 Governing Board Chairman Dr. William Burke announced a new Permit Streamlining Initiative to improve permitting efficiency. In April 1998, the Permit Streamlining Task Force (PSTF) was formed to develop recommendations to expedite permitting and improve customer service. PSTF members include Governing Board members and representatives from industry, local government and environmental groups. In order to facilitate and implement permit streamlining recommendations and to coordinate AQMD staff’s work with PSTF, AQMD Executive Officer Dr. Barry Wallerstein appointed Mohsen Nazemi, Deputy Executive Officer of Engineering and Compliance, as the permit streamlining ombudsman and formed the Permit Streamlining Team of staff engineers.  Also a contractor was hired in 1998 to brainstorm with the permitting staff and the public to determine areas needing improvement.  Recommendations were developed in four basic areas and included measures to:

• Reduce steps required to issue permits,
• Improve communications internally and externally,
• Optimize permit structure and systems, and
• Enhance management and organizational effectiveness.

Most of the recommendations were completed and some tasks are on-going.  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 and on-going tasks

• Establish credit card payments via internet with Los Angeles County Treasurer to  accept permit processing fees
• Redefine the permit application backlog
• Update templates for permit applications
• Update Policies and Procedures
• Fee Calculator
• Risk Assessment Calculator

The following is a list of Governing Board Agenda Items, meeting presentations and other documents by date. 

Older documents are posted on the webpage Permit Streamlining Task Force Archive.

A list of the current members are available on the webpage Permit Streamlining Task Force Members.


Scheduled PSTF Meetings

A sub-committee of the PSTF continues to meet once a quarter.  Dates and locations are subject to change. 

If you need further assistance, please contact Mohan Balagopalan of Engineering and Compliance at 909-396-2704 or mbalagopalan@aqmd.gov.