The APCD is staffed by engineers, scientists, planners, and technicians with a wide variety of expertise. It can sometimes be difficult to determine who is the right person to answer a particular question. That’s where the Business Assistance Program comes in to provide quick and easy access to the information you need.

1. Business Assistance Line

A call to the Business Assistance Line connects you to a Business Assistance Representative who will act as your guide to the staff and business resources within the APCD. We can answer questions about permitting, fees, compliance, and more. We can help you to design self-inspection programs, simplify your recordkeeping, and identify ways to improve your compliance. For specific technical issues, we can put you in touch with the staff member most qualified to assist you. The Business Assistance Representative will ensure that businesses have a voice in the system. We will listen to problems businesses are having and help resolve them. Upon request, your call will be kept confidential.

2. Compliance Assistance

APCD rules and permit conditions can be difficult to understand. Through the Business Assistance Program we can explain those regulations, help you identify how they may impact your business, and assist you in filling out forms and preparing required reports.

3. Permit Assistance

If you need to apply for a permit or request a modification to your existing permit, we can put you in touch with an engineering staff person familiar with your type of business. That person can explain what information you should submit to ensure that your permit is processed quickly and will accurately describe your operations.

4. Pollution Prevention

The Business Assistance Program can assist you with the challenge of obtaining the maximum economic viability of your business with minimal impact on the environment. Through the APCD’s Innovative Technologies Group, we communicate with organizations throughout California and the nation who are working to develop alternative pollution reducing products and processes. We can put you in touch with technical and, in some cases, economic assistance to develop pollution reducing strategies for your business. See also Public Information/Pollution Prevention.

Where Do I Start?

For information or assistance, call the Business Assistance Line (805) 961-8868, or e-mail [email protected]

Additional information, see also:

• Publications for our Business Focus Newsletter and Informational brochures.
• Santa Barbara County Green Business Program – encouraging businesses to protect, preserve, and improve the environment above and beyond what is required by law.