Construction Permit Process

Permitting Options

If you've arrived here, your business is not exempt from permitting. You will need to apply for one of the following permits. The options available depend on the type and size of your facility.

You must have a permit prior to the start of construction. "Start of Construction" has a complicated definition (see the Definitions and FAQ pages). It can include activities such as:

• site clearing
• grading
• dredging
• landfilling
• changing equipment
• substituting equipment
• or even moving the location of equipment

Streamlined Permit Options

Streamlined permits offer eligible facilities the flexibility to make changes without the need for construction permits. These permits are available to specific industries as well as facilities that can cap their emissions below specific threshold levels and meet certain other eligibility criteria.

Obtaining these permits is a fairly simple process, as they have a short list of eligibility criteria. They offer simplified application procedures and can be issued within 15 days of applying. You may want to review your eligibility for the streamlined permits by following the links below.

• Registration Permits (ROPs) are available to facilities with emissions that stay below threshold levels. ROPs offer streamlined application and renewal processes, rapid approval, standardized conditions, and flexibility in return for keeping facility-wide emissions below threshold levels. The Registration Permits web site contains more information and details about ROPs.
• General Permits (GOPs) are available for printing facilities, rock crushing facilities, and asphalt plants. GOPs are intended for facilities that perform similar operations, use similar emission control technologies, and can be covered by similar standards and requirements. GOPs offer standardized conditions, rapid approval process, and flexibility to install or modify equipment without a construction permit. You can review background information about these permits on DNR's General Permits web site. DNR's web page for Air Permit Application Forms and Permit Program Information contains links to the GOP application forms.
• If you have a printing business, visit DNR's Printers' Guide to Air Permits and Environmental Opportunities to learn about permit options developed specifically for printers.

General Construction Permits

DNR has developed General Construction Permits (GCPs) for facilities in certain industry sectors. Currently, GCPs are available for asphalt plants, rock crushing facilities and various types of printers. You can find more background information on DNR's General Permits web site. Printers can learn more about their options from the general permits section of DNR's Printers' Guide to Air Permits and Environmental Opportunities.

If You Need a Source-Specific Construction Permit

If you have decided that you are not exempt and cannot use the streamlined permit options, you will need to apply for a construction permit. Click on the button below to learn about the application process.