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AirPermitHub

DC · EPA Region 3

District of Columbia Air Permits

Most stationary sources of air pollution in the District must obtain permits from DOEE's Air Quality Division. Minor sources (such as gas stations, dry cleaners, auto body shops, generator sites, and small printers) generally need a Chapter 2 pre-construction review permit and then a Chapter 2 operating permit. Major sources need pre-construction review, NSR permits under 20 DCMR § 204 for new major sources or emission-increasing modifications, and Title V operating permits under 20 DCMR Chapter 3. Source category permits offer a fast standardized path for emergency engines and temporary portable plants.
Partially verifiedLast reviewed 2026-10-25
Partially verified. Chapter titles for 20 DCMR Chapters 2 and 3 are summarized; confirm on DC Regulations. Statement about ozone nonattainment is general background, not taken from the DOEE permit page.

Air permits & authorizations

  • Exemptions

    Exemption

    DOEE workshop materials describe an exemption for small external combustion equipment (boilers). See 20 DCMR Chapter 2 for the full exemption list.

    Thresholds (summarized from source, not a quotation)

    Boilers rated 5 MMBTU/hr heat input or less (restated from DOEE workshop materials).

    20 DCMR Chapter 2Official page

  • Source Category Permits

    General Permit

    Standardized permits for specific source types without separate public review; DOEE states applications are automatically approved if no response arrives in the specified time. Categories: temporary portable crusher/screen/conveyor equipment; temporary portable concrete plants; natural gas emergency engines (NSPS JJJJ); diesel emergency engines (NSPS IIII); existing natural gas and diesel emergency engines (NESHAP ZZZZ).

    Official page

  • Chapter 2 Pre-construction Review and Operating Permits (minor sources)

    Minor NSR

    Permit required before construction, then an operating permit after construction. Minor New Source Review applies.

    20 DCMR Chapter 2Official page

  • Acid Rain Permits

    Other

    For power plants in the Acid Rain Program (CAA Title IV).

    Official page

Major NSR (PSD & nonattainment)

  • New Source Review (20 DCMR § 204)

    Nonattainment NSR

    For new major sources or modifications that increase emissions at existing major sources. The District is in the Washington ozone nonattainment area, so nonattainment NSR applies to major ozone precursor sources.

    20 DCMR § 204Official page

Title V operating permits

  • Title V Operating Permit (20 DCMR Chapter 3)

    Title V

    For sources with potential to emit above major source thresholds. DOEE often issues combined Title V and Chapter 2 operating permits.

    20 DCMR Chapter 3Official page

Oil & Gas

The District has no oil and gas production. Emergency generators and boilers are the most common permitted sources.

    Oil & Gas industry hub

    State air regulations

    Forms

    Guidance

    Compliance

    State compliance obligations (reporting, emissions inventory, testing) are being indexed. Use the Compliance dashboard preview to see how they will be tracked.

    Sources

    AirPermitHub provides educational, engineering, research, and compliance-support information. Information provided by the platform does not constitute legal advice and should not replace review of applicable regulations, permits, agency guidance, or consultation with qualified professionals. Full disclaimer