Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Air-Quality-permits/Notice-of-Construction-permit.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Subject matter expert contact information:

Contacts vary by location, see notes/comments for link to contacts table.

Air Quality Notice of Construction (NOC) Permit

Description/Purpose

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) issues a Notice of Construction (NOC) permit to businesses to make sure Washington meets state and federal air quality requirements. An NOC permit limits the amount of air pollutants a business can emit. This permit is sometimes called a "pre-construction permit" because you must have one before you start construction or operate your business.

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

An NOC permit is required to install a new source of air pollution or modify an existing source of air pollution (either an increase or decrease in emissions). A NOC Application is also required to install, replace, or a change to the air pollution control equipment installed on an existing source of air pollution, unless the source or activity is exempt.

To determine if your project is exempt, contact the permitting authority for your area. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of your project.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

Application review fees vary, depending on the type and complexity of the project and the time it takes Ecology to review the project. Projects that are more complicated pay higher fees. Please see the permit application for fee information. https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ECY070410.html

Application Information

The application is called 'Notice of Construction Application' is online and can be accessed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/summarypages/ecy070410.html.

Please see the instructions for more information: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ECY070410A.html

When making the decision on your permit, Ecology will consider the applicable laws and rules, the contents of your application, and the background environmental conditions.

Before Ecology can approve an NOC permit, your project must go through the State Environmental Policy Act review process.

If your project is located in Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Stevens, Walla Walla or Whitman County, send your application permits to:

   Washington Department of Ecology
   Cashiering Unit
   PO Box 47611
   Olympia, WA 98504-7611

If your project is located in Benton, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, or Yakima County, select the appropriate local clean air agency for information about Notice of Construction Permits in your county.

The permit is valid for the lifetime of the permitted pollution source. Changes to the pollution source (either an emission increase or decrease) or the addition of new equipment in a facility may trigger the need for a new NOC permit.

You have a right to appeal a permit decision to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of the permit. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. "Date of receipt" is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).

You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC.

Read the Pollution Control Hearings Board Appeal Process web page for more details.

If the Ecology issued the permit, please contact the issuing office to discuss the decision on your permit.

If a local clean air agency issued the permit, contact that office directly (see notes/comments).

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 147
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 1292

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 57
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 188


(Summary results based on 45 submittals in 2024)

Legal authority
Schematic
View the schematic
Notes / Comments

Who issues this permit?
The agency that issues these permits varies by location.

The Department of Ecology issues the permits in the following counties:

  • Ecology Central Regional Office - Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan Counties
  • Ecology Eastern Regional Office - Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman Counties
  • Ecology Northwest Regional Office - San Juan County

For all other counties the agency that issues these permits varies, it would be one of the following:

  • The local clean air agency
  • Tribes protect air quality in Indian country, with technical assistance from EPA.

Permit Application:
If the Department of Ecology issues the permit, use Ecology’s application. If a local clean air agency issues the permit, contact them for their application.

If you need help, the statewide contact listed below is a good resource.

Contacts

Department of Ecology
Air Quality Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia WA 98504-7600
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Air-Quality-permits/Air-operating-permits
Telephone: (360) 407-6800
Fax: (360) 407-7534
Washington Clean Air Agencies
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/accountability-transparency/partnerships-committees/clean-air-agencies

Department of Ecology Regional Offices Contacts: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/contact-us/region-contacts

* Credential details last updated 9/22/2026
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