Business Assistance Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

In order to operate within Maricopa County, businesses may require one or more air quality permits. While the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) strives to make the process of applying for permits and complying with pollution control requirements as simple and easy to understand as possible, not all business owners are well prepared to work through the process without assistance. MCAQD’s Business Assistance Program provides information and technical assistance to business owners related to air quality rules and regulations. The program offers permit application assistance, conducts courtesy site visits, assists with rule interpretation and education, and provides independent reviews of enforcement case findings upon request. Ultimately, our goal is to educate and assist customers to increase compliance with air quality rules and regulations making enforcement as rare as possible. In 2016, the Business Assistance Program assisted more than 1,200 businesses and stakeholders via phone calls and emails, and completed more than 75 courtesy site visits and case reviews. Through the use of a survey, customers of the program have the opportunity to anonymously provide feedback to the department. This feedback indicates that the help sheets, flyers, and additional employee resources have helped to increase compliance with air quality rules and regulations.