Maricopa County Air Quality Department Dust Permit Application Streamlining

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) processes 3,500 permit applications annually from Maricopa County residents and companies who require a dust control permit. The permit is required to control dust on sites in order to reduce the emissions of dust (PM10-particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter) into the atmosphere. However, the existing 42-page application and guidance was an unwieldy, “one size fits all” format that did not work well for most applicants. There was a clear need for a streamlined process to accommodate projects ranging from small trenching operations to large 500-acre plus home developments in a more, user-friendly manner. To address this need MCAQD developed a 7-page online fillable form with the ability to expand and contract for each specific project. Pop ups offer online guidance in filling out the form when and where needed. The condensed form also allowed MCAQD customers to submit permits and payment online as well as receiving a permit tailored to the size and needs of the project.