Portable Engines and Equipment vs Stationary Engines and Equipment

Updated 2/21/12

The District regulations require the permitting of any portable engine having a brake horsepower rating of greater than 50 horsepower that is not a vehicle engine. If the engine is stationary, such as an installed emergency generator or shop equipment, a permit from the District is required. However, if the engine is portable, does not propel a vehicle, and does not operate at any location for more than 12 continuous months, it may be registered with the State of California Air Resources Board in lieu of obtaining a District permit. Registration with the State is much less expensive than the cost to obtain a District permit and allows the relocation of the equipment throughout California. Both engines and equipment that emit air pollutants must either be permitted with the District or registered with the State. Similarly, the State has adopted an Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for portable engines, i.e. the Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Diesel Particulate Matter from Portable Engines Rated at 50 Horsepower and Greater, and an ATCM for stationary engines, i.e. Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Stationary Compression Engines.

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