Pilot Program Offers Simplified Permit Process

Local officials are promising a more efficient process beginning Monday for companies seeking environmental permits in south Orange County.

Operating the largest of four pilot programs in the state, the Orange County Permit Assistance Center will help businesses in South County save time and money, center director Danian Hopp said.

Businesses operating in the South Orange County Permit Consolidation Zone will be able to submit expansion or building plans to as many as 16 state and regional agencies, along with 10 participating cities, through a consolidated application.

“In the end, this is an issue of government efficiency,” he said.

Any business needing permits involving air or water quality, hazardous materials, sewers or biological resources will have the option of using the center. Restaurants, dry cleaners and computer-chip manufacturers are just some of the businesses that need environmental permits.

“The beauty of something like this is that as we try to attract new businesses to Orange County, this could make the difference,” said Julie Puente, spokesperson for the Orange County Business Council. “It creates a far more friendly business environment.”

Puente, who said permits now can take up to three years to receive, regards the new zone as a good first step toward reducing red tape. She said the business community still questions the need for certain permits.

The pilot program will handle the process for state agencies such as the California Environmental Protection Agency, the Air Resources Board, the Integrated Waste Management Board, and the Department of Fish and Game.

Regional agencies taking part in the consolidation include the Southern California Air Quality Management District, the Orange County Environmental Health Division and the Irvine Ranch Water District.

The participating cities are: Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Orange.

The center is at Lake Forest City Hall.