(a)  For purposes of subdivision (b), “small business stationary source” means a source which meets all of the following criteria:

(1)  The source is owned or operated by a person who employs 100 or fewer individuals.

(2)  The source is a small business as defined under the federal Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 631, et seq.).

(3)  The source emits less than 10 tons per year of any single pollutant and less than 20 tons per year of all pollutants.

(b)  In addition to the requirements of Section 42322, every district shall establish a small business assistance program for small business stationary sources located within the district’s jurisdiction. A small business assistance program adopted pursuant to this section shall consist of all of the following:

(1)  The development of a standardized permit application form which is written in clear and understandable language and provides small business persons with adequate information to complete and return the form.

(2)  To the extent that a district determines that it will not adversely affect public health or the environment, the consolidation of the authority to construct and permit to operate into a single permit process in order to reduce processing times and paperwork for small business stationary sources.

(3)  The establishment of expedited variance procedures for small businesses and the provision of technical assistance for applicants on the processing of variances.

(4)  The designation of a single person or office within the district which shall serve as a point of initial access and accessibility to the district for small business persons.

(5)  Upon the approval of the district board at a duly noticed public hearing, the establishment of surcharges on permit fees levied on sources regulated by the district, to be used for the establishment of a small business economic assistance program.

(c)  This section does not apply to county air pollution control districts in counties that have a population of less than 250,000 persons.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1096, Sec. 3. Effective September 29, 1992.)