How to Apply for Air Permits

Types of Applications

Types of Applications

If unsure which permit application option is appropriate, review the air permit section of the Permit Primer. Small businesses can also review the Air Permit Types for Small Businesses webpage for additional information.

Construction Permits

Construction permit and construction permit revision applications and construction permit exemption determination requests have initial application fees. The application process and payment structure are explained on the construction tab of the Air Permit Options page.

Construction permit and construction permit revision applications and construction permit exemption determination requests require the use of Form 4530-100. Depending on what is being applied for, other process and activity-related forms may be required. Refer to the application checklist for the appropriate permit type for additional information on which forms are required.

Operation Permits

Operation permit applications and operation permit exemption determination requests do not have initial application fees. Any facility required to have an operation permit must pay annual fees that are based on the type of permit and total emissions reported annually. Details on the fees are explained on the following pages:

• Annual Fee Structure for Non-Title V Sources
• Annual Fee Structure for Title V Sources

There are three types of operation permits: registration operation permits (ROPs), general operation permits (GOPs) and source-specific operation permits. Learn more about these different permits on the Air Permit Options page.

• ROPs and GOPs have specific application forms for each permit type available. These forms are found on the General and Registration Permits tab on the Forms page.
• Source-specific (e.g., exemption, operation permit) applications always require the use of Form 4530-100. 
  • Depending on what is being applied for, other process and activity-related forms may be required. Refer to the appropriate application checklist for additional information.
  • For questions on how to complete specific individual forms, refer to the Form by Form instructions.

Operation permit renewals

An operation permit renewal application is only required for operation permits with an expiration date on the cover page.

Please refer to the Air Pollution Control Operation Permit Renewals FAQ webpage for instructions on how to submit an operation permit renewal application to the DNR. Refer to the Operation Permit Renewal Application Checklist (AM-578) to ensure the application includes all necessary information.

Permit exemptions

More details on eligibility criteria for the exemptions are available on the Air Permit Exemptions webpage.

Construction Permit Exemptions

Some projects or activities that involve construction, reconstruction, replacement, relocation or modification at a facility are exempt from needing a construction permit. If a project or activity is exempt, a formal exemption application is not required in most cases. If the facility has an existing operation permit, an application to revise the operation permit to incorporate the project or activity must be submitted prior to commencing construction. Because of the complexities of the exemption regulations and the compliance concerns related to constructing without a permit, a facility can apply for a formal exemption determination from the DNR.

There are several types of exemptions where a formal application must be submitted and a determination made by the DNR before the project can proceed:

• Research and testing exemptions under s. NR 406.04(1)(i), Wis. Adm. Code;
• Temporary steam generating unit (e.g., boiler) exemption under s. NR 406.04(1)(zg), Wis. Adm. Code; and
• Sources exempt based on controlled actual emissions less than 10 tons per year under s. NR 406.04(1q), Wis. Adm. Code.

Use Form 4530-100 to apply for construction permit exemption determinations and/or any associated operation permit revision.

Operation Permit Exemptions

Some facilities are exempt from needing an operation permit. In most cases a formal operation permit exemption application is not required, though sources may apply for an operation permit exemption determination from the DNR. The following types of operation permit exemptions require a formal determination before the source can operate under the exemption:

• operation permit exemption based on actual emissions less than 10 tons per year under s. NR 407.03(1m), Wis. Adm. Code; and
• natural minor exemption under s. NR 407.03(1s), Wis. Adm. Code.

Use Form 4530-100 to apply for operation permit exemptions.

Application Checklists

Application Checklists

The application checklists listed below describe all the information that must be submitted when applying for an air pollution control permit or exemption, and include links to application forms, helpful tips and submittal instructions.

Use the download link to save a fillable PDF version to your computer.

Submitting the Applications

Permit Application Submittal Instructions

The DNR does not process air permit applications until the signature and required fees (if any) are submitted.

Application Fees

Some permit types require an application fee. Select the appropriate payment option and follow the instructions for submitting the fee on Form 4530-100.

Permit Application E-Signature

For a faster process when applying electronically, be sure the responsible official has access to the Switchboard as well as the Air Permit Actions function. Use the instructions below to complete the process:

• Guidebook
• Quick Instructions

Submittal Options

Submit all completed air permit application materials to the DNR using either Option 1 or Option 2 below. To avoid processing delays, do not submit application materials to a regional office or to any specific permit writer or compliance engineer.

Option 1
Email an ELECTRONIC COPY* to DNRAMAirPermit@Wisconsin.gov.

*Applications must be signed by the responsible official for the source. Upon receipt of an electronic application, the DNR will send an email with instructions for e-Signing or submitting an ink signature. A photocopied or scanned signature does not meet the signature requirements for air pollution control permit applications.

OR

Option 2
Mail the ORIGINAL COPY of all materials with ink signature on form 4530-100 to the following address:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Air Management Program, AM/7
Attn: Permits
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921

Additional Resources

Application Resources

• Permit Primer: A Step-By-Step Guide to Wisconsin's Environmental Permits
• Operation Permit Application Instructions for Initial or Renewal Applications (AM-300)
• Permit Application Form-by-Form Instructions (AM-565)
• Federal Performance and Emission Standards in Air Pollution Control Permits
• Instructions for Creating a Highlighted Version of a Federal Standard
• Switchboard access: How to Access Online Air Permit Actions [PDF]
• How to Request Confidentiality for Business Information (AM-530) [PDF]