Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP)

This page last reviewed April 17, 2013


image sample of portable equipment

Owners or Operators of portable engines and certain other types of equipment can register their units under the Air Resources Board's (ARB) Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) in order to operate their equipment throughout California without having to obtain individual permits from local air districts. The following sections will assist you with the PERP registration process and present facts on the Portable Diesel Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM).

PORTABLE DIESEL ENGINE AIRBORNE TOXIC CONTROL MEASURE

As of January 1, 2013, the Portable Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) fleet standards went into effect. The ATCM requires owners of portable engines to submit a statement of compliance signed by a Responsible Official to the Air Resources Board by March 1, 2013. In addition to the statement of compliance, a summary that identifies each portable engine in the fleet and the associated emission rate (g/bhp-hr) must be included. For more information and to locate the statement of compliance and fleet summary forms ,go to Fleet Emission Calculators. Applications from first time applicants will not be accepted unless the statement of compliance and the fleet summary are included.


Considering Making Changes to Your Fleet?

The ATCM also requires owners to ensure that the average PM emission level for their fleet does not fall out of compliance due to changes in the composition of the fleet. Buying, selling, or modifying engines could result in a fleet becoming noncompliant. PERP registrants considering adding, removing and/or modifying engines in their fleet are strongly encouraged to re-calculate their fleet average to ensure that the fleet is still compliant with the applicable standard before submitting requests to ARB. It is recommended that you include the statement of compliance and the updated fleet summary with your requests and maintain copies for your records. It is also recommended that you save an electronic copy of the fleet calculator(s) with your updated engines for future reference.

We encourage you to contact us at portable@arb.ca.gov if you have any questions regarding these issues.

Current Fleet Standards Requirements Flyer in English or En Espanol

CRITICAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS


June 30, 2013

This will be the last day ARB will accept initial registration applications for Interim Tier 4 engines rated from 50 bhp up to 74 bhp.

On July 1, 2013

For initial registration into PERP, all engines must meet the following:

  • 50 to 74 bhp - certified Final Tier 4
  • 75 bhp and above - certified Interim Tier 4
  • Or, for all power categories - Flex engines certified under the flexability provisions of Federal 40 CFR 1039.625, or CFR 89.102, or California Code of Regulations section 2423 (d).

The chart below shows the phase-in of new certification Tiers up to 2015. After the Tier changes, ARB allows a six month grace period before the required new engine Tier begins.


View the Off-Road Compression-Ignition (Diesel) Engine Tiers Chart (PDF)
For more information, please contact the PERP email.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINES ON TWO-ENGINE VEHICLES

PERP Application Submittal Options:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • The requirements for portable equipment can be complicated, so we have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions with answers that may help you with this subject.  Portable FAQ document

Application Forms

  • Application Forms Please be sure you are using the most recent form(s) posted on this website.
  • How to complete applications
  • PERP no longer accepts applications and renewal invoice payments via fax due to security issues with credit card numbers transmitted by this method.  Please mail them directly to the address listed on the application form and renewal invoice.

Recordkeeping and Reporting Forms

Air District Notification

For notifying air districts for operation of registered equipment units (not engines).
Notification is required if an equipment unit (not an engine) will be at a location  for more than five days. Here is an easy-to-use online form for assistance in meeting this requirement.

Training

List Server and Contact Information

PERP Contact Information

  • PERP Information Line: (916) 324-5869
  • email
  • Write to:

    ARB / PERP
    P.O. Box 2038
    Sacramento, CA 95812

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