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AirPermitHub

IA · EPA Region 7

Iowa Air Permits

Iowa requires an air construction permit before constructing or modifying equipment or control equipment, except where an exemption applies (including the small unit exemption in 567 IAC 22.1(2)"w"). Complex reviews cover PSD, major source nonattainment permitting, SIP maintenance areas, avoidance limits, and greenfield facilities. Iowa's Operating Permit Program issues Title V permits and Small Source operating permits. Since January 1, 2023, construction permit applications are accepted only through Iowa EASY Air.
Verified against agency sourceLast reviewed 2026-10-25

Air permits & authorizations

  • Small Unit Exemption

    Exemption

    For units emitting below small unit thresholds on a 12-month rolling basis; not available for units venting through a permitted point, emitting non-regulated pollutants, or requiring NESHAP review. An Exemption Justification Document must be kept on site; 'substantial' small units need advance notice to DNR, and cumulative notice thresholds apply.

    Thresholds (summarized from source, not a quotation)

    Per DNR fact sheet (per year): SO2, NOx, VOC, CO 5 tons each; PM 5 tons; PM10 2.5 tons; PM2.5 0.52 tons; HAPs 5 tons; lead 2 lb (40 lb for equipment begun on or before Oct. 23, 2013).

    567 IAC 22.1(2)"w"Official page

  • Other construction permit exemptions

    Exemption

    Includes manual non-production tools and other listed exemptions.

    567 IAC 22.1(2)Official page

  • Air Construction Permit

    Minor NSR

    Required before constructing or modifying equipment or control equipment. DNR offers category guidance for aggregate processing, asphalt plants, concrete batch, engines, gasoline bulk plants, grain elevators, prepared feeds, spray booths, and CHP.

    567 IAC Chapter 22Official page

  • Small Source Operating Permit

    State Operating

    Operating permit type for smaller sources in Iowa's Operating Permit Program.

    Official page

Major NSR (PSD & nonattainment)

  • PSD (complex review)

    PSD

    Major source review in attainment areas, handled as a complex construction permit review.

    567 IAC Chapters 21-33Official page

  • Major Source Nonattainment Area permitting (complex review)

    Nonattainment NSR

    Major source review in nonattainment areas and SIP maintenance areas.

    567 IAC Chapters 21-33Official page

Title V operating permits

  • Title V Operating Permit

    Title V

    Single state-issued document consolidating state and federal air requirements for larger facilities.

    567 IAC Chapters 21-33Official page

Oil & Gas

Iowa has no oil and gas production. DNR's permitting pages list no oil-and-gas-specific air program; engine guidance applies to compressor stations.

    Oil & Gas industry hub

    State air regulations

    Forms

    Guidance

    Compliance

    State compliance obligations (reporting, emissions inventory, testing) are being indexed. Use the Compliance dashboard preview to see how they will be tracked.

    Sources

    Editorial note: Title V and Small Source operating permit thresholds are in DNR's Operating Permits FAQ, not reviewed here. Permitting helpline: 1-877-AIR-IOWA.

    AirPermitHub provides educational, engineering, research, and compliance-support information. Information provided by the platform does not constitute legal advice and should not replace review of applicable regulations, permits, agency guidance, or consultation with qualified professionals. Full disclaimer