Emergency Generators

Air District permits are required for diesel engines over 50bhp, including residential and commercial backup or emergency generators, as diesel engine exhaust contains toxic air contaminants linked to lung cancer and other adverse health effects.

What are the permit requirements for diesel backup generators?

All residential and commercial diesel backup generators 50 brake horsepower (bhp) or and larger require Air District permits. Diesel generators purchased out of state, or old generators, may not be able to be permitted as they may not meet current emission standards designed to protect public health. Gasoline or propane emergency generators are exempt from permitting except for large engines (typically over 900 bhp or 670 kilowatts) that may require permits. Alternatives to diesel generators include battery, solar, gasoline and propane. Contact GBUAPCD if you are unclear if your engine requires a permit.

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

As a preventative effort in reducing wildfire risk, utilities have developed power shutdown policies, referred to as "Public Safety Power Shutoff" (PSPS) if the utility believes that there is an imminent and significant risk that strong winds may topple power lines. During such events, the utility will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas. As a result of the increased frequency and duration of power shutoffs across Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties, many businesses and residents have become interested in backup power during these events which may require permitting.

You can use a diesel backup generator greater than 50 bhp during a PSPS event and be compliant with air quality requirements if:

  • You have obtained a permit from the air district
  • You are within an outage area
  • You use the generator only during the outage as detailed in the permit conditions

How do I obtain an air district permit?

Permit information and application forms are available online. Please complete application forms A-1 and A-6 for a backup generator. An application fee and an annual permit fee are required.

What are some precautions for using backup generators?

  • Never use a fuel-powered generator inside your home. Good ventilation is required because of the pollutants that these generators produce.
  • Consider the effects of noise and exhaust before installing and for prolonged periods of use.

Additional Information and Resources

Please contact GBUAPCD for additional information or assistance.

Phone: (760) 872‑8211
Email: permits@gbuapcd.org
Office Location: 157 Short Street, Bishop CA 93514
(Business hours Monday to Friday 8am-5pm)