The District receives numerous air pollution complaints every year from members of the public. Our inspectors conduct investigations of the complaints, and determine whether there is a violation of District rules, including whether or not an individual or facility is causing a public nuisance (see below).

Registering a Complaint

To register an air pollution complaint, use our online complaint form or call us at 805-979-8266, and supply the following information.

• Your name, address and phone number.
• Location and time that you observed an odor, or smoke, gases or particles, and any additional observations.
• Description of the problem, and its effects on you.

Every complaint is entered into our complaint log and investigated individually by a District inspector. If a violation is documented, enforcement action will be taken. The District responds quickly to all complaints, usually within 24 hours, but please note our normal inspector availability (see below).

Note: Your name and contact information are needed in order for an inspector to conduct a proper and effective complaint investigation. Therefore, anonymous complaints may be investigated if resources are available and registered complaints have been addressed. Registered complaints are kept confidential by the District (unless identities must be disclosed due to litigation).

Inspector Availability

Complaints can be registered during non-business hours, 24 hours a day, by calling 805-979-8266 and leaving a voice message. District inspectors are available to respond to complaints during the District’s normal business hours Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The District offices are not staffed during non-business hours, on weekends, or on holidays. See our holiday schedule for more information. The District is not a first responder agency. If you are experiencing a situation that requires immediate attention, dial 9-1-1 to contact emergency professionals.

Nuisance

The California Health and Safety Code and District regulations prohibit emissions of air contaminants that cause nuisance or annoyance to a considerable number of people, or that present a threat to public health, or damage to property. See the District’s Rule 303, Nuisance (PDF).

Smoking or Idling Vehicles

To report a smoking vehicle, or an idling vehicle call the California Air Resources Board number 1-800-END-SMOG  with as much information as possible on the vehicle type, license plate number; and date, time, and location of the incident.  (See Air Pollution Complaints for more information.)