1113-1

(Adopted Sept. 2, 1977)(Amended Dec. 2, 1977)(Amended Feb. 3, 1978)

(Amended Sept. 5, 1980)(Amended Apr. 3, 1981)(Amended July 3, 1981)

(Amended by California Air Resources Board Oct. 21, 1981)

(Amended Aug. 5, 1983)(Amended Mar. 16, 1984)(Amended Aug. 2, 1985)

(Amended Nov. 1, 1985)(Amended Feb. 6, 1987)(Amended Jan. 5, 1990)

(Amended Feb. 2, 1990)(Amended Nov. 2, 1990)(Amended Dec. 7, 1990)

(Amended Sept. 6, 1991)(Amended March 8, 1996)(Amended August 9, 1996)

(Amended November 8, 1996)(Amended May 14, 1999; Vacated)

(Amended July 20, 2001)(Amended December 6, 2002)(Amended December 5, 2003)

(Amended July 9, 2004)(Amended June 9, 2006)(Amended July 13, 2007)

(Amended June 3, 2011)

RULE 1113. ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS

(a) Applicability 

This rule is applicable to any person who supplies, sells, markets, offers for sale,

or manufactures any architectural coating for use in the District that is intended to 

be field applied to stationary structures or their appurtenances, and to fields and 

lawns; mobile homes, pavements or curbs; as well as any person who applies, 

stores at a worksite, or solicits the application of any architectural coating within 

the District. The purpose of this rule is to limit the VOC content of architectural

coatings used in the District or to allow the averaging of such coatings, as 

specified, so their actual emissions do not exceed the allowable emissions if all 

the averaged coatings had complied with the specified limits.

(b) Definitions

For the purpose of this rule, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT means a pressurized coating product 

containing pigments or resins that dispenses product ingredients by means 

of a propellant, and is packaged in a disposable can for hand-held 

application, or for use in specialized equipment for ground marking and 

traffic marking applications.

(2) ALUMINUM ROOF COATINGS are roof coatings containing at least 0.7 

pounds per gallon (84 grams per liter) of coating as applied, of elemental 

aluminum pigment.

(3) APPURTENANCES are accessories to a stationary structure, including, 

but not limited to: hand railings, cabinets, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, 

fences, rain-gutters and down-spouts, window screens, lamp-posts, heating 

and air conditioning equipment, other mechanical equipment, large fixed 
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1113-2

stationary tools, signs, motion picture and television production sets, and 

concrete forms.

(4) ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS are any coatings applied to stationary 

structures and their appurtenances, to fields and lawns.mobile homes, to 

pavements, to curbs.

(5) BELOW-GROUND WOOD PRESERVATIVES are wood preservatives 

formulated to protect below-ground wood.

(6) BITUMINOUS COATING MATERIALS are black or brownish coating 

materials, soluble in carbon disulfide, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons 

and which are obtained from natural deposits, or as residues from the 

distillation of crude petroleum oils, or of low grades of coal.

(7) BITUMINOUS ROOF PRIMERS are primers formulated for or applied to 

roofing that incorporate bituminous coating materials.

(8) BOND BREAKERS are coatings formulated for or applied between layers 

of concrete to prevent the freshly poured top layer of concrete from 

bonding to the substrate over which it is poured.

(9) CLEAR BRUSHING LACQUERS are clear wood finishes, excluding 

clear lacquer sanding sealers, formulated with nitrocellulose or synthetic 

resins to dry by solvent evaporation without chemical reaction and to 

provide a solid, protective film, which are intended exclusively for 

application by brush, and which are labeled as specified in paragraph

(d)(7).

(10)(9) CLEAR WOOD FINISHES are clear and semi-transparent coatings, 

including lacquers and varnishes, applied to wood substrates, including 

floors, decks and porches, to provide a transparent or translucent solid 

film.

(11)(10) COATING is a material which is applied to a surface in order to 

beautify, protect, or provide a barrier to such surface.

(12)(11) COLORANTS are solutions of dyes or suspensions of pigments.

(13)(12) CONCRETE-CURING COMPOUNDS are coatings formulated 

for or applied to freshly poured concrete to retard the evaporation of 

water. Concrete-curing compounds manufactured and used for roadways 

and bridges (does not include curbs and gutters, sidewalks, islands, 

driveways and other miscellaneous concrete areas) are those concretecuring compounds that meet ASTM Designation C309, Class B, and meet 
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1113-3

a loss of water standard of less than 0.15-kg/m2 in 24 hours as determined 

by the California Transportation Department, California Test 534.

(13) CONCRETE SURFACE RETARDERS are coatings containing one or 

more ingredients such as extender pigments, primary pigments, resins, and 

solvents that interact chemically with the cement to prevent hardening on 

the surface where the retarder is applied, allowing the mix of cement and 

sand at the surface to be washed away to create an exposed aggregate 

finish.

(14) DRIVEWAY SEALERS are coatings that are applied to worn asphalt 

driveway surfaces in order to: 

(A) Fill cracks;

(B) Seal the surface to provide protection; or

(C) Restore or preserve the surface appearance.

(14)(15) DRY-FOG COATINGS are coatings which are formulated only 

for spray application so that when sprayed, overspray droplets dry before 

falling on floors and other surfaces.

(15)(16) EXEMPT COMPOUNDS (See Rule 102-Definition of Terms.)

(17) FAUX FINISHING COATINGS are coatings that meet one or more of the 

following subcategories:

(A) GLAZES, which are coatings designed for wet-in-wet techniques 

used to create artistic effects, including but not limited to dirt, old 

age, smoke damage, simulated marble and wood grain finishes, 

decorative patterns, color blending, and wet edge techniques.

(B) DECORATIVE COATINGS, which are coatings used to create a 

gonioapparent appearance, such as metallic, iridescent, or 

pearlescent appearance, that contain at least 48 grams of 

pearlescent mica pigment or other iridescent pigment per liter of 

coating as applied (at least 0.4 pounds per gallon).

(C) JAPANS, which are pure concentrated pigments, finely ground in 

a slow drying vehicle used by Motion Picture and Television 

Production Studios to create artistic effects, including but not 

limited to, dirt, old age, smoke damage, water damage, and 

simulated marble and wood grain.

(D) TROWEL APPLIED COATINGS, which are coatings applied by 

trowel that are used to create aesthetic effects, including, but not 
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1113-4

limited to polished plaster, clay, suede and dimensional, tactile 

textures.

(E) CLEAR TOPCOATS, which are clear coatings used to enhance, 

seal and protect a Faux Finishing coating that meets the 

requirements of subsection (b)(18)(A), (B), (C) or (D). These clear 

topcoats must be sold and used solely as part of a Faux Finishing 

coating system, and must be labeled in accordance paragraph 

(d)(7).

(16)(18) FIRE-PROOFING EXTERIOR COATINGS are opaque coatings 

formulated to protect the structural integrity of outdoor steel and other 

outdoor construction materials and listed by Underwriter's Laboratories, 

Inc. for the fire protection of steel.

(17) FIRE-RETARDANT COATINGS are coatings labeled and formulated to 

retard ignition and flame spread, that has been fire tested and rated by a 

testing agency approved by building code officials for use in bringing 

building and construction materials into compliance with federal, state and 

local building code requirements. The fire-retardant coating and the 

testing agency must be approved by building code officials. The fireretardant coating shall be tested in accordance with ASTM Test Method E 

84, incorporated by reference in paragraph (e)(4) or listed by 

Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. as fire-retardant coatings with a flame 

spread index of less than 25.

(18)(19) FLAT COATINGS are coatings that register a gloss of less than 15 

on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter.

(19)(20) FLOOR COATINGS are opaque coatings that are formulated for 

or applied to flooring; including but not limited to garages, decks, and 

porches, and clear coatings formulated for or applied to concrete flooring, 

but do not include Industrial Maintenance Coatings.

(21) FORM RELEASE COMPOUNDS are coatings designed for or applied to 

a concrete form to prevent the freshly poured concrete from bonding to the 

form. The form may consist of metal, wood, or some material other than 

concrete.

(20)(22) FORMULATION DATA is the actual product recipe which 

itemizes all the ingredients contained in a product including VOCs and the 
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1113-5

quantities thereof used by the manufacturer to create the product. Material 

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are not considered formulation data.

(23) GONIOAPPARENT means a change in appearance with a change in the 

angle of illumination or the angle of view, as defined according to ASTM 

E 284.

(21)(24) GRAMS OF VOC PER LITER OF COATING OR COLORANT, 

LESS WATER AND LESS EXEMPT COMPOUNDS, is the weight of 

VOC per combined volume of VOC and coating or colorant solids and can 

be calculated by the following equation:

Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating, Less = Ws - Ww - Wes

Water and Less Exempt Compounds Vm - Vw - Ves

Where: Ws = weight of volatile compounds in grams

Ww = weight of water in grams

Wes = weight of exempt compounds in grams

Vm = volume of material in liters

Vw = volume of water in liters

Ves = volume of exempt compounds in liters

For coatings that contain reactive diluents, the Grams of VOC per Liter of 

Coating, Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds, shall be calculated by 

the following equation:

Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating, Less = Ws - Ww - Wes

Water and Less Exempt Compounds Vm - Vw - Ves

Where: Ws = weight of volatile compounds emitted during 

curing, in grams

Ww = weight of water emitted during curing, in grams

Wes = weight of exempt compounds emitted during 

curing, in grams

Vm = volume of the material prior to reaction, in liters

Vw = volume of water emitted during curing, in liters

Ves = volume of exempt compounds emitted during 

curing, in liters
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1113-6

(22)(25) GRAMS OF VOC PER LITER OF MATERIAL is the weight of 

VOC per volume of material and can be calculated by the following 

equation:

Grams of VOC per Liter of Material = Ws - Ww - Wes

Vm

Where: Ws = weight of volatile compounds in grams

Ww = weight of water in grams

Wes = weight of exempt compounds in grams

Vm = volume of the material in liters

(23)(26) GRAPHIC ARTS COATINGS (Sign Paints) are coatings 

formulated for hand-application by artists using brush or roller techniques 

to indoor and outdoor signs (excluding structural components) and murals, 

including lettering enamels, poster colors, copy blockers, and bulletin 

enamels.

(24)(27) HIGH-TEMPERATURE INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE 

COATINGS are industrial maintenance coatings formulated for or applied 

to substrates exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures above 

400 degrees Fahrenheit.

(25)(28) INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATINGS are coatings, 

including primers, sealers, undercoaters, intermediate coatings and 

topcoats, formulated for or applied to substrates, including floors, that are 

exposed to one or more of the following extreme environmental 

conditions:

(A) iImmersion in water, wastewater, or chemical solutions (aqueous 

and non-aqueous solutions), or chronic exposure of interior 

surfaces to moisture condensation;

(B) aAcute or chronic exposure to corrosive, caustic or acidic agents, 

or similar chemicals, chemical fumes, chemical mixtures, or 

solutions;

(C) rRepeated exposure to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees 

Fahrenheit;

(D) rRepeated heavy abrasion, including mechanical wear and repeated 

scrubbing with industrial solvents, cleaners, or scouring agents; or
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(E) eExterior exposure of metal structures.

(26)(29) INTERIOR STAINS are stains labeled and formulated exclusively 

for use on interior surfaces.

(27) JAPANS/FAUX FINISHING COATINGS are glazes designed for wet-inwet techniques used as a stain or glaze to create artistic effects, including 

but not limited to, dirt, old age, smoke damage, and simulated marble and 

wood grain.

(28)(30) LACQUERS are clear or pigmented wood finishes, including clear 

lacquer sanding sealers, formulated with nitrocellulose or synthetic resins 

to dry by evaporation without chemical reaction.

(29)(31) LOW-SOLIDS COATINGS are coatings containing one pound or 

less of solids per gallon of material.

(30)(32) MAGNESITE CEMENT COATINGS are coatings formulated for 

or applied to magnesite cement decking to protect the magnesite cement 

substrate from erosion by water.

(33) MANUFACTURER is any person, company, firm, or establishment who 

imports, blends, assembles, produces, packages, repackages, or re-labels 

an architectural coating, not including retail outlets where labels or 

stickers may be affixed to containers or where colorant is added at the 

point of sale.

(34) MARKET means to facilitate sales through third party vendors, including 

but not limited to catalog or ecommerce sales that bring together buyers

and sellers. For the purposes of this rule, market does not mean to 

generally promote or advertise coatings.

(31)(35) MASTIC COATINGS are coatings formulated to cover holes and 

minor cracks and to conceal surface irregularities, and applied in a 

thickness of at least 10 mils (dry, single coat).

(32)(36) METALLIC PIGMENTED COATINGS are coatings, excluding 

roof coatings, containing at least 0.4 pounds per gallon (48 grams/liter) of 

coating, as applied, of elemental metallic pigment (excluding zinc). 

Effective July 1, 2012, metallic pigmented coatings are decorative 

coatings, excluding industrial maintenance and roof coatings, containing at 

least 0.4 pounds per gallon (48 grams/liter) of coating, as applied, of 

elemental metallic pigment (excluding zinc).
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1113-8

(33)(37) MULTI-COLOR COATINGS are coatings which exhibit more 

than one color when applied and which are packaged in a single container

and applied in a single coat.

(34)(38) NONFLAT COATINGS are coatings that are not defined under 

any other definition in this rule and that register a gloss of 5 or greater on a 

60 degree meter and a gloss of 15 or greater on an 85 degree meter

according to ASTM Test Method D 523 as specified in paragraph (e)(6).

(35) NONFLAT HIGH GLOSS COATINGS are coatings that register a gloss 

of 70 or above on a 60 degree meter according to ASTM Test Method D 

523 as specified in paragraph (e)(6).

(39) NON-SACRIFICIAL ANTI-GRAFFITI COATINGS are clear or opaque 

Industrial Maintenance Coatings formulated and recommended to deter 

adhesion of graffiti and to resist repeated scrubbing and exposure to harsh 

solvents, cleansers, or scouring agents used to remove graffiti.

(40) PEARLESCENT means exhibiting various colors depending on the angles 

of illumination and viewing, as observed in mother-of-pearl.

(41) PIGMENTED means containing colorant or dry coloring matter, such as 

an insoluble powder, to impart color to a substrate.

(36)(42) POST-CONSUMER COATINGS are finished coatings that would 

have been disposed of in a landfill, having completed their usefulness to a 

consumer, and does not include manufacturing wastes.

(37)(43) PRE-TREATMENT WASH PRIMERS are coatings which contain 

a minimum of 1/2 percent acid, by weight, applied directly to bare metal 

surfaces to provide necessary surface etching.

(38)(44) PRIMERS are coatings applied to a surface to provide a firm bond 

between the substrate and subsequent coats.

(39)(45) PRODUCT LINE is a line of coatings reported under one product 

number and name and subject to one coating VOC limit as specified in 

paragraph subdivision (c)(2) Table of Standards.

(40)(46) QUICK-DRY ENAMELS are non-flat, high gloss coatings which 

comply with the following:

(A) Shall be capable of being applied directly from the container by 

brush or roller under normal conditions, normal conditions being 

ambient temperatures between 60°F and 80°F; and

(B) When tested in accordance with ASTM D 1640 they shall: set-totouch in two hours or less, dry-hard in eight hours or less, and be 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-9

tack-free in four hours or less by the mechanical test method. 

Effective July 1, 2011, coatings classified as quick-dry enamels are 

subsumed by the non-flat coating category.

(41)(47) QUICK-DRY PRIMERS, SEALERS, AND UNDERCOATERS 

are primers, sealers, and undercoaters which are intended to be applied to 

a surface to provide a firm bond between the substrate and subsequent 

coats and which are dry-to-touch in one-half hour and can be recoated in 

two hours (ASTM D 1640). Effective July 1, 2011, coatings classified as 

quick-dry primers, sealers, and undercoaters are subsumed by the primer, 

sealer, undercoater category.

(48) REACTIVE DILUENT is a liquid which is a VOC during application and 

one in which, through chemical and/or physical reaction, such as 

polymerization, becomes an integral part of the coating.

(49) REACTIVE PENETRATING SEALERS are clear or pigmented coatings

labeled and formulated for application to above-grade concrete and 

masonry substrates to provide protection from water and waterborne 

contaminants, including, but not limited to, alkalis, acids, and salts. 

Reactive Penetrating Sealers must meet the following criteria:

(A) Used only for reinforced concrete bridge structures for 

transportation projects within 5 miles of the coast or above 4,000 

feet elevation or for restoration and/or preservation projects on 

registered historical buildings that are under the purview of a 

restoration architect.

(B) Penetrate into concrete and masonry substrates and chemically 

react to form covalent bonds with naturally occurring minerals in 

the substrate.

(C) Line the pores of concrete and masonry substrates with a 

hydrophobic coating, but do not form a surface film.

(D) Improve water repellency at least 80 percent after application on a 

concrete or masonry substrate. This performance must be verified 

on standardized test specimens, in accordance with one or more of 

the following standards: ASTM C67, or ASTM C97, or ASTM 

C140.

(E) Not reduce the water vapor transmission rate by more than 2 

percent after application on a concrete or masonry substrate. This 
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1113-10

performance must be verified on standardized test specimens, in 

accordance with ASTM E96/E96M.

(F) Meet the performance criteria listed in the National Cooperative 

Highway Research Report 244 (1981), surface chloride screening 

applications, for products labeled and formulated for vehicular 

traffic.

(50) RECYCLED COATINGS are coatings formulated such that 50 percent or 

more of the total weight consists of secondary and post-consumer coatings 

and 10 percent or more of the total weight consists of post-consumer 

coatings, and manufactured by a certified recycled paint manufacturer.

(42)(51) RESTORATION ARCHITECT is an architect that has a valid 

certificate of registration as an architect issued by the California State 

Board of Architectural Examiners or the National Council of Architectural 

Registration Boards and working on registered historical restoration and/or 

preservation projects.

(52) RETAIL OUTLET means any establishment at which architectural 

coatings are sold or offered for sale to consumers. 

(43)(53) ROOF COATINGS are coatings formulated for application to 

exterior roofs for the primary purpose of preventing penetration of the 

substrate by water, or reflecting heat and ultraviolet radiation.

(44)(54) RUST PREVENTATIVE COATINGS are coatings formulated for 

use in preventing the corrosion of metal surfaces in residential and 

commercial situations.

(55) SACRIFICIAL ANTI-GRAFFITI COATINGS are non-binding, clear 

coatings which are formulated and recommended for applications that 

allow for the removal of graffiti primarily by power washing. 

(45)(56) SANDING SEALERS are clear wood coatings formulated for or 

applied to bare wood for sanding and to seal the wood for subsequent 

application of coatings. Until July 1, 2013, Tto be considered a sanding 

sealer a coating must be clearly labeled as such.

(46)(57) SEALERS are coatings applied to either block materials from 

penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate, to prevent subsequent 

coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, or to prevent harm to 

subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate.

(47)(58) SECONDARY (REWORK) COATINGS are fragments of finished 

coatings or finished coatings from a manufacturing process that has 
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1113-11

converted resources into a commodity of real economic value, but does 

not include excess virgin resources of the manufacturing process.

(48)(59) SHELLACS are clear or pigmented coatings formulated solely 

with the resinous secretions of the lac insect (laccifer lacca). Shellacs are 

formulated to dry by evaporation without a chemical reaction providing a 

quick-drying, solid, protective film for priming and sealing stains and 

odors; and for wood finishing excluding floors effective January 1, 2007.

(49)(60) SOLICIT is to require for use or to specify, by written or oral 

contract.

(50)(61) SPECIALTY PRIMERS are coatings formulated for or applied to 

a substrate to seal fire, smoke or water damage; or to condition 

excessively chalky surfaces. An excessively chalky surface is one that is 

defined as having chalk rating of four or less as determined by ASTM D4214 – Photographic Reference Standard No. 1 or the Federation of 

Societies for Coatings Technology “Pictorial Standards for Coatings 

Defects”.

(62) STAINS are opaque or semi-transparent coatings which are formulated to 

change the color but not conceal the grain pattern or texture.

(63) STATIONARY STRUCTURES include but are not limited to, homes, 

office buildings, factories, mobile homes, pavements, curbs, roadways, 

racetracks, and bridges.

(64) STONE CONSOLIDANTS are coatings that are labeled and formulated 

for application to stone substrates to repair historical structures that have 

been damaged by weathering or other decay mechanisms. Stone 

Consolidants must meet the following criteria: 

(A) Used only for restoration and/or preservation projects on registered 

historical buildings that are under the purview of a restoration 

architect.

(B) Penetrate into stone substrates to create bonds between particles 

and consolidate deteriorated material. 

(C) Specified and used in accordance with ASTM E2167.

(51)(65) SWIMMING POOL COATINGS are coatings specifically 

formulated for or applied to the interior of swimming pools, including but 

not limited to water park attractions, ponds and fountains, and to resist 

swimming pool chemicals.
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(52)(66) SWIMMING POOL REPAIR COATINGS are chlorinated, 

rubber-based coatings used for the repair and maintenance of swimming 

pools over existing chlorinated, rubber-based coatings.

(53)(67) TINT BASE is an architectural coating to which colorants are 

added.

(54)(68) TRAFFIC COATINGS are coatings formulated for or applied to 

public streets, highways, and other surfaces including, but not limited to, 

curbs, berms, driveways, and parking lots.

(55)(69) UNDERCOATERS are coatings formulated for or applied to 

substrates to provide a smooth surface for subsequent coats.

(56)(70) VARNISHES are clear or pigmented wood finishes formulated 

with various resins to dry by chemical reaction.

(57)(71) VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) is as defined in 

Rule 102 – Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this rule, tertiary butyl 

acetate (TtBAc) is not a VOC shall be considered exempt as a VOC only 

for purposes of VOC emissions limitations or VOC content requirements 

and will continue to be a VOC for purposes of all recordkeeping, 

emissions reporting, photochemical dispersion modeling, and inventory 

requirements which apply to VOCs, when used in industrial maintenance 

coatings, including zinc-rich industrial maintenance coatings and nonsacrificial anti-graffiti coatings.

(58)(72) WATERPROOFING SEALERS are coatings which are formulated 

for the primary purpose of preventing penetration of porous substrates by 

water.

(59)(73) WATERPROOFING CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALERS are 

clear or pigmented sealers that are formulated for sealing concrete and 

masonry to provide resistance against water, alkalis, acids, ultraviolet 

light, and or staining.

(74) WOOD PRESERVATIVES are coatings formulated to protect wood from 

decay or insect attack by the addition of a wood preservative chemical 

registered by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

(60)(75) WORKSITE means any location where architectural coatings are

stored or applied.

(61)(76) ZINC-RICH INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE PRIMERS are 

primers formulated to contain a minimum of 65 percent metallic zinc 
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1113-13

powder (zinc dust) by weight of total solids for application to metal 

substrates.

(c) Requirements

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and specified 

coatings averaged under (c)(6), no person shall supply, sell, offer for sale, 

manufacture, blend, or repackage any architectural coating for use in the 

District which, at the time of sale or manufacture, contains more than 250 

grams of VOC per liter of coating (2.08 pounds per gallon), less water, 

less exempt compounds, and less any colorant added to tint bases, and no 

person shall apply or solicit the application of any architectural coating 

within the District that exceeds 250 grams of VOC per liter of coating as 

calculated in this paragraph.

(2)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(3), (c)(4), and designated coatings 

averaged under (c)(6), no person shall supply, sell, offer for sale, market

for sale, manufacture, blend, or repackage, apply, store at a worksite, or 

solicit the application of for use within the District, any architectural 

coating within the District:

(A) That is listed in the Table of Standards 1 which and contains VOC

(excluding any colorant added to tint bases) in excess of the 

corresponding VOC limit specified in the table, after the effective 

date specified, and no person shall apply or solicit the application 

of any architectural coating within the District that exceeds the 

VOC limit as specified in this paragraph.; or

(B) That is not listed in the Table of Standards 1, and contains VOC 

(excluding any colorant added to tint bases) in excess of 250 grams 

of VOC per liter of coating (2.08 pounds per gallon), less water, 

less exempt compounds, until January 1, 2014, at which time the 

limit drops to 50 grams of VOC per liter of coating, less water, less 

exempt compounds (0.42 pounds per gallon).

(2) No person within the District shall add colorant at the point of sale that is 

listed in the Table of Standards 2 and contains VOC in excess of the 

corresponding VOC limit specified in the Table of Standards 2, after the 

effective date specified.No person shall apply or solicit the application 

within the District of any industrial maintenance coatings, except antigraffiti coatings, for residential use or for use in areas such as office space 
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1113-14

and meeting rooms of industrial, commercial or institutional facilities not 

exposed to such extreme environmental conditions described in the 

definition of industrial maintenance coatings; or of any rust-preventative 

coating for industrial use, unless such a rust preventative coating complies 

with the Industrial Maintenance Coating VOC limit specified in the Table 

of Standards.

TABLE OF STANDARDS 1

VOC LIMITS

Grams of VOC Per Liter of Coating,

Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds

COATING CATEGORY Ceiling

Limit*1

Current

Limit2

Effective Date

1/1/

03

1/1/

04 1/1/05 7/1/06 7/1/07 7/1/08 1/1/12 1/1/14

Bond Breakers 350 350

Clear Wood Finishes 350 275 275

Varnish 350 275 275

Sanding Sealers 350 275 275

Lacquer 680 550275 275

Clear Brushing Lacquer 680 275

Concrete-Curing Compounds 350 100 100

Concrete-Curing Compounds

For Roadways and Bridges**3 350 350

Concrete Surface Retarder 250 250 50

Driveway Sealer 400 100 50

Dry-Fog Coatings 400 150 150 50

Faux Finishing Coatings

Clear topcoat 350 200 100

Decorative Coatings 700 350

Glazes 700 350

Japan 700 350

Trowel Applied Coatings 700 350 150 50

Fire-Proofing Exterior Coatings 450 350 150

Fire-Retardant Coatings***

Clear 650

Pigmented 350

Flats 250 10050 50

Floor Coatings 420100 50 100 50

Form Release Compound 250 250 100

Graphic Arts (Sign) Coatings 500 500 150

Industrial Maintenance (IM) Coatings 420 100 250 100

High Temperature IM Coatings 420 420 420

Non-Sacrificial Anti-Graffiti Coatings 100

Zinc-Rich IM Primers 420340 100 340 100

Japans/Faux Finishing Coatings 700 350

Magnesite Cement Coatings 600 450

Mastic Coatings 300 300 100

Metallic Pigmented Coatings 500 500 150
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COATING CATEGORY Ceiling

Limit*1

Current

Limit2

Effective Date

1/1/

03

1/1/

04 1/1/05 7/1/06 7/1/07 7/1/08 1/1/12 1/1/14

Multi-Color Coatings 420 250

Nonflat Coatings 250150 50 150 50

Nonflat High Gloss 250 150 50

Pigmented Lacquer 680 550 275

Pre-Treatment Wash Primers 780420 420 420

Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 350200 100 200 100

Quick-Dry Enamels 400 250 150 50

Quick-Dry Primers, Sealers, and 

Undercoaters 350 200 100

Reactive Penetrating Sealers 350

Recycled Coatings 250 250 250

Roof Coatings 300250 50 250 50

Roof Coatings, Aluminum 500 100 100

Roof Primers, Bituminous 350 350 350

Rust Preventative Coatings 420400 100 400 100

Stone Consolidant 450

Sacrificial Anti-Graffiti Coatings 100 50

Shellac

Clear 730 730

Pigmented 550 550

Specialty Primers 350 100 250 100

Stains 350250 100 250 100

Stains, Interior 250 250

Swimming Pool Coatings

Repair 650 340 340

Other 340 340

Traffic Coatings 250 150100 100

Waterproofing Sealers 400250 100 250 100

Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers 400 100 100

Wood Preservatives 350 350

Below-Ground 350

Other 350

*1. The specified ceiling limits are applicable to products sold under the Averaging Compliance 

Option.

2. The specified limits remain in effect unless revised limits are listed in subsequent columns in the 

Table of Standards.

**3. Does not include compounds used for curbs and gutters, sidewalks, islands, driveways and other 

miscellaneous concrete areas.

*** The Fire-Retardant Coating category will be eliminated on January 1, 2007 and subsumed by the 

coating category for which they are formulated.

TABLE OF STANDARDS 1 (cont.)

VOC LIMITS

Grams of VOC Per Liter of Material

COATING Limit

Low-Solids Coating 120
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-16

TABLE OF STANDARDS 2

VOC LIMITS FOR COLORANTS

Grams of VOC Per Liter of Colorant

Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds

COLORANT Limit4

Architectural Coatings, excluding IM Coatings 50

Solvent-Based IM 600

Waterborne IM 50

4. Effective January 1, 2014.

(3) Coating Categorization

(A) If anywhere on the container of any coating listed in the either

Table of Standards, on any sticker or label affixed thereto, or in 

any sales or advertising literature, any representation is made that 

the coating may be used as, or is suitable for use as, a coating for 

which a lower VOC standard is specified in the table or in 

paragraph (c)(1), then the lowest VOC standard shall apply.

(B) The provisions of paragraph (c)(3)(A) shall not apply to a coating 

described in part as a flat, nonflat or primer-sealer-undercoater 

coating, or represented in part for use on flooring, provided that all 

of the following requirements are met:

(i) The coating meets the definition of a specific coating 

category for which a higher VOC standard is specified in 

the Table of Standards, and

(ii) The coating is labeled in a manner consistent with the 

definition and all the specific labeling requirements for that 

specific coating category, and

(iii) The coating is suitable and only recommended for the 

intended uses of that specific coating category.

(4) Sell-Through Provision

(A) Any coating that is manufactured prior to the effective date of the 

applicable limit specified in the Table of Standards, and that has a 

VOC content above that limit (but not above the limit in effect on 

the date of manufacture), may be sold, supplied, offered for sale, or 

applied for up to three years after the specified effective date. The 

manufacturer shall maintain sales and distribution records, as 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-17

applicable, for any coating manufactured prior to the effective date 

if that coating volume is not included in an approved Averaging 

Compliance Option [specified in paragraph (c)(6) of this rule] 

Program that includes the same coating manufactured on or after 

the effective date. Such records shall clearly indicate the date of 

manufacture (or date code or batch code) and volume of coating 

sold or distributed to distinguish between those coatings subject to

the provisions of this paragraph and those subject to the provisions 

of Appendix A section (K). These records shall be made available 

to the Executive Officer upon request and shall be maintained for a 

period of at least three years after the end of a compliance period 

of the Averaging Compliance Option Program.

(B) Any coating in containers of one quart or less that is manufactured 

prior to the expiration of the exemption under subparagraph 

(g)(1)(A) which has a VOC content above that limit specified in 

the Table of Standards, or shellac manufactured prior to January 1, 

2007 and represented for use on wood flooring may be sold, 

supplied, offered for sale, or applied for up to one year after the 

effective date specified in the Table of Standards or the shellac

definition. A manufacturer using this small container sell-through 

provision shall submit an annual report to the Executive Officer 

within three months of the end of the appropriate sell-through 

period. The report shall contain information as required by the 

Executive Officer to monitor the use of small containers under this 

provision. The manufacturer shall also provide written notice of 

the one year sell-through expiration date to their distribution chain. 

These records shall be made available to the Executive Officer 

upon request and shall be maintained for a period of at least three 

years.

(5) All architectural coating containers used to apply the contents therein to a 

surface direct from said container by pouring, siphoning, brushing, rolling, 

padding, ragging or other means, shall be closed when not in use. These 

architectural coating containers include, but should not be limited to: 

drums, buckets, cans, pails, trays or other application containers.

(6) Averaging Compliance Option
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-18

Until January 1, 2015, Iin lieu of specific compliance with the applicable 

limits in the Table of Standards, manufacturers may average designated 

coatings such that their actual cumulative emissions from the averaged 

coatings are less than or equal to the cumulative emissions that would 

have been allowed under those limits over a compliance period not to 

exceed one year.

(A) On or after January 1, 2001, tThe following coatings may be 

averaged until December 31, 2011: bituminous roof primers; floor 

coatings; industrial maintenance coatings; interior stains; metallic 

pigmented coatings; primers, sealers, and undercoaters; quick-dry 

primers, sealers, and undercoaters; roof coatings; quick-dry 

enamels; rust preventative coatings; roof coatings; sanding sealers;

specialty primers; stains; waterproofing concrete/masonry sealers;

waterproofing sealers; industrial maintenance coatings; varnishes; 

zinc-rich industrial maintenance primers; as well as flats and 

nonflats (excluding recycled coatings).

(B) On or after July 1, 2006, the following coatings in addition to those 

designated in subparagraph (c)(6)(A) may be averaged: bituminous 

roof primers; fire-retardant coatings, high gloss nonflats, metallic 

pigmented coatings, zinc-rich industrial maintenance primers, 

interior stains; waterproofing concrete/masonry sealers; varnishes; 

and sanding sealers.

(B) Effective January 1, 2012, only the following coatings may be 

averaged: floor coatings; industrial maintenance coatings; interior 

stains; metallic pigmented coatings; rust preventative coatings; 

sanding sealers; stains; varnishes; as well as flats and nonflats 

(excluding recycled coatings).

(C) Manufacturers using the Averaging Compliance Option shall:

(i) Comply with the averaging provisions contained in 

Appendix A, as well as maintain all records for the 

Averaging Compliance Option (ACO) Program and make 

these records available to the Executive Officer upon 

request, for a period of at least three years after the end of 

the compliance period; and
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-19

(ii) Use only the sell-through provision in Appendix A for each 

coating included in the ACO Program in lieu of the sellthrough provision of subparagraph (c)(4).

(7) No person shall apply or solicit the application within the District of any 

industrial maintenance coatings, except non-sacrificial anti-graffiti 

coatings, for residential use or for use in areas such as office space and 

meeting rooms of industrial, commercial or institutional facilities not 

exposed to such extreme environmental conditions described in the 

definition of industrial maintenance coatings.

(8) General Prohibition

No person shall supply, sell, market, offer for sale, manufacture, blend, or 

repackage any architectural coating in the District subject to the provisions 

of this rule with any materials that contain in excess of 0.1% by weight 

any Group II exempt compounds listed in Rule 102. Cyclic, branched, or 

linear, completely methylated siloxanes (VMS) are not subject to this 

prohibition. This provision is effective January 1, 2012 except that

products manufactured prior to the effective date may be sold until 

January 1, 2013.

(d) Administrative Requirements

(1) Containers for all coatings subject to this rule shall display the date of 

manufacture of the contents or a code indicating the date of manufacture. 

The manufacturers of such coatings shall file with the Executive Officer of 

the District and the Executive Officer of the Air Resources Board an 

explanation of each code.

(2) Containers for all coatings subject to the requirements of this rule shall 

carry a statement of the manufacturer's recommendation regarding 

thinning of the coating. This requirement shall not apply to the thinning of 

architectural coatings with water. The recommendation shall specify that 

the coating is to be employed without thinning or diluting under normal 

environmental and application conditions, unless any thinning 

recommended on the label for normal environmental and application 

conditions does not cause a coating to exceed its applicable standard.

(3) Each container of any coating subject to this rule shall display the 

maximum VOC content of the coating, as supplied, and after any thinning 

as recommended by the manufacturer. The VOC content of low-solids 

coatings shall be displayed as grams of VOC per liter of material 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-20

(excluding any colorant added to the tint bases) and the VOC content of 

any other coating shall be displayed as grams of VOC per liter of coating 

(less water and less exempt compounds, and excluding any colorant added 

to tint bases). VOC content displayed may be calculated using product 

formulation data, or may be determined using the test method in 

subdivision (e). VOC content calculated from formulation data shall be 

adjusted by the manufacturer to account for cure volatiles (if any) and 

maximum VOC content within production batches. Effective January 1, 

2014, the VOC shall be displayed on the coating container such that the 

required language is:

(A) Noticeable and in clear and legible English;

(B) Separated from other text; and

(C) Conspicuous, as compared with other words, statements, designs, 

or devices in the label as to render it likely to be read and 

understood by an ordinary individual under customary conditions 

of purchase or use.

(4) The coating container label or container for quick-dry primers, sealers, and 

undercoaters and quick-dry enamels shall include the words “Quick-Dry” 

or shall list the following:

(A) The recoat time for quick-dry primers, sealers, and undercoaters, or

(B) The dry-hard time for quick-dry enamels.

Containers and container labels shall not contain the words 

“Quick-Dry” unless the material meets the dry times specified in 

the respective definitions or the material complies with the 

respective general VOC limit for enamels or primers, sealers, and 

undercoaters.

(5)(4) The labels of all rust preventative coatings shall include the statement “For 

Metal Substrates Only” prominently displayed, effective January 1, 2003.

(6)(5) Effective January 1, 2003, tThe labels of all specialty primers shall 

prominently display one or more of the following descriptions:

(A) For fire-damaged substrates.

(B) For smoke-damaged substrates.

(C) For water-damaged substrates.

(D) For excessively chalky substrates.

(7)(6) The labels of concrete-curing compounds manufactured and used for 

roadways and bridges shall include the statement "FOR ROADWAYS 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-21

AND BRIDGES ONLY (Not for Use on Curbs and Gutters, Sidewalks, 

Islands, Driveways and Other Miscellaneous Concrete Areas)" 

prominently displayed, effective July 1, 2007.

(8) Each manufacturer of the following coating categories shall, on or before 

April 1 of each calendar year submit an annual report to the Executive 

Officer:

(A) Recycled coatings, including the gallons repackaged and 

distributed in the District.

(B) Shellacs

(C) Specialty primers.

The report shall specify the number of gallons of each coating within the 

category sold in the District during the preceding calendar year as well as 

their coating VOC content, and shall describe the method used by the 

manufacturer to calculate such sales.

(7) Effective January 1, 2012, the labels of all Clear Topcoat for Faux 

Finishing coatings shall prominently display the statement “This product 

can only be sold as a part of a Faux Finishing coating system”.

(9)(8) A manufacturer, distributor, or seller of a coating meeting the 

requirements of this rule, who supplies that coating to a person who 

applies it in a non-compliant manner, shall not be liable for that noncompliant use, unless the manufacturer, distributor, or seller knows that 

the supplied coating would be used in a non-compliant manner.

(10)(9) Manufacturers of recycled coatings shall submit a letter to the Executive 

Officer certifying their status as a Recycled Paint Manufacturer.

(e) Test Methods

For the purpose of this rule, the following test methods shall be used:

(1) VOC Content of Coatings and Colorants

The VOC content of coatings subject to the provisions of this rule shall be 

determined by:

(A) U.S. EPA Reference Test Method 24 (Determination of Volatile 

Matter Content, Water Content, Density, Volume Solids, and 

Weight Solids of Surface Coatings, Code of Federal Regulations 

Title 40, Part 60, Appendix A) with the exempt compounds’ 

content determined by Method 303 (Determination of Exempt 

Compounds) in the South Coast Air Quality Management District's 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-22

(SCAQMD) "Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement 

Samples" manual, or

(B) Method 304 [Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds 

(VOC) in Various Materials] in the SCAQMD's "Laboratory 

Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples" manual.

(C) Exempt Perfluorocarbons

The following classes of compounds:

cyclic, branched, or linear, completely fluorinated alkanes

cyclic, branched, or linear, completely fluorinated ethers 

with no unsaturations

cyclic, branched, or linear, completely fluorinated tertiary 

amines with no unsaturations

sulfur-containing perfluorocarbons with no unsaturations 

and with sulfur bonds only to carbon and fluorine

will be analyzed as exempt compounds for compliance with 

subdivision (c), only when manufacturers specify which individual 

compounds are used in the coating formulations. In addition, the 

manufacturers must identify the U.S. EPA, CARB, and SCAQMD 

approved test methods, which can be used to quantify the amount 

of each exempt compound.

(2) Acid Content of Coatings

The acid content of a coating subject to the provisions of this rule shall be 

determined by ASTM Test Method D 1613-85 (Acidity in Volatile 

Solvents and Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and 

Related Products).

(3) Metal Content of Coatings

The metallic content of a coating subject to the provisions of this rule shall 

be determined by Method 318 (Determination of Weight Percent 

Elemental Metal in Coatings by X-Ray Diffraction) in the SCAQMD's 

"Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples" manual.

(4) Flame Spread Index

The flame spread index of a fire-retardant coating subject to the provisions 

of this rule shall be determined by ASTM Test Method E 84-05 (Standard 

Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials), 

or the most recent version, after application to an organic or inorganic 

substrate, based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-23

(5)(4) Drying Times

The set-to-touch, dry-hard, dry-to-touch, and dry-to-recoat times of a 

coating subject to the provisions of this rule shall be determined by ASTM 

Test Method D 1640 (Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film 

Formation of Organic Coatings at Room Temperature). The tack-free 

time of a coating subject to the provisions of this rule shall be determined 

by ASTM Test Method D 1640, according to the Mechanical Test 

Method.

(6)(5) Gloss Determination

The gloss shall be determined by ASTM Test Method D 523 (Specular 

Gloss).

(6) Gonioapparent Characteristics for Coatings

A coating will be determined to have a gonioapparent appearance by 

ASTM E 284 (Standard Terminology of Appearance).

(7) Water Repellency for Reactive Penetrating Sealers shall be determined by

any of the following:

(A) ASTM C67 (Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing 

Brick and Structural Clay Tile);

(B) ASTM C97/97M (Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk 

Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone);

(C) ASTM C140 (Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing 

Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units).

(8) Water Vapor Transmission for Reactive Penetrating Sealers shall be 

determined by ASTM E96/96M (Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor 

Transmission of Materials).

(9) Selection and Use of Stone Consolidants shall be determined by ASTM 

E2176 (Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Stone Consolidants).

(10) Chloride Screening for Reactive Penetrating Sealer shall be determined 

using the National Cooperative Highway Research Report 244 (1981), 

“Concrete Sealers for the Protection of Bridge Structures”.

(7)(11) Equivalent Test Methods

Other test methods determined to be equivalent after review by the 

Executive Officer, CARB, and the U.S. EPA, and approved in writing by 

the District Executive Officer may also be used.

(8)(12) Multiple Test Methods
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-24

When more than one test method or set of test methods are specified for 

any testing, a violation of any requirement of this rule established by any 

one of the specified test methods or set of test methods shall constitute a 

violation of the rule.

(9)(13) All test methods referenced in this subdivision shall be the version most 

recently approved by the appropriate governmental entities.

(f) Technology Assessment

The Executive Officer shall conduct a technology assessment for the future VOC 

limit as specified in paragraph (c)(2) for flat coatings by July 1, 2007. In 

conducting the assessment, the Executive Officer shall consider any applicable 

future CARB surveys on architectural coatings and shall report to the Governing 

Board as to the appropriateness of maintaining the future VOC limit.

(g)(f) Exemptions

(1) Until December 31, 2013, Tthe provisions of this rule shall not apply to:

(A) Aany architectural coatings in containers having capacities of one liter 

(1.057 quart) or less, excluding clear wood finishes, varnishes, sanding 

sealers, lacquers, and pigmented lacquers and, provided that the provisions 

in the subparagraphs below are met. Effective January 1, 2014, the 

provisions of the Table of Standards and paragraph (c)(1) of this rule shall 

not apply to any architectural coatings in containers having capacities of 

one liter (1.057 quart) or less, excluding clear wood finishes, varnishes, 

sanding sealers, lacquers, and pigmented lacquers, provided the provisions 

in the subparagraphs below are met:

(A) tThe manufacturer submits an annual report to the Executive 

Officer within three months of the end of each calendar yearreports 

the sales in the Rule 314 Annual Quantity and Emissions Report. 

The report shall contain information as required by the Executive 

Officer to monitor the use of the small container exemption. The 

loss of this exemption due to the failure of the manufacturer to 

submit an annual the Rule 314 Annual Quantity and Emissions 

rReport shall apply only to the manufacturer. Effective July 1, 

2006 clear wood finishes, including varnishes and sanding sealers; 

and lacquers, including pigmented lacquers, in containers having 

capacities of one quart or less shall no longer be exempt from the 

requirements of this rule.
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-25

(B) The coating containers are not bundled together to be sold as a unit 

that exceeds one liter (1.057 quarts), excluding containers packed 

together for shipping to a retail outlet.

(C) The label or any other product literature does not suggest

combining multiple containers so that the combination exceeds one 

liter (1.057 quarts).

Subparagraphs (f)(1)(B) and (f)(1)(C) are effective July 1, 2011. Products 

otherwise qualifying for the one liter (1.057 quart) exemption, 

manufactured prior to this effective date of July 1, 2011, may be sold until 

January 1, 2012.

(2) The provisions of this rule shall not apply to:

(B)(A) Architectural coatings supplied, sold, offered for sale, marketed, 

manufactured, blended, repackaged or stored in this District for

shipment outside of this District or for shipment to other 

manufacturers for repackaging.; or

(C)(B) Emulsion type bituminous pavement sealers.; or

(D)(C) Aerosol coating products.

(E)(D) Use of stains and lacquers in all areas within the District at an 

elevation of 4,000 feet or greater above sea level or sale in such 

areas for such use.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c)(2), a person or facility 

may add up to 10 percent by volume of VOC to a lacquer to avoid 

blushing of the finish during days with relative humidity greater than 70 

percent and temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, at the time of 

application provided that:

(A) The coating is not applied from April 1 to October 31 of any year.

(B) The coating contains acetone and no more than 550 grams of VOC 

per liter of coating (275 grams of VOC per liter of coating after 

January 1, 2005), less water and exempt compounds, prior to the 

addition of VOC.

(3) The January 1, 2005 VOC limit for lacquers shall not be applicable until 

January 1, 2007 and the July 1, 2008 VOC limit for flat coatings shall 

not be applicable to any manufacturer which meets all of the following 

criteria:

(A) The total gross annual receipts are $2,000,000 or less, and

(B) The total number of employees is 100 or less, and
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-26

(C) The manufacturer requesting this exemption files a written request 

with the Executive Officer annually which includes, but is not 

limited to:

(i) The total gross annual receipts for each of the last three 

years.

(ii) The total number of employees for each of the last three 

years.

For the purposes of determining the total gross annual receipts and the 

total number of employees, a manufacturer shall include data from all 

facilities (both within and outside of the District) which they own, operate, 

have an ownership interest, or are legally affiliated. If a manufacturer 

exceeds the criteria specified in subparagraphs (g)(3)(A) or (g)(3)(B) any 

time after the initial request is filed with the Executive Officer, this 

exemption shall be immediately terminated, the manufacturer shall forfeit 

any future eligibility for this exemption, and the manufacturer shall be 

considered in violation of this rule for each and every day that lacquers or 

flat coatings which do not comply with the respective VOC limit in the 

Table of Standards are supplied, sold, or offered for sale within the 

District. The loss of this exemption due to the manufacturer exceeding the 

criteria in subparagraphs (g)(3)(A) or (g)(3)(B) shall apply only to the 

manufacturer.

(4)(3) The provisions of paragraph (c) shall not apply to facilities which 

apply coatings to test specimens for purposes of research and development 

of those coatings.

(5) The July 1, 2006 VOC limit for nonflats, primers, sealers, and 

undercoaters, quick-dry enamels, waterproofing concrete/masonry sealers 

and rust-preventative coatings shall not be applicable until July 1, 2008 to 

any manufacturer which meets all of the following criteria:

(A) The total gross annual receipts are $5,000,000 or less, and

(B) The total number of employees is 100 or less, and

(C) The manufacturer requesting this exemption files a written request 

with the Executive Officer annually which includes, but is not 

limited to:

(i) The total gross annual receipts for each of the last three 

years.
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-27

(ii) The total number of employees for each of the last three 

years.

For the purposes of determining the total gross annual receipts and the 

total number of employees, a manufacturer shall include data from all 

facilities (both within and outside of the District) which they own, operate, 

have an ownership interest, or are legally affiliated. If a manufacturer 

exceeds the criteria specified in subparagraphs (g)(5)(A) or (g)(5)(B) any 

time after the initial request is filed with the Executive Officer, this 

exemption shall be immediately terminated, the manufacturer shall forfeit 

any future eligibility for this exemption, and the manufacturer shall be 

considered in violation of this rule for each and every day that nonflats, 

primers, sealers, and undercoaters, quick-dry enamels, and rustpreventative coatings do not comply with the respective VOC limit in the 

Table of Standards are supplied, sold, or offered for sale within the 

District. The loss of this exemption due to the manufacturer exceeding the 

criteria in subparagraphs (g)(5)(A) or (g)(5)(B) shall apply only to the 

manufacturer.

(6) Effective January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006, roof coatings with 

a VOC content of 100 grams per liter or less that are certified under the 

U.S. EPA Energy Star Program shall not be subject to the VOC limit in 

the Table of Standards.
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1113-28

APPENDIX A: Averaging Compliance Option (ACO) Provision

(A) The manufacturer shall demonstrate that actual emissions from the coatings being 

averaged are less than or equal to the allowable emissions, for the specified 

compliance period using the following equation:

∑ ≤

n

i =1

GiMi ∑

n

i =1

GiViLi

Where:

∑

n

i =1

GiMi = Actual Emissions

∑

n

i =1

GiViLi = Allowable Emissions

Gi = Total Gallons of Product (i) subject to 

Averaging;

Mi = Material VOC content of Product (i), as 

pounds per gallon; {as defined in paragraph 

(b)(22)}

Vi = Percent by Volume Solids and VOC in 

Product (i), {as defined in paragraph 

(b)(21)}

=

For Non-Zero VOC Coatings:

= Coating VOC

Material VOC

For Zero VOC coatings:

= % solids by volume

Li = Regulatory VOC Content Limit for Product 

(i), as pounds per gallon; {as listed in 

paragraph subdivision (c)(2) Table of 

Standards}

Vm

Vm − Vw − Ves
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-29

The averaging is limited to coatings that are designated by the manufacturer. Any 

coating not designated in the ACO Program shall comply with the VOC limit in 

the Table of Standards. The manufacturer shall not include any quantity of 

coatings that it knows or should have known will not be used in the District.

In addition to the requirements specified in Section (A), a manufacturer shall not 

include in an ACO Program or supply, sell, offer for sale, manufacture, blend, or 

repackage for use within the District any architectural coating with a VOC content 

in excess of the maximum VOC content in effect, immediately prior to July 1, 

2001 ceiling limit in the Table of Standards or the VOC content limits specified in 

the National VOC Emission Standard, whichever is less. Manufacturers that 

submitted the required 2005 annual report for clear wood finish containers of one 

quart or less, may include in an ACO Program varnishes and sanding sealers so 

long as these coatings sold in such containers do not exceed the applicable 

National Standard of 450 grams of VOC per liter of coating less water and less 

exempt compounds, in lieu of the otherwise applicable VOC limit of 350 grams 

per liter.

(B) ACO Program

At least six months prior to the start of the compliance period, manufacturers shall 

submit an ACO Program, which is subject to all the provisions of Rule 221 –

Plans and Rule 306 – Plan Fees, to the Executive Officer. Averaging may not be 

implemented until the ACO Program is approved in writing by the Executive 

Officer.

Within 45 days of submittal of an ACO Program, the Executive Officer shall 

approve, disapprove or deem the ACO Program incomplete. The ACO Program 

applicant and the Executive Officer may agree to an extension of time for the 

Executive Officer to take action on the ACO Program.

(C) General Requirements

The ACO Program shall include all necessary information for the Executive 

Officer to make a determination as to whether the manufacturer may comply with 

the averaging requirements over the specified compliance period in an 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-30

enforceable manner. Such information shall include, but is not limited to, the 

following.

1. An identification of the contact persons, telephone numbers, and name of 

the manufacturer who is submitting the ACO Program.

2. An identification of each coating that has been selected by the 

manufacturer for inclusion in this ACO Program that exceeds the 

applicable VOC limit in the Table of Standards, their VOC content 

specified in units of both grams of VOC per liter of coating, and grams of 

VOC per liter of material and the designation of the coating category.

3. A detailed demonstration showing that the projected actual emissions will 

not exceed the allowable emissions for a single compliance period that the 

ACO Program will be in effect. In addition, the demonstration shall 

include VOC content information for each coating that is below the 

compliance limit in the Table of Standards. The demonstration shall use 

the equation specified in paragraph (A) of this Appendix for projecting the 

actual emissions and allowable emissions during each compliance period. 

The demonstration shall also include all VOC content levels and projected 

volume to be sold and distributed, as applicable, within the District for 

each coating listed in the ACO Program during each compliance period. 

The requested data can be summarized in a matrix form.

4. A specification of the compliance period(s) and applicable reporting dates. 

The length of the compliance period shall not be more than one year nor 

less than six months.

5. An identification and description of specific records to be used to calculate 

emissions and track coating volume for the ACO Program and subsequent 

reporting. This shall include a detailed explanation as to how the records 

are to be used to demonstrate compliance with the averaging requirements

of the ACO Program. Such records or electronic versions (if hardcopy 

originals are not generated) shall be made available to the Executive 

Officer upon request. These records shall include records from each of the 

following categories:

(a) pProduct formulation records (including both coating and material 

VOCs):

(1) lLab reports [including percent weight of non-volatiles, 

water, and exempts (if applicable); density of the coating; 
Rule 1113 (Cont.) (Amended June 3, 2011)

1113-31

and raw laboratory data] of test methods conducted as 

specified in paragraph (e)(1) of the rule or

(2) pProduct formulation data, including physical properties 

analyses, as applicable, with a VOC calculation 

demonstration; and

(b) pProduction records consisting of batch tickets including the date 

of manufacture, batch weight and volume; and

(c) dDistribution records:

(1) cCustomer lists or store distribution lists or both (as 

applicable) and

(2) sShipping manifests or bills of lading or both (as 

applicable); and

(d) sSales records consisting of point of sale receipts or invoices to 

local distributors or both, as applicable.

If the manufacturer requests to demonstrate compliance with the ACO 

Program by using records other than those specifically listed above, those 

records must be approved by the U.S. EPA, CARB, and the Executive 

Officer before an ACO Program can be approved. The Executive Officer 

may request additional records, as necessary, as a condition of approving 

the ACO Program or to verify compliance.

6. A statement, signed by a responsible party for the manufacturer, certifying 

that all information submitted is true and correct, and that records will be 

made available to the Executive Officer upon request.

(D) Reporting Requirements

1. For every single compliance period, the manufacturer shall submit to the 

Executive Officer a mid-term report listing all coatings subject to 

averaging during the first half of the compliance period, detailed analysis 

of the actual and allowable emissions at the end of the mid-term, and if 

actual emissions exceed allowable emissions an explanation as to how the 

manufacturer intends to achieve compliance by the end of the compliance 

period. The report shall be signed by the responsible party for the 

manufacturer, attesting that all information submitted is true and correct. 

The mid-term report shall be submitted within 45 days after the midway 

date of the compliance period. A manufacturer may request, in writing, an 

extension of up to 15 days for submittal of the mid-term report.
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2. Within 60 days after the end of the compliance period or upon termination 

of the ACO Program, whichever is sooner, the manufacturer shall submit 

to the Executive Officer a final report, providing a detailed demonstration 

of the balance between the actual and allowable emissions for the 

compliance period, an update of any identification and description of 

specific records used by the manufacturer to verify compliance with the 

averaging requirement, and any other information requested by the 

Executive Officer to determine whether the manufacturer complied with 

the averaging requirements over the specified compliance period. The 

report shall be signed by the responsible party for the manufacturer, 

attesting that all information submitted is true and correct, and that records 

will be made available to the Executive Officer upon request. A 

manufacturer may request, in writing, an extension of up to 30 days for 

submittal of the final report.

(E) Renewal of an ACO Program

An ACO Program automatically expires at the end of the compliance period. The 

manufacturer may request a renewal of the ACO Program by submitting a 

renewal request that shall include an updated ACO Program, meeting all 

applicable ACO Program requirements. The renewal request will be considered 

conditionally approved until the Executive Officer makes a final decision to deny 

or approve the renewal request based on a determination of whether the 

manufacturer is likely to comply with the averaging requirements. The Executive 

Officer shall base such determination on all available information, including but 

not limited to, the mid-term and final reports of the preceding compliance period. 

The Executive Officer shall make a decision to deny or approve a renewal request 

no later than 45 days from the date of the final report submittal, unless the 

manufacturer and the Executive Officer agree to an extension of time for the 

Executive Officer to take action on the renewal request.

(F) Modification of an ACO Program

A manufacturer may request a modification of the ACO Program at any time prior 

to the end of the compliance period. The Executive Officer shall take action to 

approve or disapprove the modification request no longer than 45 days from the 
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date of its submittal. No modification of the compliance period shall be allowed. 

An ACO Program need not be modified to specify additional coatings to be 

averaged that are below the applicable VOC limits.

(G) Termination of an ACO Program

1. A manufacturer may terminate its ACO Program at any time by filing a 

written notification to the Executive Officer. The filing date shall be 

considered the effective date of the termination, and all other provisions of 

this rule including the VOC limits shall immediately thereafter apply. The 

manufacturer shall also submit a final report 60 days after the termination 

date. Any exceedance of the actual emissions over the allowable 

emissions over the period that the ACO Program was in effect shall 

constitute a separate violation for each day of the entire compliance 

period.

2. The Executive Officer may terminate an ACO Program if any of the 

following circumstances occur:

(a) The manufacturer violates the requirements of the approved ACO 

Program, and at the end of the compliance period, the actual 

emissions exceed the allowable emissions.

(b) The manufacturer demonstrates a recurring pattern of violations 

and has consistently failed to take the necessary steps to correct 

those violations.

(H) Change in VOC Limits

If the VOC limits of a coating listed in the ACO Program are amended such that 

its effective date is less than one year from the date of adoption, the affected 

manufacturer may base its averaging on the prior limits of that coating until the 

end of the compliance period immediately following the date of adoption.

(I) Labeling

Each container of any coating that is included in an ACO Program, and that 

exceeds the applicable VOC limit in the Table of Standards shall display the 

following statement: “This product is subject to the averaging provisions of 

SCAQMD Rule 1113”. A symbol specified by the Executive Officer may be used 

as a substitute.
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(J) Violations

The exceedance of the allowable emissions, as defined in Appendix A, Section 

(A), at the end of any compliance period shall constitute a separate violation for 

each gallon of each coating product line that is over the VOC limit specified in 

the Table of Standards for each day of the compliance period. However, any 

violation of the requirements of the ACO Provision of this rule, which the violator 

can demonstrate, to the Executive Officer, did not cause or allow the emission of 

an air contaminant and was not the result of negligent or knowing activity may be 

considered a minor violation (pursuant to District Rule 112).

(K) Sell-Through Provision

A coating that is included in an approved ACO Program that does not comply 

with the specified limit in the Table of Standards may be sold, supplied, offered 

for sale, or applied for up to three years after the end of the compliance period 

specified in the approved ACO Program. This section of Appendix A does not 

apply to any coating that does not display on the container either the statement: 

“This product is subject to architectural coatings averaging provisions of the 

SCAQMD Rule 1113” or a designated symbol specified by the Executive Officer 

of the SCAQMD.