Placer County APCD 218 - 1 Rules and Regulations 

RULE 218 ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS 

Adopted 6-19-79 

(Amended 2-01-83, 5-20-85, 4-01-86, 2-09-95, 8-14-97, 12-13-01) 

CONTENTS 

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE 

102 APPLICABILITY 

103 SEVERABILITY 

104 EXEMPTIONS 

200 DEFINITIONS

201 ADHESIVE 

202 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT 

203 ANTENNA COATING 

204 ANTIFOULING COATING 

205 APPURTENANCES 

206 ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS 

207 BITUMENS 

208 BITUMINOUS ROOF COATING 

209 BITUMINOUS ROOF PRIMER 

210 BOND BREAKERS 

211 CLEAR BRUSHING LACQUERS 

212 CLEAR WOOD COATINGS 

213 COATING 

214 COLORANT 

215 CONCRETE CURING COMPOUND 

216 DRY FOG COATING 

217 EXEMPT COMPOUND 

218 FAUX FINISHING COATING 

219 FIRE-RESISTIVE COATING 

220 FIRE-RETARDANT COATING 

221 FLAT COATING 

222 FLOOR COATING 

223 FLOW COATING 

224 FORM-RELEASE COMPOUND 

225 GRAPHIC ARTS COATING OR SIGN PAINT 

226 HIGH-TEMPERATURE COATING 

227 INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATING 

228 LACQUER 

229 LOW-SOLIDS COATING 

230 MAGNESITE CEMENT COATING 

231 MASTIC TEXTURE COATING 

232 METALLIC PIGMENTED COATING 

233 MULTI-COLOR COATING 

234 NONFLAT COATING 

235 NONFLAT - HIGH GLOSS COATING 

236 NONINDUSTRIAL USE 

237 POST-CONSUMER COATING 

238 PRE-TREATMENT WASH PRIMER 

239 PRIMER 

240 QUICK-DRY ENAMEL 

241 QUICK-DRY PRIMER, SEALER AND UNDERCOATER 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 2 Placer County APCD 

242 RECYCLED COATING 

243 RESIDENCIAL 

244 ROOF COATING 

245 RUST PREVENTIVE COATING 

246 SANDING SEALER 

247 SEALER 

248 SECONDARY COATING (REWORK) 

249 SHELLAC 

250 SHOP APPLICATION 

251 SOLICIT 

252 SPECIALTY PRIMER, SEALER AND UNDERCOATER 

253 STAIN 

254 SWIMMING POOL COATING 

255 SWIMMING POOL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE COATING 

256 TEMPERATURE-INDICATOR SAFETY COATING 

257 TINT BASE 

258 TRAFFIC MARKING COATING 

259 UNDERCOATER 

260 VARNISH 

261 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) 

262 VOC CONTENT 

263 WATERPROOFING SEALER 

264 WATERPROOFING CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALER 

265 WOOD PRESERVATIVE 

300 STANDARDS

301 VOC CONTENT LIMITS 

302 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMITS 

303 SELL-THROUGH OF COATINGS 

304 PAINTING PRACTICES 

305 THINNING 

306 RUST PREVENTIVE COATINGS 

307 COATINGS NOT LISTED IN SECTION 301 

308 LACQUERS 

309 AVERAGING COMPLIANCE OPTION 

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

401 CONTAINER LABELING REQUIREMENTS 

402 CALCULATION OF VOC CONTENT 

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS 

501 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 

502 TESTING PROCEDURE 

APPENDIX A - AVERAGING PROVISION 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 3 Rules and Regulations 

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE: To limit the quantity of volatile organic compounds in architectural coatings 

supplied, sold, offered for sale, applied, solicited for application, or manufactured for use 

within the District. 

102 APPLICABILITY: Except as provided in Section 104, this rule is applicable to any person 

who supplies, sells, offers for sale, or manufacturers any architectural coating for use for all of 

Placer County, as well as any person who applies or solicits the application of any 

architectural coating within Placer County. 

103 SEVERABILITY: If a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order that any provision of this 

rule is invalid, it is the intent of the Board of Directors of the District that other provisions of 

this rule remain in full force and affect, to the extent allowed by law. 

104 EXEMPTIONS: This rule does not apply to: 

104.1 Any architectural coating that is sold or manufactured for use outside of the District 

or for shipment to other manufacturers for reformulation or repackaging; 

104.2 Any aerosol coating product; or 

104.3 Any architectural coating that is sold in a container with a volume of one liter (1.057 

quart) or less. 

104.4 Shop Coating Operations: Coating operations conducted in a business shop 

environment and which are subject to either Rule 236, Wood Products Coating

Operations or Rule 238, Factory Coating of Flat Wood Paneling, are exempt from all 

provisions of this rule. 

200 DEFINITIONS 

201 ADHESIVE: Any chemical substance that is applied for the purpose of bonding two surfaces 

together other than by mechanical means. 

202 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT: A pressurized coating product containing pigments or 

resins that dispense 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 

traffic/marking applications. 

203 ANTENNA COATING: A coating labeled and formulated exclusively for application to 

equipment and associated structural appurtenances that are used to receive or transmit 

electromagnetic signals. 

204 ANTIFOULING COATING: A coating labeled and formulated for application to submerged 

stationary structures and their appurtenances to prevent or reduce the attachment of marine 

or freshwater biological organisms. To qualify as an antifouling coating, the coating must be 

registered with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, 

Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Section 136, et seq.) and with the California 

Department of Pesticide Regulation. 

205 APPURTENANCES: Any accessory to a stationary structure coated at the site of 

installation, whether installed or detached, including but not limited to: bathroom and kitchen 

fixtures; cabinets; concrete forms; doors; elevators; fences; hand railings; heating equipment, 

air conditioning equipment, and other fixed mechanical equipment, or stationary tools; 

lampposts; partitions; pipes and piping systems; rain-gutters and down-spouts; stairways, 

fixed ladders, catwalks, and fire escapes; and window screens. 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 4 Placer County APCD 

206 ARCHITECTURAL COATING: A coating to be applied to stationary structures and their 

appurtenances at the site of installation, to portable buildings at the site of installation, to 

pavements, or to curbs. Coatings applied in shop applications or to non-stationary structures 

such as airplanes, ships, boats, railcars, and automobiles, and adhesives are not considered 

architectural coatings for the purpose of this rule. 

207 BITUMENS: Black or brown materials including, but not limited to, asphalt, tar, pitch, and 

asphaltite that are soluble in carbon disulfide, consist mainly of hydrocarbons, and are 

obtained from natural deposits or as residues from the distillation of crude petroleum or coal. 

208 BITUMINOUS ROOF COATING: A coating which incorporates bitumens that is labeled and 

formulated exclusively for roofing. 

209 BITUMINOUS ROOF PRIMER: A primer which incorporates bitumens that is labeled and 

formulated exclusively for roofing. 

210 BOND BREAKERS: A coating labeled and formulated for application between layers of 

concrete to prevent a freshly poured top layer of concrete from bonding to the layer over 

which it is poured. 

211 CLEAR BRUSHING LACQUERS: 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 Section 401.5. 

212 CLEAR WOOD COATINGS: Clear and semi-transparent coatings, including lacquers and 

varnishes, applied to wood substrates to provide a transparent or translucent solid film. 

213 COATING: A material applied onto or impregnated into a substrate for protective, decorative, 

or functional purposes. Such materials include, but are not limited to, paints, varnishes, 

sealers, and stains. 

214 COLORANT: A concentrated pigment dispersion in water, solvent, and/or binder that is 

added to an architectural coating after packaging in sale units to produce the desired color. 

215 CONCRETE CURING COMPOUND: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

freshly poured concrete to retard the evaporation of water. 

216 DRY FOG COATING: A coating labeled and formulated only for spray application such that 

overspray droplets dry before subsequent contact with incidental surfaces in the vicinity of the 

surface coating activity. 

217 EXEMPT COMPOUND: For the purposes of this rule, “exempt compound” has the same 

meaning as in Rule 102, Definitions, except that following listed compounds are additional 

exempt compounds. Exempt compounds content of a coating shall be determined by South 

Coast Air Quality Management District Method 303-91 (Revised August 1996), incorporated 

by reference in Section 502.4.10. 

217.1 perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene) 

217.2 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HCFC-225ca) 

217.3 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HCFC-225cb) 

217.4 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC 43-10mee) 

217.5 difluoromethane (HFC-32) 

217.6 ethylfluoride (HFC-161) 

217.7 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa) 

217.8 1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245ca) 

217.9 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245ea) 

217.10 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245eb) 

217.11 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 5 Rules and Regulations 

217.12 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) 

217.13 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) 

217.14 chlorofluoromethane (HCFC-31) 

217.15 1 chloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-151a) 

217.16 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123a) 

217.17 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluoro-4-methoxy-butane (C4F9OCH3) 

217.18 2-(difluoromethoxymethyl)-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane 

((CF3)2CFCF2OCH3)) 

217.19 1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane (C4F9OC2H5) 

217.20 2-(ethoxydifluoromethyl)-1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane 

((CF3)2CFCF2OC2H5) 

217.21 methyl acetate 

218 FAUX FINISHING COATING: A coating labeled and formulated 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. 

219 FIRE-RESISTIVE COATING: An opaque coating labeled and formulated to protect the 

structural integrity by increasing the fire endurance of interior or exterior steel and other 

structural materials, that has been fire tested and rated by a testing agency approved by 

building code officials for use in bringing assemblies of structural materials into compliance 

with federal, state, and local building code requirements. The fire-resistive coating and the 

testing agency must be approved by building code officials. The fire-resistive coating shall be 

tested in accordance with ASTM Designation E 119-98, incorporated by reference in Section 

502.4.2.

220 FIRE-RETARDANT COATING: A coating 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 fire-retardant coating shall be tested in 

accordance with ASTM Designation E 84-99, incorporated by reference in Section 502.4.1. 

221 FLAT COATING: A coating that is not defined under any other definition in this rule and that 

registers gloss less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter 

according to ASTM Designation D 523-89 (1999), incorporated by reference in Section 

502.4.3. 

222 FLOOR COATING: An opaque coating that is labeled and formulated for application to 

flooring, including, but not limited to, decks, porches, steps, and other horizontal surfaces 

which may be subject to foot traffic. 

223 FLOW COATING: A coating labeled and formulated exclusively for use by electric power 

companies or their subcontractors to maintain the protective coating systems present on 

utility transformer units. 

224 FORM-RELEASE COMPOUND: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a 

concrete form to prevent the freshly poured concrete from bonding to the form. The form may 

consist of wood, metal, or some other material other than concrete. 

225 GRAPHIC ARTS COATING OR SIGN PAINT: A coating labeled and formulated for handapplication 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. 

226 HIGH-TEMPERATURE COATING: A high performance coating labeled and formulated for 

application to substrates exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures above 204o

C 

(400o

F). 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 6 Placer County APCD 

227 INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATING: A high performance architectural coating, 

including primers, sealers, undercoaters, intermediate coats, and topcoats, formulated for 

application to substrates exposed to one or more of the following extreme environmental 

conditions listed in Sections 227.1 through 227.5, and labeled as specified in Section 401.4: 

227.1 Immersion in water, wastewater, or chemical solutions (aqueous and non-aqueous 

solutions), or chronic exposure of interior surfaces to moisture condensation; 

227.2 Acute or chronic exposure to corrosive, caustic, or acidic agents, or to chemicals, 

chemical fumes, or chemical mixtures or solutions; 

227.3 Repeated exposure to temperatures above 121o

C (250oF); 

227.4 Repeated (frequent) heavy abrasion, including mechanical wear and repeated 

(frequent) scrubbing with industrial solvents, cleansers, or scouring agents; or 

227.5 Exterior exposure of metal structures and structural components. 

228 LACQUER: A clear or opaque wood coating, including clear lacquer sanding sealers, 

formulated with cellulosic or synthetic resins to dry by evaporation without chemical reaction 

and to provide a solid, protective film. 

229 LOW-SOLIDS COATING: A coating containing 0.12 kilogram or less of solids per liter (1 

pound or less of solids per gallon) of coating material. 

230 MAGNESITE CEMENT COATING: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

magnesite cement decking to protect the magnesite cement substrate from erosion by water. 

231 MASTIC TEXTURE COATING: A coatings labeled and formulated to cover holes and minor 

cracks and to conceal surface irregularities, and is applied in a single coat of at least 10 mils 

(0.010 inch) dry film thickness. 

232 METALLIC PIGMENTED COATING: A coating containing at least 48 grams of elemental 

metallic pigment per liter of coating as applied (0.4 pounds per gallon), when tested in 

accordance with South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 318-95, incorporated 

by reference in Section 502.4.4. 

233 MULTI-COLOR COATING: A coating that is packaged in a single container and that exhibits 

more than one color when applied in a single coat. 

234 NONFLAT COATING: A coating that is not defined under any other definition in this rule and 

that registers a gloss of 15 or greater on an 85-degree meter and 5 or greater on a 60-degree 

meter according to ASTM Designation D 523-89 (1999), incorporated by reference in Section 

502.4.3. 

235 NONFAT - HIGH GLOSS COATING: A nonflat coating that registers a gloss of 70 or above 

on a 60 degree meter according to ASTM Designation D 523-89 (1999), incorporated by 

reference in Section 502.4.3. 

236 NONINDUSTRIAL USE: Nonindustrial use means any use of architectural coatings except 

in the construction or maintenance of any of the following: facilities used in the manufacturing 

of goods and commodities; transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, airports 

and railroads; facilities used in mining activities, including petroleum extraction; and utilities 

infrastructure, including power generation and distribution, and water treatment and 

distribution systems. 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 7 Rules and Regulations 

237 POST-CONSUMER COATING: A finished coating that would have been disposed of in a 

landfill, having completed its usefulness to a consumer, and does not include manufacturing 

wastes. 

238 PRE-TREATMENT WASH PRIMER: A primer that contains a minimum of 0.5 percent by 

acid, by weight, when tested in accordance with ASTM Designation D 1613-96, incorporated 

by reference in Section 502.4.5, that is labeled and formulated for application directly to bare 

metal surfaces to provide corrosion resistance and to promote adhesion of subsequent 

topcoats. 

239 PRIMER: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a substrate to provide a firm 

bond between the substrate and subsequent coats. 

240 QUICK-DRY ENAMEL: A nonflat coating that is labeled as specified in Section 401.8 and 

that is formulated to have the following characteristics: 

240.1 Is capable of being applied directly from the container under normal conditions with 

ambient temperatures between 16 and 27o

C (60 and 80oF); 

240.2 When tested in accordance with ASTM Designation D-1640-95, incorporated by 

reference in Section 502.4.6., sets to touch in 2 hours or less, is tack free in 4 hours 

or less, and dries hard in 8 hours or less by the mechanical test method; and 

240.3 Has a dried film gloss of 70 or above on a 60 degree meter. 

241 QUICK DRY PRIMER, SEALER AND UNDERCOATER: A primer, sealer or undercoater 

that is dry to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated in 2 hours when tested in 

accordance with ASTM Designation 1640-95, incorporated by reference in Section 502.4.6. 

242 RECYCLED COATING: An architectural coating formulated such that not less than 50 

percent of the total weight consists of secondary and post-consumer coating, with not less 

than 10 percent of the total weight consisting of post-consumer coating. 

243 RESIDENTIAL: Areas where people reside or lodge, including, but not limited to, single and 

multiple family dwellings, condominiums, mobile homes, apartment complexes, motels, and 

hotels. 

244 ROOF COATING: A non-bituminous coating labeled and formulated exclusively for 

application to roofs for the primary purpose of preventing penetration of the substrate by 

water or reflecting heat and ultraviolet radiation. Metallic pigmented roof coatings which 

qualify as Metallic Pigmented Coating shall not be considered to be in this category, but shall 

be considered to be in the Metallic Pigmented Coating category. 

245 RUST PREVENTIVE COATING: A coating formulated for nonindustrial use to prevent the 

corrosion of metal surfaces and labeled as specified in Section 401.6. 

246 SANDING SEALER: A clear or semi-transparent wood coating labeled and formulated for 

application to bare wood to seal the wood and to provide a coat that can be abraded to create 

a smooth surface for subsequent applications of coatings. A sanding sealer that also meets 

the definition of a lacquer is not included in this category, but is included in the lacquer 

category. 

247 SEALER: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a substrate for one or more of 

the following purposes: to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the 

substrate, or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate. 

248 SECONDARY COATING (REWORK): A fragment of a finished coating or a finished coating 

from a manufacturing process that has converted resources into a commodity of real 

economic value, but does not include excess virgin resources of the manufacturing process. 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 8 Placer County APCD 

249 SHELLAC: A clear or opaque coating formulated solely with the resinous secretions of the 

lac beetle (Laccifer lacca), thinned with alcohol, and formulated to dry by evaporation without 

a chemical reaction. 

250 SHOP APPLICATION: Application of a coating to a product or a component of a product in 

or on the premises of a factory or a shop as part of a manufacturing, production, or repairing 

process (e.g., original equipment manufacturing coatings). 

251 SOLICIT: To require for use or to specify, by written or oral contract. 

252 SPECIALTY PRIMER, SEALER AND UNDERCOATER: A coating labeled as specified in 

Section 401.7 and that is formulated for application to a substrate to seal fire, smoke or water 

damage; to condition excessively chalky surfaces, or to block stains. An excessively chalky 

surface is one that is defined as having a chalk rating of four or less as determined by ASTM 

Designation D 4214-98, incorporated by reference in Section 502.4.7. 

253 STAIN: A clear, semitransparent, or opaque coating labeled and formulated to change the 

color of a surface but not conceal the grain pattern or texture. 

254 SWIMMING POOL COATING: A coating labeled and formulated to coat the interior of 

swimming pools and to resist swimming pool chemicals. 

255 SWIMMING POOL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE COATING: A rubber based coating 

labeled and formulated to be used over existing rubber based coatings for the repair and 

maintenance of swimming pools. 

256 TEMPERATURE-INDICATOR SAFETY COATING: A coating labeled and formulated as a 

color-changing indicator coating for the purpose of monitoring the temperature and safety of 

the substrate, underlying piping, or underlying equipment, and for application to substrates 

exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures above 204o

C (400oF). 

257 TINT BASE: An architectural coating to which colorant is added after packaging in sale units 

to produce a desired color. 

258 TRAFFIC MARKING COATING: A coating labeled and formulated for marking and striping 

streets, highways, or other traffic surfaces including, but not limited to, curbs, berms, 

driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and airport runways. 

259 UNDERCOATER: A coating labeled and formulated to provide a smooth surface for 

subsequent coats. 

260 VARNISH: A clear or semi-transparent wood coating, excluding lacquers and shellacs, 

formulated to dry by chemical reaction on exposure to air. Varnishes may contain small 

amounts of pigment to color a surface, or to control the final sheen or gloss of the finish. 

261 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC): For the purposes of this rule, “volatile organic 

compound” has the same meaning as in Rule 102, Definitions. 

262 VOC CONTENT: The weight of VOC per volume of coating, calculated according to the 

procedures specified in Section 402. 

263 WATERPROOFING SEALER: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a porous 

substrate for the primary purpose of preventing the penetration of water. 

264 WATERPROOFING CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALER: A clear or pigmented film-forming 

coating that is labeled and formulated for sealing concrete and masonry to provide resistance 

against water, alkalis, acids, ultraviolet light, and staining. 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 9 Rules and Regulations 

265 WOOD PRESERVATIVE: A coating labeled and formulated to protect exposed wood from 

decay or insect attack, that is registered with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 United States Code (U.S.C.) 

Section 136, et seq.) and with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation). 

300 STANDARDS 

301 VOC CONTENT LIMITS: Except as provided in Sections 302, 303, 308, and 309, no person 

shall: (i) manufacture, blend, or repackage for sale within the District; (ii) supply, sell, or offer 

for sale within the District; or (iii) solicit for application or apply within the District, any 

architectural coating with a VOC content in excess of the corresponding limit specified in the 

following table. Limits are expressed in grams of VOC per liter of coating thinned to the 

manufacturer’s maximum recommendation, excluding the volume of any water, exempt 

compounds, or colorant added to the tint bases. “Manufacturer’s maximum recommendation” 

means the maximum recommendation for thinning that is indicated on the label or lid of the 

coating container. 

COATING CATEGORY EFFECTIVE 

1997

EFFECTIVE 

6/15/2002

EFFECTIVE 

1/1/2003

EFFECTIVE 

1/1/2004

Flat Coatings 250 100 

Nonflat Coatings 250 250 150 

Nonflat – High Gloss 250 

SPECIALTY COATINGS:

 Antenna 530 

 Antifouling 400 

 Bituminous Roof 300 

 Bituminous Roof Primers 350 

 Bond Breakers 350 

CLEAR WOOD COATINGS: 

Clear Brushing Lacquer 680 

Laquers (including lacquer sanding sealers) 680 550 

Sanding Sealers (other than lacquer 

sanding sealers 350 

Varnishes 350 

Concrete Curing Compounds 350 

Dry Fog 400 

Faux Finishing 350 

Fire Resistive 350 

FIRE RETARDANT:

 Clear 650 

 Opaque 350 

Floor 250 

Flow 420 

Form – Release Compounds 250 

Graphic Arts (Sign Paints) 500 

High Temperature 420 

Industrial Maintenance 420 250 

Low Solids 120 

Magnesite Cement 450 

Mastic Texture 300 

Metallic Pigmented 500 

Multi-Color Coating 420 250 

Pre-Treatment Wash Primers 675 420 

Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 350 200 

Quick-Dry Enamels 400 250 

Quick-Dry Primers, Sealers, and 

Undercoaters 350 200 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 10 Placer County APCD 

COATING CATEGORY EFFECTIVE 

1997

EFFECTIVE 

6/15/2002

EFFECTIVE 

1/1/2003

EFFECTIVE 

1/1/2004

Recycled 250 

Roof 300 250 

Rust Preventative 400 

SHELLACS:

 Clear 730 

 Opaque 550 

Specialty Primers, Sealers, and 

Undercoaters 350 

Stains 350 250 

Swimming Pool Coatings 340 

Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance 340 

Temperature-Indicator Safety 550 

Traffic Marking 250 150 

Waterproofing Sealers 400 250 

Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers 400 

Wood Preservatives 350 

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

2 Units are grams of VOC per liter (pounds of VOC per gallon) or coating, including water and exempt 

compounds. Conversion factor: one pound VOC per gallon (U.S.) = 119.95 grams VOC per liter. 

302 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMITS: If anywhere on the container of any architectural 

coating or any label or sticker affixed to the container, or in any sales, advertising, or 

technical literature supplied by a manufacturer or anyone acting on their behalf, any 

representation is made that indicates that the coating meets the definition of or is 

recommended for use for more than one of the coating categories listed in the table in 

Section 301, then the most restrictive VOC content limit shall apply. This provision does not 

apply to the coating categories specified in Section 302.1 through 302.15. 

302.1 Lacquer coatings (including lacquer sanding sealers). 

302.2 Metallic pigmented coatings. 

302.3 Shellacs. 

302.4 Fire-retardant coatings. 

302.5 Pretreatment wash primers. 

302.6 Industrial maintenance coatings. 

302.7 Low-solids coatings. 

302.8 Wood preservatives. 

302.9 High temperature coatings. 

302.10 Temperature-indicator safety coatings. 

302.11 Antenna coatings. 

302.12 Antifouling coatings. 

302.13 Flow coatings. 

302.14 Bituminous roof primers. 

302.15 Specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters. 

303 SELL-THROUGH OF COATINGS:

303.1 Coatings manufactured prior to the June 15, 2002, January 1, 2003 or January 1, 

2004 effective date specified for that coating in the table in Section 301 may be sold, 

supplied, or offered for sale for up to three years after the specified effective date. In 

addition, a coating manufactured before the effective date specified for that coating 

in the table in Section 301 may be applied at any time, both before and after the 

specified effective date, so long as the coating complied with the standards in effect 

at the time the coating was manufactured. This Section 303 does not apply to any 

coating that complies with the future effective June 15, 2002, January 1, 2003 or 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 11 Rules and Regulations 

January 1, 2004 limits or that does not display the date or date-code required by 

Section 401.1. 

303.2 A coating included in an approved Averaging Program that does not comply with the 

specified limit in the table in Section 301 may be sold, supplied, or offered for sale for 

up to three years after the end of the compliance period specified in the approved 

Averaging Program. In addition, such a coating may be applied at any time, both 

during and after the compliance period. This Section 303.2 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 in California” or a substitute 

symbol specified by the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board. This 

Section 303.2 shall remain in effect until January 1, 2008. 

304 PAINTING PRACTICES: All architectural coating containers used to apply the contents 

therein to a surface directly from the container by pouring, siphoning, brushing, rolling, 

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

coating containers include, but are not limited to, drums, buckets, cans, pails, trays or other 

application containers. Containers of any VOC-containing materials used for thinning and 

cleanup shall also be closed when not in use. 

305 THINNING: No person who applies or solicits the application of any architectural coating 

shall apply a coating that is thinned to exceed the applicable VOC limit specified in the table 

in Section 301. 

306 RUST PREVENTIVE COATINGS: After January 1, 2004, a person shall only apply or solicit 

the application of a rust preventive coating for non-industrial uses, unless the rust preventive 

coating complies with the industrial maintenance coating VOC limit specified in the table in 

Section 301. 

307 COATINGS NOT LISTED IN SECTION 301: For any coating that does not meet any of the 

definitions for the specialty coatings categories listed in the table in Section 301, the VOC 

content limit shall be determined by classifying the coating as a flat coating or a nonflat 

coating, based on its gloss, as defined in Section 221, 234 and 235 and the corresponding 

flat or nonflat VOC limit shall apply. 

308 LACQUERS: Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 301 and 305, 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 the coating contains acetone and no more 

than 550 grams of VOC per liter of coating, less water and exempt compounds, prior to the 

addition of VOC. 

309 AVERAGING COMPLIANCE OPTION: On or after January 1, 2003, in lieu of compliance 

with the specified limits in the table in Section 301 for floor coatings; industrial maintenance 

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

quick-dry enamels; roof coatings; bituminous roof coatings; rust preventive coatings; stains; 

waterproofing sealers, as well as flats and nonflats (excluding recycled coatings), 

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. 

Such manufacturers must also comply with the averaging provisions contained in Appendix 

A, as well as maintain and make available for inspection records for at least three years after 

the end of the compliance period. This Section 309 and Appendix A shall cease to be 

effective on January 1, 2005, after which averaging will no longer be allowed. 

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Rules and Regulations 218 - 12 Placer County APCD 

401 CONTAINER LABELING REQUIREMENTS: Each manufacturer of any architectural coating 

subject to this rule shall display the information listed in Sections 401.1 through 401.9 on the 

coating container (or label) in which the coating is sold or distributed. 

401.1 Date Code: The date the coating was manufactured, or a date code representing the 

date, shall be indicated on the label, lid, or bottom of the container. If the 

manufacturer uses a date code for any coating, the manufacturer shall file an 

explanation of each code with the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources 

Board. 

401.2 Thinning Recommendations: A statement of the manufacturer's recommendation 

regarding thinning of the coating shall be indicated on the label or lid of the container. 

This requirement does not apply to the thinning of architectural coatings with water. If 

thinning of the coating prior to use is not necessary, the recommendation must 

specify that the coating is to be applied without thinning. 

401.3 VOC Content: Each container of any coating subject to this rule shall display either 

the maximum or the actual VOC content of the coating, as supplied, including the 

maximum thinning as recommended by the manufacturer. VOC content shall be 

displayed as grams of VOC per liter of coating. VOC content displayed shall be 

calculated using product formulation data, or shall be determined using the test 

method in Section 502. The equations in Section 402 shall be used to calculate VOC 

content. 

401.4 Industrial Maintenance Coatings: In addition to the information specified in Sections 

401.1, 401.2 and 401.3, each manufacturer of any industrial maintenance coating 

subject to this rule shall display on the label or lid of the container in which the 

coating is sold or distributed one or more of the descriptions listed in Sections 

401.4.1 through 401.4.3. 

401.4.1 “For industrial use only.” 

401.4.2 “For professional use only.” 

401.4.3 “Not for residential use” or “Not intended for residential use.” 

401.5 Clear Brushing Lacquers: Effective January 1, 2003, the labels of all clear brushing 

lacquers shall prominently display the statements “For brush application only,” and 

“This product must not be thinned or sprayed.” 

401.6 Rust Preventive Coatings: Effective January 1, 2003, the labels of all rust preventive 

coatings shall prominently display the statement “For Metal Substrates Only.” 

401.7 Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters: Effective January 1, 2003, the labels 

of all specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters shall prominently display one or 

more of the descriptions listed in Sections 401.7.1 through 401.7.5. 

401.7.1 For blocking stains. 

401.7.2 For fire-damaged substrates. 

401.7.3 For smoke-damaged substrates. 

401.7.4 For water-damaged substrates. 

401.7.5 For excessively chalky substrates. 

401.8 Quick-Dry Enamels: Effective January 1, 2003, the labels of all quick dry enamels 

shall prominently display the words “Quick Dry” and the dry hard time. 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 13 Rules and Regulations 

401.9 Non-Flat - High Gloss Coatings: Effective January 1, 2003, the labels of all non-flat - 

high gloss coatings shall prominently display the words “High Gloss.” 

402 CALCULATION OF VOC CONTENT: For the purpose of determining compliance with the 

VOC content limits in the table in Section 301, the VOC content of a coating shall be 

determined by using the procedures described in Sections 402.1 or 402.2, as appropriate. 

The VOC content of a tint base shall be determined without colorant that is added after the 

tint base is manufactured. 

402.1 With the exception of low solids coatings, determine the VOC content in grams of 

VOC per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer’s maximum recommendation, 

excluding the volume of any water and exempt compounds. Determine the VOC 

content using the following equation: 

VOC Content = (Ws - Ww - Wec) / (Vm - Vw - Vec) 

Where: VOC content = grams of VOC per liter of coating 

Ws = weight of all volatiles, in grams 

Ww = weight of water, in grams 

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams 

Vm = volume of coating, in liters 

Vw = volume of water, in liters 

Vec = volume of exempt compounds, in liters 

402.2 For low solids coatings, determine the VOC content in units of grams of VOC per liter 

of coating thinned to the manufacturer’s maximum recommendation, including the 

volume of any water and exempt compounds. Determine the VOC content using the 

following equation: 

VOC Contents = (Ws - Ww - Wec) / (Vm) 

Where: VOC content = the VOC content of a low solids coating in 

grams of VOC per liter of coating 

 Ws = weight of all volatiles, in grams 

Ww = weight of water, in grams 

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams 

Vm = volume of coating, in liters 

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS 

501 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

501.1 Clear Brushing Lacquers: Each manufacturer of clear brushing lacquers shall, on or 

before April 1 of each calendar year beginning in the year 2004, submit an annual 

report to the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board. The report shall 

specify the number of gallons of clear brushing lacquers sold in California during the 

preceding calendar year, and shall describe the method used by the manufacturer to 

calculate State sales. 

501.2 Rust Preventive Coatings: Each manufacturer of rust preventive coatings shall, on 

or before April 1 of each calendar year beginning in the year 2004, submit an annual 

report to the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board. The report shall 

specify the number of gallons of rust preventive coatings sold in California during the 

preceding calendar year, and shall describe the method used by the manufacturer to 

calculate State sales. 

501.3 Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters: Each manufacturer of specialty 

primers, sealers, and undercoaters shall, on or before April 1 of each calendar year 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 14 Placer County APCD 

beginning in the year 2004, submit an annual report to the Executive Officer of the 

California Air Resources Board. The report shall specify the number of gallons of 

specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters sold in California during the preceding 

calendar year, and shall describe the method used by the manufacturer to calculate 

State sales. 

501.4 Toxic Exempt Compounds: For each architectural coating that contains 

perchloroethylene or methylene chloride, the manufacturer shall, on or before April 1 

of each calendar year beginning in the year 2004, report to the Executive Officer of 

the California Air Resources Board the following information for products sold in 

California during the preceding year: 

501.4.1 the product brand name and a copy of the product label with legible 

usage instructions; 

501.4.2 the product category listed in the table in Section 301 to which the 

coating belongs; 

501.4.3 the total sales in California during the calendar year to the nearest 

gallon; 

501.4.4 the volume percent, to the nearest 0.10 percent, of 

perchloroethylene and methylene chloride in the coating. 

501.5 Recycled Coating: Manufacturers of recycled coatings must submit a letter to the 

Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board certifying their status as a 

Recycled Paint Manufacturer. The manufacturer shall, on or before April 1 of each 

calendar year beginning in the year 2004, submit an annual report to the Executive 

Officer of the California Air Resources Board. The report shall include, for all 

recycled coatings, the total number of gallons distributed in California during the 

preceding year, and shall describe the method used by the manufacturer to calculate 

California’s distribution. 

501.6 Bituminous Coatings: Each manufacturer of bituminous roof coatings or bituminous 

roof primers shall, on or before April 1 of each calendar year beginning in the year 

2004, submit an annual report to the Executive Officer of the California Air 

Resources Board. The report shall specify the number of gallons of bituminous roof 

coatings or bituminous roof primers sold in California during the preceding calendar 

year, and shall describe the method used by the manufacturer to calculate 

California’s sales. 

502 TESTING PROCEDURE:

502.1 VOC Content: To determine the physical properties of a coating in order to perform 

the calculation in Section 402, the reference method for VOC content is U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency Method 24, incorporated by reference in Section 

502.4.11, except as provided in Sections 502.2 and 502.3. An alternative method to 

determine the VOC content of coatings is South Coast Air Quality Management 

District Method 304-91 (Revised February 1996), incorporated by reference in 

Section 502.4.12. 

The exempt compounds content shall be determined by South Coast Air Quality 

Management District Method 303-91 (Revised August 1996), incorporated by 

reference in Section 502.4.10. To determine the VOC content of a coating, the 

manufacturer may use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24, or an 

alternative method as provided in Section 502.2, formulation data, or any other 

reasonable means for predicting that the coating has been formulated as intended 

(e.g. quality assurance checks, recordkeeping). However, if there are any 

inconsistencies between the results of a Method 24 test and any other means for 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 15 Rules and Regulations 

determining VOC content, the Method 24 test results will govern, except when an 

alternative method is approved as specified in Section 502.2. The District Air 

Pollution Control Officer may require the manufacturer to conduct a Method 24 

analysis. 

502.2 Alternative Test Method: Other test methods demonstrated to provide results that 

are acceptable for purposes of determining compliance with Section 502.1, after 

review and approved in writing by the staffs of the District, the California Air 

Resources Board, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, may also be used. 

502.3 Methacrylate Traffic Marking Coatings: Analysis of methacrylate multicomponent 

coatings used as traffic marking coatings shall be conducted according to a 

modification of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24 (40 CFR 59, 

subpart D, Appendix A), incorporated by reference in Section 502.4.13. This method 

has not been approved for methacrylate multicomponent coatings used for purposes 

other than as traffic marking coatings or for other classes of multicomponent 

coatings. 

502.4 Test Methods: The following test methods are incorporated by reference herein, and 

shall be used to test coatings subject to provisions of this rule: 

502.4.1 Flame Spread Index: The flame spread index of a fire-retardant 

coating shall be determined by ASTM Designation E 84-99, 

“Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of 

Building Materials”, (see Section 220, Fire-Retardant Coating). 

502.4.2 Fire Resistance Rating: The fire resistance rating of a fire-resistive 

coating shall be determined by ASTM Designation E 119-98, 

“Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction 

Materials”, (see Section 219, Fire-Resistive Coating). 

502.4.3 Gloss Determination: The gloss of a coating shall be determined by 

ASTM Designation D 523-89 (1999), “Standard Test Method for 

Specular Gloss”, (see Section 221, 234, 235 and 240, Flat Coating, 

Nonflat Coating, Nonflat High Gloss Coating, and Quick-Dry 

Enamels). 

502.4.4 Metal Content of Coatings: The metallic content of a coating shall 

be determined by South Coast Air Quality Management District 

Method 318-95, “Determination of Weight Percent Elemental Metal 

in Coatings by X-Ray Diffraction”, South Coast Air Quality 

Management District “Laboratory Methods of Analysis for 

Enforcement Samples”, (see Section 232, Metallic Pigmented 

Coating). 

502.4.5 Acid Content of Coatings: The acid content of a coating shall be 

determined by ASTM Designation D 1613-96, “Standard Test 

Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates 

Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products”, (see 

Section 238, Pre-Treatment Wash Primers). 

502.4.6 Drying Times: The set-to-touch, dry-hard, dry-to-touch, and dry-torecoat times of a coating shall be determined by ASTM Designation 

D 1640-95, “Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film 

Formation of Organic Coatings at Room Temperature”, (see 

Section 240 and 241, Quick-Dry Enamel and Quick-Dry Primer, 

Sealer, and Undercoater). The tack-free time of a quick-dry enamel 

coating shall be determined by the Mechanical Test Method of 

ASTM Designation D 1640-95. 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 16 Placer County APCD 

502.4.7 Surface Chalkiness: The chalkiness of a surface shall be 

determined using ASTM Designation D 4214-98, “Standard Test 

Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint 

Films”, (see Section 252, Specialty Primer, Sealer, and 

Undercoater). 

502.4.8 Exempt Compounds - Siloxanes: Exempt compounds that are 

cyclic, branched, or linear completely methylated siloxanes, shall be 

analyzed as exempt compounds for compliance with Section 502 by 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District Method 43, 

“Determination of Volatile Methylsiloxanes in Solvent-Based 

Coatings, Inks, and Related Materials”, Bay Area Air Quality 

Management District Manual of Procedures, Volume III, adopted 

11/6/96, (see Section 261, Volatile Organic Compounds and 

Section 502.1). 

502.4.9 Exempt Compounds - Parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF): The 

exempt compound parachlorobenzotrifluoride, shall be analyzed as 

an exempt compound for compliance with Section 502 by Bay Area 

Air Quality Management District Method 41, “Determination of 

Volatile Organic Compounds in Solvent-Based Coatings and 

Related Materials Containing Parachlorobenzotrifluoride”, Bay Area 

Air Quality Management District Manual of Procedures, Volume III, 

adopted 12/20/95, (see Section 261, Volatile Organic Compound 

and Section 502.1). 

502.4.10 Exempt Compounds: The content of compounds exempt under 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24 shall be analyzed 

by South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 303-91 

(Revised 1996), “Determination of Exempt Compounds”, South 

Coast Air Quality Management District “Laboratory Methods of 

Analysis for Enforcement Samples”, (see Section 261, Volatile 

Organic Compound and Section 502.1). 

502.4.11 VOC Content of Coatings: The VOC content of a coating shall be 

determined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24 as 

it exists in appendix A of 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

part 60, “Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Water Content, 

Density, Volume Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings”, 

(see Section 502.1). 

502.4.12 Alternative VOC Content of Coatings: The VOC content of coatings 

may be analyzed either by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Method 24 or South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 

304-91 (Revised 1996), “Determination of Volatile Organic 

Compounds (VOC) in Various Materials,” South Coast Air Quality 

Management District “Laboratory Methods of Analysis for 

Enforcement Samples”, (see Section 502.1). 

502.4.13 Methacrylate Traffic Marking Coatings: The VOC content of 

methacrylate multicomponent coatings used as traffic marking 

coatings shall be analyzed by the procedures in 40 CFR part 59, 

subpart D, appendix A, “Determination of Volatile Matter Content of 

Methacrylate Multicomponent Coatings Used as Traffic Marking 

Coatings”, (September 11, 1998), (see Section 502.1). 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 17 Rules and Regulations 

APPENDIX A 

AVERAGING PROVISION

A. AVERAGING PROVISION

A.1 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 n 

 ∑ GiMi ≤ ∑GiViLi 

 i = 1 i = 1 

Where: 

n 

∑ GiMi = Actual Emissions 

i = 1 

n 

∑GiViLi = Allowable Emissions 

i = 1 

Gi = Total Gallons of Product (i) subject to Averaging; 

Mi = Material VOC Content of Product (i), in pounds per gallon; 

Mi = Ws - Ww - Wec

Vm 

Vi = Percent by Volume Solids and VOC in Product (i); 

Vi = Vm - Vw - Vec

 Vm 

Ws = weight of all volatiles, in pounds 

Ww = weight of water, in pounds 

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in pounds 

Vm = volume of water, in gallons 

Vw = volume of water, in gallons 

Vec = volume of exempt compounds, in gallons 

For Non-Zero VOC Coatings: 

Material VOC ( also known as VOC Actual )

Vi = Coating VOC ( also known as VOC Regulatory ) 

Where: 

 Coating VOC = Ws - Ww - Wec

Vm - Vw - Vec 

For Zero VOC Coatings: 

Vi = Percent Solids by Volume 

Li = Regulatory VOC Content Limit for Product (I), in pounds per gallon 

(as listed in the table in Section 301) 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 18 Placer County APCD 

The averaging is limited to coatings that are designated by the manufacturer. Any coating not 

designated in the averaging Program shall comply with the VOC limit in the table in Section 

301. The manufacturer shall not include any quantity of coatings that it knows or should have 

known will not be used in California, if statewide coatings data are used. If district-specific 

coatings data are used, the manufacturer shall not include any quantity of coatings that it 

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

A.1.1 In addition to the requirements specified in Section A.1, manufacturers shall 

not include in an Averaging Program any coating with a VOC content in 

excess of the following maximum VOC contents, for the applicable categories. 

Averaging Categories and VOC Ceiling (Maximum VOC Allowed)

 

CATEGORY VOC LIMIT (LI)1

(GRAMS/LITER) 

MAXIMUM VOC CONTENT 

(GRAMS/LITER) 

Flat Coating 100 250 

Nonflat Coating 150 250 

Floor Coatings 250 400 

Industrial Maintenance Coatings 250 420 

Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 200 350 

Quick-Dry Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 200 450 

Quick-Dry Enamels 250 400 

Roof Coatings 250 250 

Bituminous Roof coatings 300 300 

Rust Preventative Coatings 400 400 

Stains 250 350 

Waterproofing Sealers 250 400 

1

 As listed in Table 1. Used when determining allowable emissions in subsection A.1. 

A.2 Averaging Program (Program)

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

Averaging Program to the Executive Officer of the Air Resources Board. As used in this 

Appendix A, “Executive Officer” means the Executive Officer of the Air Resources Board. 

Averaging may not be implemented until the Program is approved in writing by the Executive 

Officer. 

Within 45 days of submittal of a complete Program, the Executive Officer shall either approve 

or disapprove the Program. The Program applicant and the Executive Officer may agree to 

an extension of time for the Executive Officer to take action on the Program. 

A.3 General Requirements 

The 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 enforceable manner. Such information shall 

include, but is not limited to, the following: 

 A.3.1 An identification of the contact persons, telephone numbers, and name of the 

manufacturer who is submitting the Program. 

A.3.2 An identification of each coating that has been selected by the manufacturer for 

inclusion in this program that exceeds the applicable VOC limit in the table in 

Section 301, its VOC content specified in units of both VOC actual and VOC 

regulatory, and the designation of the coating category. 
 

Placer County APCD 218 - 19 Rules and Regulations 

A.3.3 A detailed demonstration showing that the projected actual emissions will not 

exceed the allowable emissions for a single compliance period that the 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 in 

Section 301. The demonstration shall use the equation specified in Section A.1 

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 sold within the State for each coating listed 

in the Program during each compliance period. The requested data can be 

summarized in a matrix form. 

A.3.4 A specification of the compliance period(s) and applicable reporting dates. The 

length of the compliance period shall not be more than one year or less than six 

months. 

A.3.5 An identification and description of all records to be made available to the 

Executive Officer upon request, if different than those identified under Section 

A.3.6. 

A.3.6 An identification and description of specific records to be used in calculating 

emissions for the Program and subsequent reporting, and a detailed explanation 

as to how those records will be used by the manufacturer to verify compliance 

with the averaging requirements. 

 A.3.7 A statement, signed by a responsible party for the manufacturer, that all 

information submitted is true and correct, and that records will be made available 

to the Executive Officer upon request. 

A.4 Reporting Requirements 

A.4.1 For every single compliance period, the manufacturer shall submit 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 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 midterm report. 

A.4.2 Within 60 days after the end of the compliance period or upon termination of the 

Program, whichever is sooner, the manufacturer shall submit to the Executive 

Officer a report listing all coatings subject to averaging during the compliance 

period, providing a detailed demonstration of the balance between the actual 

and allowable emissions for the compliance period, 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. 
Rules and Regulations 218 - 20 Placer County APCD 

A.5 Renewal of a Program

A Program automatically expires at the end of the compliance period. The manufacturer may 

request a renewal of the Program by submitting a renewal request that shall include an 

updated Program, meeting all applicable 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 the 

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. 

A.6 Modification of a Program 

A manufacturer may request a modification of the 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 date of its submittal. No modification of 

the compliance period shall be allowed. A Program need not be modified to specify additional 

coatings to be averaged that are below the applicable VOC limits. 

A.7 Termination of a Program 

A.7.1 A manufacturer may terminate its 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 Program was in effect shall constitute a 

separate violation for each day of the entire compliance period. 

A.7.2 The Executive Officer may terminate a Program if any of the following circumstances 

occur: 

A.7.2.1 The manufacturer violates the requirements of the approved Program, and 

at the end of the compliance period, the actual emissions exceed the 

allowable emissions. 

A.7.2.2 The manufacturer demonstrates a recurring pattern of violations and has 

consistently failed to take the necessary steps to correct those violations. 

A.8 Change in VOC Limits

If the VOC limits of a coating listed in the 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. 

A.9 Labeling

Each container of any coating that is included in averaging program, and that exceeds the 

applicable VOC limit in the table in Section 301 shall display the following statement: "This 

product is subject to architectural coatings averaging provisions in California.” A symbol 

specified by the Executive Officer may be used as a substitute. 

A.10 Violations 
The exceedance of the allowable emissions for any compliance period shall constitute a 

separate violation for each day of the compliance period. However, any violation of the 

requirements of the Averaging 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. 

A.11 Sunset of Averaging Provision 

 The averaging provision set forth in Appendix A shall cease to be effective on January 1, 

2005, after which averaging will no longer be allowed. 

 

 

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Rules and Regulations 218 - 22 Placer County APCD