SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-1 

RULE 459 AUTOMOTIVE, MOBILE EQUIPMENT, AND ASSOCIATED PARTS AND COMPONENTS 

COATING OPERATIONS

Adopted 12-7-95 

(Amended 3-7-96, 9-5-96, 10-2-97, 8-25-11)

INDEX

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE 

102 APPLICABILITY 

110 EXEMPTION, RESTORATION OF SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES AND STREET ROD 

VEHICLES 

111 EXEMPTION, AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT 

112 EXEMPTION, APPLICATION METHODS 

113 EXEMPTION, ASSEMBLY LINE 

114 EXEMPTION: RADIATORS, DRIVE TRAIN, DIFFERENTIAL, AND ENGINE COMPONENTS 

115 EXEMPTION, TOUCH-UP 

116 EXEMPTION, MATERIALS FOR VEHICLES 

117 SEVERABILITY 

200 DEFINITIONS

201 ADHESION PROMOTER 

202 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT 

203 ANTIGLARE/SAFETY COATING 

204 APPLICATION EQUIPMENT 

205 ASSEMBLY LINE 

206 ASSOCIATED PARTS AND COMPONENTS 

207 AUTOMOTIVE COATING 

208 AUTOMOTIVE COATING COMPONENT 

209 AUTOMOTIVE COATING FACILITY 

210 BASE COAT 

211 BRIGHT METAL TRIM REPAIR COATING 

212 BUSINESS MACHINE PLASTIC PART 

213 CAMOUFLAGE COATING 

214 CATALYST 

215 CAVITY WAX 

216 CLEANING OPERATIONS 

217 CLEAR COATING 

218 CLOSED CONTAINER 

219 COATING 

220 COATING REMOVER (STRIPPER) 

221 COLOR COATING 

222 COLOR MATCH 

223 DEADENER 

224 DRIVETRAIN 

225 ELASTOMERIC MATERIALS 

226 ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY APPLICATION 

227 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 

228 ENCLOSED GUN CLEANER 

229 END USER 

230 EXEMPT COMPOUND 

231 GASKET/GASKET SEALING MATERIAL 

232 GRAPHIC ARTS OPERATION 

233 GROUND COAT 

234 GROUP I VEHICLES 

235 GROUP II VEHICLES 

236 HEAVY DUTY TRUCK 

237 HIGH-VOLUME, LOW-PRESSURE (HVLP) EQUIPMENT 
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459-2 August 25, 2011 

238 IMPACT-RESISTANT COATING 

239 LIGHT/MEDIUM DUTY VEHICLES 

240 LOW-VOLUME, LOW-PRESSURE (LVLP) EQUIPMENT 

241 LUBRICATING WAX/COMPOUND 

242 METALLIC/IRIDESCENT COLOR COATING 

243 MID COAT 

244 MILITARY VEHICLE 

245 MISCELLANEOUS PLASTIC PARTS AND PRODUCTS 

246 MOBILE EQUIPMENT 

247 MOTOR VEHICLE 

248 MULTI-COLOR COATING 

249 MULTI-STAGE TOPCOAT SYSTEM 

250 ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING PLANT 

251 PERMANENTLY LABELED 

252 PLEASURE CRAFT 

253 PRECOAT 

254 PRETREATMENT COATING 

255 PRIMER 

256 PRIMER SEALER 

257 SINGLE-STAGE COATING 

258 SOLVENT 

259 SPECIALTY COATINGS 

260 SPOT REPAIR 

261 SPRAY BOOTH 

262 STATIONARY SOURCE 

263 SURFACE PREPARATION 

264 TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE COATING 

265 TOPCOAT 

266 TRANSFER EFFICIENCY 

267 TRANSPORTATION PLASTIC PART 

268 TRUCK BED LINER COATING 

269 UNDERBODY COATING 

270 UNIFORM FINISH COATING 

271 UTILITY BODY 

272 VENDOR 

273 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) 

274 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND AS APPLIED 

275 WELD-THROUGH PRIMER 

300 STANDARDS

301 VEHICLE COATING LIMITS, PHASE I 

302 VEHICLE COATING LIMITS, PHASE II 

303 VEHICLE MATERIAL LIMITS 

304 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMIT 

305 EMISSIONS CONTROL EQUIPMENT 

306 APPLICATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT 

307 PROHIBITION OF SPECIFICATION 

308 PROHIBITION OF SALE OR MANUFACTURE 

309 PROHIBITION OF POSSESSION 

310 SOLVENT CLEANING OPERATIONS AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS 

311 COATING REMOVER (STRIPPER) REQUIREMENTS 

312 SPECIALTY COATING LIMITATION 

313 PRECOAT LIMITATION 

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

401 PRODUCT INFORMATION SHEET REQUIREMENTS 

402 PRODUCT DATA SHEET REQUIREMENTS 

403 LABELING REQUIREMENTS 
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404 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN 

405 PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN 

406 COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE 

407 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND MASS EMISSION RATE AND 

PERCENT CONTROL EFFICIENCY 

408 DETERMINATION OF OVERALL SYSTEM EFFICIENCY 

409 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS REGULATORY CONTENT OF 

A COATING, LESS WATER AND EXEMPT COMPOUNDS (VOC REGULATORY) 

410 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ACTUAL CONTENT OF A 

COATING (VOC ACTUAL) 

411 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ACTUAL CONTENT OF 

COATING REMOVERS (STRIPPERS) AND SOLVENTS 

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS

501 RECORDKEEPING FOR PROHIBITION OF SALE OR MANUFACTURE 

502 RECORDKEEPING FOR END USERS 

503 DURATION OF RECORDS 

504 TEST METHODS 
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100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE: To limit the emission of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere from 

coatings and solvents associated with the coating of motor vehicles, mobile equipment and 

associated parts and components. 

102 APPLICABILITY: The provisions of this rule shall apply to any person who supplies, sells, 

offers for sale, manufactures, or distributes any automotive coating or associated solvent for 

use within the District, as well as any person who uses, applies, or solicits the use or 

application of any automotive coating or associated solvent within the District. The provisions 

of Rule 441, Organic Solvents, shall not apply to persons using automotive coatings and 

solvents subject to this rule. 

110 EXEMPTION, RESTORATIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES AND STREET ROD 

VEHICLES: Prior to February 25, 2012, the requirements of Sections 301, 310.3, and 310.5 

shall not apply to coatings and surface preparation and cleanup materials used in the 

restoration of special interest vehicles as defined in Section 5051(b) of Division 3 of the 

California Vehicle Code or street rod vehicles as defined in Section 5051(d) of Division 3 of 

the California Vehicle Code providing that the total usage of these coatings (including, but not 

limited to thinners, reducers, hardeners, retarders and catalysts), coating removers 

(strippers), surface preparation materials, and cleanup material does not exceed 10 gallons in 

a calendar year. The recordkeeping requirements in Section 502.3 shall apply to the coating 

of special interest vehicles as defined in Section 5051(b) of Division 3 of the California 

Vehicle Code or street rod vehicles as defined in Section 5051(d) of Division 3 of the 

California Vehicle Code. This exemption will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

111 EXEMPTION, AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT: The requirements of this rule shall not 

apply to any aerosol coating product. 

112 EXEMPTION, APPLICATION METHODS: The requirements of Section 306 of this rule shall 

not apply to the application of any coating use of no more than one fluid ounce when applied 

from a container with a capacity of no more than one fluid ounce, of underbody coatings, 

truck bed liner coatings, or graphic arts operations. 

113 EXEMPTION, ASSEMBLY LINE: The requirements of this rule shall not apply to any coating 

applied to motor vehicles or mobile equipment, or their associated parts and components, 

during manufacture on an assembly line at an original equipment manufacturing plant. 

114 EXEMPTION: RADIATORS, DRIVE TRAIN, DIFFERENTIAL, AND ENGINE 

COMPONENTS: Prior to February 25, 2012, the provisions of this rule shall not apply to the 

coating of radiators, drive train, differential, and engine components which are subject to the 

provisions of Rule 451, SURFACE COATING OF MISCELLANEOUS METAL PARTS AND 

PRODUCTS. This exemption will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

115 EXEMPTION, TOUCH-UP:

115.1 Prior to February 25, 2012, the provisions of this rule shall not apply to the sale or 

use of touch-up coatings dispensed in containers of two ounces or less. This 

exemption will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

115.2 Effective February 25, 2012, the provisions of this rule shall not apply to any 

automotive coating that is sold, supplied, or offered for sale in containers of 0.5 fluid 

ounce or less intended to be used by the general public to repair tiny surface 

imperfections. 

116 EXEMPTION, MATERIALS FOR VEHICLES: The requirements of Section 303 shall not 

apply to any motor vehicle, mobile equipment, or associated parts and components coating 

operations at a stationary source with actual emissions less than 2.7 tons of VOC per 12-

month rolling period prior to emissions control equipment from the total of all of the following 

coatings and coating operations: 
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459-6 August 25, 2011 

 116.1 Truck bed liner coatings and underbody coatings subject to Section 302; 

116.2 Vehicle materials subject to Section 303; 

 116.3 Coating operations for miscellaneous metal parts and products as defined in Rule 

451 – SURFACE COATING OF MISCELLANEOUS METAL PARTS AND 

PRODUCTS; and 

 116.4 a. Effective prior to the adoption of Rule 468 – SURFACE COATING OF 

MISCELLANEOUS PLASTIC PARTS AND PRODUCTS, BUSINESS 

MACHINE AND TRANSPORTATION PLASTIC PARTS, AND PLEASURE 

CRAFT, coating operations for miscellaneous plastic parts and products, 

transportation and business machine plastic parts, and pleasure craft as 

defined in Sections 212, 245, 252, and 267. (This section will sunset upon 

adoption of Rule 468). 

b. Effective upon adoption of Rule 468, coating operations for miscellaneous 

plastic parts and products, transportation and business machine plastic 

parts, and pleasure craft as defined in Rule 468 – SURFACE COATING OF 

MISCELLANEOUS PLASTIC PARTS AND PRODUCTS, BUSINESS 

MACHINE AND TRANSPORTATION PLASTIC PARTS, AND PLEASURE 

CRAFT. 

117 SEVERABILITY: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this rule 

is, for any reason, held invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by any court of competent 

jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed as a separate, distinct, and independent provision, 

and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. 

200 DEFINITIONS

201 ADHESION PROMOTER:

201.1 For automotive coating facilities subject to the requirements of Section 301, any 

coating applied over both an existing non-sanded topcoat and the coated area 

immediately adjacent to the non-sanded topcoat, to promote the adhesion of a 

subsequent topcoat. No topcoat, primer, or primer sealer shall be classified as an 

adhesion promoter. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

201.2 For automotive coating facilities subject to the requirements of Section 302, any 

coating which is labeled and formulated to be applied to uncoated plastic surfaces to 

facilitate bonding of subsequent coatings, and on which, a subsequent coating is 

applied. 

202 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT: 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 

traffic/marking applications. 

203 ANTIGLARE/SAFETY COATING: Any coating which minimizes light reflection for safety 

purposes. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

204 APPLICATION EQUIPMENT: Any device used to apply coatings or used in preparing a 

coating material for application such as stir sticks or funnels. 

205 ASSEMBLY LINE: An arrangement of industrial equipment and workers in which the 

product passes from one specialized operation to another until complete, by either automatic 

or manual means. 

206 ASSOCIATED PARTS AND COMPONENTS: Any structures, devices, pieces, modules, 

sections, assemblies, subassemblies, or elements of motor vehicles or mobile equipment that 

are designed to be part of motor vehicles or mobile equipment but which are not attached to 

motor vehicles or mobile equipment at the time of coating the structure, device, module, 

section, assembly, subassembly, or element. Associated parts and components do not 
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August 25, 2011 459-7 

include circuit boards. Some examples include truck trailers, radiators, engine blocks, and 

camper shells. 

207 AUTOMOTIVE COATING: Any coating or coating component used or recommended for use 

in motor vehicle or mobile equipment coating, service, maintenance, repair, restoration, or 

modification, except metal plating activities. Any reference to automotive coating or 

refinishing made by a person on the container or in product literature constitutes a 

recommendation for use in motor vehicle or mobile equipment coating. For the purposes of 

this rule, motor vehicle materials listed in Section 303 are considered to be coatings. 

208 AUTOMOTIVE COATING COMPONENT: Any portion of a coating, including, but not limited 

to, a reducer or thinner, toner, hardener, and additive, which is recommended by any person 

to distributors or end-users for use in an automotive coating, or which is supplied for or used 

in an automotive coating. The raw materials used to produce the components are not 

considered automotive coating components. 

209 AUTOMOTIVE COATING FACILITY: Any shop, business, location, or parcel of land where 

complete and incomplete motor vehicles or mobile equipment or their associated parts and 

components are coated. 

210 BASE COAT: A pigmented coating applied as part of a multistage coat system. (This 

definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

211 BRIGHT METAL TRIM REPAIR COATING: Any coating applied directly to chrome-plated 

metal surfaces for the purpose of appearance. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 

2012). 

212 BUSINESS MACHINE PLASTIC PART: A plastic part of a device that uses electronic or 

mechanical methods to process information, perform calculations, print or copy information or 

convert sound into electrical impulses for transmission, including devices listed in standard 

industrial classification numbers 3572, 3573, 3574, 3579, and 3661 and photocopy machines, 

a subcategory of standard industrial classification number 3861. (This definition will sunset 

upon adoption of Rule 468). 

213 CAMOUFLAGE COATING: Any coating applied to motor vehicles to conceal such vehicles 

from detection. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

214 CATALYST: Any substance whose presence initiates the reaction between chemical 

compounds. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

215 CAVITY WAX: A material or coating applied into cavities of the vehicle primarily for the 

purpose of enhancing corrosion protection. 

216 CLEANING OPERATIONS: The removal of loosely held uncured adhesives, inks, coatings, 

or contaminants, including, but not limited to, dirt, soil, or grease, from motor vehicles, mobile 

equipment, associated parts and components, substrates, parts, products, tools, machinery, 

equipment (including application equipment) or general work areas. 

217 CLEAR COATING: Any coating that contains no pigments and is labeled and formulated for 

application over a color coating or clear coating. 

218 CLOSED CONTAINER: A container which has a cover where the cover meets with the main 

body of the container without any visible gaps between the cover and the main body of the 

container. 

219 COATING: Any material which is applied to a surface and forms a film in order to beautify, 

preserve, repair, or protect such a surface. 
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220 COATING REMOVER (STRIPPER): A material applied to the surface to completely remove 

maskants, coatings or coating residues. A coating remover (stripper) is not a solvent. 

Material used for the removal of overspray or to clean application equipment is considered a 

solvent, not a coating remover. 

221 COLOR COATING: Any pigmented coating, excluding adhesion promoters, primers, and 

multi-color coatings, that requires a subsequent clear coating and which is applied over a 

primer, adhesion promoter, or color coating. Color coatings include metallic/iridescent color 

coatings. 

222 COLOR MATCH: The ability of a repair coating to blend into an existing coating so that color 

difference is not visible. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

223 DEADENER: A material or coating applied to selected vehicle surfaces primarily for the 

purpose of reducing the sound of road noise in the passenger compartment. 

224 DRIVETRAIN: The components related to the driveline, including the universal joint and the 

drive shaft that connect the transmission with the driving axles of an automobile. (This 

definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

225 ELASTOMERIC MATERIALS: Any coatings which are specifically formulated and applied 

over coated or uncoated flexible plastic substrates for the purpose of adhesion. (This 

definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

226 ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY APPLICATION: Any method of spray application of coatings 

where an electrostatic attraction is created between the part to be coated and the paint 

particles. 

227 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM: Any combination of capture systems and control devices 

used to reduce VOC emissions from automotive coating operations. 

228 ENCLOSED GUN CLEANER:

228.1 A device that is used for the cleaning of spray guns, cups, pots and hoses, that has 

an enclosed solvent container, is not open to the ambient air when in use, and has a 

mechanism to force the solvent through the gun while the cleaner is in operation; or 

228.2 A device that is used for the cleaning of spray guns, cups, pots and hoses, that has 

an enclosed solvent container, uses non-atomized solvent flow to flush the spray 

equipment and collects and returns the discharged solvent to the enclosed container. 

(This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

229 END USER: Any person using or applying any coating, coating remover (stripper), or solvent 

subject to this rule. 

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

meaning as in Rule 101—GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS. 

231 GASKET/GASKET SEALING MATERIAL: Any fluid applied to coat a gasket or replace and 

perform the same function as a gasket including room temperature vulcanization seal 

material. 

232 GRAPHIC ARTS OPERATION: The application of logos, letters, numbers, or graphics to a 

painted surface by brush, roller, or airbrush. 

233 GROUND COAT: An opaque, pigmented coat used under partially transparent finishes to 

cover up a different-hued undercoat and used as part of a four-stage topcoat system. (This 

definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 
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August 25, 2011 459-9 

234 GROUP I VEHICLES: Passenger cars, heavy duty truck cabs and chassis, light/medium 

duty vehicles (including utility bodies), and motorcycles. (This definition will sunset on 

February 25, 2012). 

235 GROUP II VEHICLES: Buses, military vehicles, and mobile equipment. (This definition will 

sunset on February 25, 2012). 

236 HEAVY DUTY TRUCK: Any truck having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 

over 10,000 pounds. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

237 HIGH-VOLUME, LOW-PRESSURE (HVLP) EQUIPMENT: Spray equipment which is 

designed and operated between 0.1 and 10 pounds per square inch, gauge (psig) air 

atomizing pressure measured dynamically at the center of the air cap and at the air horns. 

238 IMPACT-RESISTANT COATING: Any coating designed to resist chipping caused by road 

debris. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

239 LIGHT/MEDIUM DUTY VEHICLES: Any vehicle having a manufacturer's gross vehicle 

weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

240 LOW-VOLUME, LOW-PRESSURE (LVLP) EQUIPMENT: Spray coating application 

equipment with air pressure between 0.1 and 10 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and air 

volume less than 15.5 cfm per spray gun and which operates at a maximum fluid delivery 

pressure of 50 psig. 

241 LUBRICATING WAX/COMPOUND: Any protective lubricating material applied to vehicle 

hubs and hinges. 

242 METALLIC/IRIDESCENT COLOR COATING: Any coating that contains more than 5 g/l 

(0.042 lb/gal) of metal or iridescent particles, as applied, where such particles are visible in 

the dried film. 

243 MID COAT: Any semi-transparent topcoat which is the middle topcoat applied as part of 

three-stage or four-stage topcoat systems. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

244 MILITARY VEHICLE: A vehicle or a transportable structure which is owned, operated, or 

maintained by the United States Department of Defense or the National Guard. The structure 

may be motorized, or non-motorized but intended for towing by a motorized vehicle. (This 

definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

245 MISCELLANEOUS PLASTIC PARTS AND PRODUCTS: Any parts or products constructed 

either entirely or partially from plastic that are not defined as transportation plastic parts, 

business machine plastic parts, or parts of a pleasure craft, including but not limited to, 

molded plastic parts, industrial and household products, plumbing and marine parts or 

products, sporting goods, toys, and other consumer products. (This definition will sunset 

upon adoption of Rule 468). 

246 MOBILE EQUIPMENT: Any device that may be drawn and/or driven on rails or a roadway 

including, but not limited to, trains, railcars, truck trailers, mobile cranes, bulldozers, street 

cleaners, portable generators, and agricultural equipment. 

247 MOTOR VEHICLE: Any self-propelled vehicle, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, 

buses, golf carts, vans, motorcycles, tanks, and armored personnel carriers. 

248 MULTI-COLOR COATING: Any coating that exhibits more than one color in the dried film 

after a single application, is packaged in a single container, and hides surface defects on 

areas of heavy use, and which is applied over a primer or adhesion promoter. 
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459-10 August 25, 2011 

249 MULTI-STAGE TOPCOAT SYSTEM: A topcoat system composed of either a base 

coat/clear coat (two stage system), a base coat/mid coat/clear coat (three stage system), or a 

ground coat/base coat/mid coat/clear coat (four stage system). The calculation for the 

volatile organic compound content for the various coating systems shall be as follows: 

249.1 The volatile organic compound content of a two-stage coating system shall be 

calculated according to the following formula: 

3

BC 2 CC

TOTAL

VOC VOC VOC   

249.2 The volatile organic compound content of a three stage coating system shall be 

calculated according to the following formula: 

4

BC MC 2 CC

TOTAL

VOC VOC VOC VOC   

249.3 The volatile organic compound content of a four stage coating system shall be 

calculated according to the following formula: 

5

GC BC MC 2 CC

TOTAL

VOC VOC VOC VOC VOC    

Where: VOCTOTAL is the sum of the volatile organic compound content, as 

applied, and used to determine compliance with the 

standards in Section 301. 

VOCGC is the volatile organic compound content, as applied, of a 

ground coat. 

VOCBC is the volatile organic compound content, as applied, of a 

base coat. 

VOCMC is the volatile organic compound content, as applied, of a 

mid coat. 

2VOCCC is two times the volatile organic compound content, as 

applied, of a clear coat. 

(This section will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

250 ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING PLANT: A facility where new motor vehicle or 

new mobile equipment is completely assembled, including coating of new motor vehicles or 

new mobile equipment or their associated parts and components. 

251 PERMANENTLY LABELED: Spray equipment labeled by the manufacturer such that the 

end user cannot alter it. Permanent labeling is in the form of engraved markings or a plate 

permanently attached to the spray equipment. 

252 PLEASURE CRAFT: A vessel which is manufactured or operated primarily for recreational 

purposes, or leased, rented, or chartered to a person or business for recreational purposes. 

The owner or operator of such a vessel shall be responsible for certifying that the intended 

use is for recreational purposes. (This definition will sunset upon adoption of Rule 468). 

253 PRECOAT: Any coating that dries by oxidation or chemical polymerization excluding lacquer 

products which is applied to bare metal primarily to deactivate the metal surface prior to 

application of a primer. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

254 PRETREATMENT COATING: Any coating which contains a minimum of 0.5 percent acid by 

weight and not more than 16 percent solids by weight necessary to provide surface etching 

and is labeled and formulated for application directly to bare metal surfaces to provide 

corrosion resistance and adhesion. 
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August 25, 2011 459-11 

255 PRIMER: Any coating which is labeled and formulated for application to a substrate to 

provide: a bond between the substrate and subsequent coats; corrosion resistance; a smooth 

substrate surface; or resistance to penetration of subsequent coats, and on which a 

subsequent coating is applied. Primers may be pigmented. 

256 PRIMER SEALER: Any coating which is labeled and formulated for application prior to the 

application of a color coating for the purpose of color uniformity, or to promote the ability of 

the underlying coating to resist penetration by the color coating. 

257 SINGLE-STAGE COATING: Any pigmented coating, excluding primers, primer sealers, and 

multi-color coatings, labeled and formulated for application without a subsequent clear coat. 

Single-stage coatings include single-stage metallic/iridescent coatings. 

258 SOLVENT: A VOC-containing fluid used to perform cleaning operations. 

259 SPECIALTY COATINGS: Unique coatings with additives which are necessary due to 

unusual job performance requirements. These coatings are exclusively used as adhesion 

promoters, uniform finish coatings, elastomeric materials, bright metal trim repair, antiglare/safety coatings, impact resistance coating, and weld-through primers. These coatings 

shall be designated by the manufacturer as specialty coatings which require the coatings to 

perform under certain conditions as specified by the coating definitions in Sections 201, 203, 

211, 225, 270, and 275. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

260 SPOT REPAIR: Repair of an area on a motor vehicle, piece of mobile equipment, or 

associated parts or components of less than 1 square foot (929 square centimeters). 

261 SPRAY BOOTH: An enclosure, within which coatings are applied, that has a full roof and 

four complete walls and is ventilated so that air is drawn into one or more stacks and 

exhausted vertically through the top and outside of a building. 

262 STATIONARY SOURCE: Any building, structure, facility, or emissions unit which emits or 

may emit any affected pollutant directly or as a fugitive emission. 

262.1 Building, structure, facility, or emissions unit includes all pollutant emitting activities 

which: 

a. belong to the same industrial grouping, and 

b. are located on one property or on two or more contiguous properties, and 

c. are under the same or common ownership, operation, or control or which 

are owned or operated by entities which are under common control. 

262.2 Pollutant emitting activities shall be considered as part of the same industrial 

grouping if: 

a. they belong to the same two-digit standard industrial classification code, or 

b. they are part of a common production process. (Common production 

process includes industrial processes, manufacturing processes and any 

connected processes involving a common material.) 

262.3 The emissions within District boundaries of cargo carriers associated with the 

stationary source shall be considered emissions from the stationary source to the 

extent that emission reductions from cargo carriers are proposed as emission 

offsets. 

263 SURFACE PREPARATION: A volatile organic compound-containing material applied to the 

surface of any substrate prior to any coating application or to remove any overspray. (This 

definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

264 TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE COATING: Any coating formulated and effective February 25, 

2012, labeled for the purpose of temporarily protecting areas from overspray or mechanical 

damage. 
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459-12 August 25, 2011 

265 TOPCOAT: Any coating applied over a primer, primer system, or an original equipment 

manufacturer finish for the purpose of protection or appearance. (This definition will sunset 

on February 25, 2012). 

266 TRANSFER EFFICIENCY: The amount of coating solids adhering to the object being coated 

divided by the total amount of coating solids sprayed, expressed as a percentage. 

267 TRANSPORTATION PLASTIC PART: Any interior or exterior plastic part or component 

manufactured at an original equipment manufacturing plant for motor vehicles or mobile 

equipment, excluding plastic parts for cars or motor vehicles designed to transport light loads 

of property with gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. (This definition will 

sunset upon adoption of Rule 468). 

268 TRUCK BED LINER COATING: Any coating, excluding clear, color, multi-color and single 

stage coatings, labeled and formulated for application to a truck bed to protect it from surface 

abrasion. 

269 UNDERBODY COATING: Any coating labeled and formulated for application to wheel wells, 

the inside of door panels or fenders, the underside of a trunk or hood, or the underside of the 

motor vehicle. 

270 UNIFORM FINISH COATING: Any coating formulated and effective February 25, 2012, 

labeled for application to the area around a spot repair for the purpose of blending a repaired 

area’s color or clear coat to match the appearance of an adjacent area’s existing coating. 

271 UTILITY BODY: A body designed for and mounted on a light or medium duty truck or van 

excluding camper shells. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

272 VENDOR: A retail or wholesale distributor of automotive coating products. 

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

compound” has the same meaning as in Rule 101—GENERAL PROVISIONS AND 

DEFINITIONS. Tertiary butyl acetate is not considered a volatile organic compound for the 

purposes of complying with the standards specified in Section 302 when contained in an 

automotive coating or automotive coating component that is applied only within a spray 

booth. 

274 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND AS APPLIED: For the purpose of this rule, volatile 

organic compound as applied means the volatile organic compound content including 

thinners, reducers, hardeners, retarders, catalysts and additives calculated pursuant to 

Sections 409, 410, or 411, as applicable. 

275 WELD-THROUGH PRIMER: A primer that is applied to the surface of the metal prior to 

welding. (This definition will sunset on February 25, 2012). 

300 STANDARDS

301 VEHICLE COATING LIMITS, PHASE I:

301.1 GROUP I VEHICLES AND GROUP II VEHICLES REQUIRING A COLOR MATCH:

At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 301, as 

specified in Section 406, a person shall not apply to Group I Vehicles, their parts and 

components (except as provided for in Section 301.3), or Group II Vehicles where 

color match as defined in Section 222 is required, any coating with a volatile organic 

compound content in excess of the following limits. The volatile organic compound 

content of the applied coating shall be determined as grams of volatile organic 

compound per liter (pounds of volatile organic compound per gallon) of coating asapplied (including automotive coating components as defined in Section 208) as 

determined by Sections 504.1 and 504.4: 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-13 

COATING

VOLATILE ORGANIC 

COMPOUND CONTENT 

g/l (lbs/gal), 

less water and 

exempt compounds 

Effective: 

See Section 406

Precoat 600 (5.0) 

Pretreatment Coating 780 (6.5) 

Primer 250 (2.1) 

Primer Sealer 420 (3.5) 

Solid Color Topcoat 420 (3.5) 

Metallic/Iridescent Coating 520 (4.3) 

Multi-stage Topcoat 

System 

540 (4.5) 

Underbody Coating 

540 (4.5) 

Specialty Coating 840 (7.0) 

* This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

COATING 

VOLATILE ORGANIC 

COMPOUND CONTENT 

g/l (lbs/gal) 

Effective: 

See Section 406 

Temporary Protective 

Coating 60 (0.5) 

* This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

301.2 GROUP II VEHICLES NOT REQUIRING A COLOR MATCH: At an automotive 

coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 301, as specified in Section 

406, a person shall not apply to Group II vehicles, or their parts and components 

where color match is not required, any coating with a volatile organic compound 

content in excess of the following limits. Volatile organic compound content of the 

applied coating shall be determined as grams of volatile organic compound per liter 

(pounds of volatile organic compound per gallon) of coating as-applied (including 

automotive coating components as defined in Section 208) as determined by 

Sections 504.1 and 504.3: 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-14 August 25, 2011 

COATING

VOLATILE ORGANIC 

COMPOUND CONTENT 

g/l (lbs/gal), 

less water and 

exempt compounds 

 

Effective: 

See Section 406

Precoat 600 (5.0) 

Pretreatment Coating 780 (6.5) 

Primer 250 (2.1) 

Underbody Coating 540 (4.5) 

Topcoat 420 (3.5) 

Metallic/Iridescent Coating 420 (3.5) 

Camouflage Coating 420 (3.5) 

Specialty Coating 840 (7.0) 

* This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

COATING

VOLATILE ORGANIC 

COMPOUND CONTENT 

g/l (lbs/gal) 

Effective: 

See Section 406

Temporary Protective Coating 60 (0.5) 

* This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

301.3 UTILITY BODY REQUIREMENTS:

a. At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 301, 

the standards set forth in Section 301.1 shall apply to the coating of utility 

bodies provided: 

1. The coating is required to match that of the vehicles upon which 

they will be mounted, and; 

2. The coating of utility bodies is less than or equal to 20 utility bodies 

per day per stationary source. Coating of part of a utility body is 

considered one utility body. 

b. If the conditions of 301.3.a.1 and 2 are not met then the coating of utility 

bodies is subject to Section 301.2. 

This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

302 VEHICLE COATING LIMITS, PHASE II: At an automotive coating facility subject to the 

requirements of this section, no person shall apply to any motor vehicle, mobile equipment, 

or associated parts and components, any coating with a VOC regulatory content, as 

calculated pursuant to Section 409, in excess of the following limits: 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-15 

VOC Regulatory Limit 

As Applied 

g/l (lbs/gal), 

COATING Effective: 

See Section 406 

Adhesion Promoter 540 (4.5) 

Clear Coating 250 (2.1) 

Color Coating 420 (3.5) 

Multi-color Coating: 

Mobile equipment driven or 

drawn on rails and its 

associated parts and 

components 

Any other mobile equipment or 

motor vehicle and its 

associated parts and 

components 

520 (4.3) 

680 (5.7) 

Pretreatment Coating 660 (5.5) 

Primer/Primer Sealer 250 (2.1) 

Single-Stage Coating 340 (2.8) 

Temporary Protective Coating 60 (0.5) 

Truck Bed Liner Coating 200 (1.7) 

Underbody Coating 430 (3.6) 

Uniform Finish Coating 540 (4.5) 

Any Other Coating Type, 

Excluding Materials Listed in 

Section 303 

250 (2.1) 

303 VEHICLE MATERIAL LIMITS: Effective February 25, 2012, no person shall apply to any 

motor vehicle any of the following materials with a VOC regulatory content, as calculated 

pursuant to Section 409, in excess of the following limits:

304 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMIT: At an automotive coating facility subject to the 

requirements of Section 301 or 302, if anywhere on the container of any automotive coating, 

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

literature supplied by a person, 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 Section 301 or 302, then the lowest VOC content limit shall apply. 

VOC Regulatory Limit 

As Applied 

MATERIAL g/l (lbs/gal), 

 Effective: 

February 25, 2012 

Gasket/Gasket Sealing Material 200 (1.7) 

Cavity Wax 650 (5.4) 

Deadener 650 (5.4) 

Lubricating Wax/Compound 700 (5.8) 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-16 August 25, 2011 

305 EMISSIONS CONTROL EQUIPMENT: As an alternative to the coating limits identified in 

Sections 301, 302, or 303, as applicable, a person may use air pollution control equipment, 

subject to the approval of the Air Pollution Control Officer, that provides an overall system 

efficiency of not less than 85% as determined pursuant to Section 408. Any approved 

emission control equipment must be maintained and used at all times in proper working 

condition. 

306 APPLICATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT: 

306.1 A person shall not apply any coating unless one of the following application methods 

is used: 

a. Electrostatic application equipment. 

b. High-Volume Low-Pressure spray equipment. At an automotive coating 

facility subject to the requirements of Section 302, the spray gun shall meet 

one of the following: 

1. The spray gun shall be permanently labeled as a HVLP; or 

2. If the spray gun is not permanently labeled as a HVLP, then the end 

user shall demonstrate that the spray gun meets the HVLP 

definition in Section 237 in design and use. A satisfactory 

demonstration shall be based on the manufacturer’s published 

technical material on the design of the gun and by a demonstration 

of the operation of the gun using an air pressure tip gauge from the 

manufacturer of the gun. 

c. Low-Volume Low-Pressure spray equipment. 

d. Brush or roll coating, dip coat, or flow coat. 

e. Any other application method that achieves a transfer efficiency equivalent 

to, or higher than, the application methods listed in Sections 306.1(a)-(d) as 

determined by the methods specified in Section 504.9. Written approval 

from the Air Pollution Control Officer shall be obtained for each alternative 

application method prior to use. 

307 PROHIBITION OF SPECIFICATION: No person shall solicit or require the use of, or specify 

the application of a coating, coating remover (stripper) or solvent on a motor vehicle or mobile 

equipment or associated parts and components if such use or application is prohibited by any 

of the provisions of this rule. This prohibition shall apply to all written or oral contracts, 

including but not limited to, job orders, under the terms of which any coating that is subject to 

the provisions of this rule is to be used or applied at any physical location within the District. 

This prohibition shall not apply to coatings that meet the criteria specified in Section 308.2. 

308 PROHIBITION OF SALE OR MANUFACTURE:

308.1 No person shall manufacture, blend, repackage for sale, supply, sell, solicit, or offer 

for sale, or distribute within the District any product (e.g., coating, coating remover 

(stripper) or solvent) if such product does not comply with any of the provisions of 

this rule. 

308.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 308.1, a person may manufacture, blend, 

repackage for sale, supply, sell, solicit, or offer for sale or distribute any product (e.g., 

coating, coating remover (stripper) or solvent) with a VOC content in excess of the 

limits specified in Sections 301, 302, 303, 310, or 311 under the following 

circumstances, and provided all the requirements of Section 501 are also met: 

a. the product is for use exclusively within an emission control system as 

allowed in Section 305, or 

b. the product is for use outside the District. 

309 PROHIBITION OF POSSESSION: Any person shall not possess at any physical location 

within the District any containers containing coatings that are not in compliance with Section 

301, 302, or 303, as applicable. Effective February 25, 2012, any person shall not possess 

at any physical location within the District any containers containing coating removers 

(strippers) or solvents that are not in compliance with Sections 310 or 311, as applicable. 

This section shall apply only to end users (e.g., automotive coating facilities). 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-17 

310 SOLVENT CLEANING OPERATIONS AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: Any person 

subject to this rule shall comply with the following requirements: 

310.1 Closed containers shall be used for the disposal of cloth, sponges, or paper used for 

solvent cleaning operations and coating removal. 

310.2 Volatile organic compound-containing materials shall be stored in closed, vapor-tight 

containers, when not in use except while adding to or removing them from the 

containers. 

310.3 At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 301, a person 

shall perform cleaning operations of application equipment in an enclosed system as 

defined in Section 228 of this rule or use a solvent with a volatile organic compound 

content not in excess of 72 grams per liter (0.6 pounds per gallon), as determined by 

Sections 504.1 and 504.3. Section 310.3 will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

310.4 At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 302, a person 

shall not perform cleaning operations using a solvent with a volatile organic 

compound content in excess of 25 grams per liter (0.21 pounds per gallon), as 

determined pursuant to Section 411. 

310.5. At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 301, a person 

shall not perform surface preparation with a solvent containing volatile organic 

compounds in excess of 72 grams per liter (0.6 pounds per gallon), as determined by 

Sections 504.1 and 504.3. This limit shall not apply to surface preparation material 

applied from a hand-held spray bottle for the removal of road tar, engine oil, grease, 

overspray, or adhesives, from the vehicle, or used to clean plastic parts. The volatile 

organic compound content of surface preparation material used to remove road tar, 

engine oil, grease, overspray, or adhesives, from the vehicle or used to clean plastic 

parts shall not exceed 780 grams per liter (6.5 pounds per gallon), as determined by 

Sections 504.1 and 504.3. Section 310.5 will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

310.6 At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 301, spray 

gun nozzles only, may be soaked in solvent-based materials for cleaning, provided 

the container (not to exceed five (5) gallons in size) is kept tightly covered at all times 

except when accessing the container. Section 310.6 will sunset on February 25, 

2012. 

310.7 At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of Section 302, for bug 

and tar removal, a person shall not use any solvent other than bug and tar remover 

regulated under the Consumer Products Regulation (California Code of Regulations 

Section 94507 et seq.) or a solvent with a volatile organic compound content of no 

more than 25 grams per liter. 

311 COATING REMOVER (STRIPPER) REQUIREMENTS: A person shall not perform coating 

removal with a material containing volatile organic compounds in excess of 200 grams per 

liter (1.7 pounds per gallon). 

312 SPECIALTY COATING LIMITATION: For automotive coating facilities subject to the 

requirements of Section 301, the use of all specialty coatings except antiglare/safety coatings 

shall not exceed 5% of all coatings applied at each stationary source, on a monthly basis. 

The percentage of specialty coatings used shall be determined as follows: 

 

  100%

AllCoatings Applied, Gal/Month

AllSpecialty Coatings Applied, Gal/Month % Specialty Coatings  

This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

313 PRECOAT LIMITATION: At an automotive coating facility subject to the requirements of 

Section 301, a person shall not use precoat in excess of 25%, by volume, of the amount of 

primer applied in conjunction with the precoat at each stationary source, on a monthly basis. 

The percentage of precoat used shall be determined as follows: 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-18 August 25, 2011 

 

  100%

All Precoat Applied All Primer Surfacer Applied, Gal/Month

All Precoat Applied, Gal/Month % Precoat   

This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

401 PRODUCT INFORMATION SHEET REQUIREMENTS: Prior to February 25, 2012, vendors 

of any coating subject to Section 301, coating remover (stripper) subject to Section 311, 

surface preparation material subject to Section 310.5, or solvent subject to 310.3 shall make 

available to the purchaser at the time of sale the following information: 

401.1 For coatings, as specified in Section 301: the name/code/manufacturer and 

maximum volatile organic compound content of the material, as applied, after any 

mixing or thinning as recommended by the manufacturer. Volatile organic compound 

content shall be displayed as grams of volatile organic compound per liter of coating 

(or pounds of volatile organic compounds per gallon), excluding water and exempt 

compounds, pursuant to Section 409. 

401.2 For surface preparation materials, solvents, and coating removers (strippers), 

and temporary protective coatings as specified in Sections 310.5, 310.3, 311, 

and 301: the name/code/manufacturer and maximum volatile organic compound 

content of the material, as applied, after any mixing or thinning as recommended by 

the manufacturer. Volatile organic compound content shall be displayed as grams of 

volatile organic compounds per liter of coating (or pounds of volatile organic 

compound per gallon), including water and exempt compounds, pursuant to Section 

410 for temporary protective coatings and Section 411 for all other materials. 

401.3 For all materials as specified in Sections 401.1 and 401.2: Recommendations 

regarding thinning, reducing, or mixing with any volatile organic compoundcontaining material, as defined in Section 273. 

401.4 For all materials as specified under Sections 401.1 and 401.2: Volatile organic 

compound content may be calculated using product formulation data, or may be 

determined using the test method in Section 504.1. 

This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

402 PRODUCT DATA SHEET REQUIREMENTS: Effective February 25, 2012, the manufacturer 

and repackager of any coating and coating component subject to Section 302, coating 

remover (stripper) subject to Section 311, or solvent subject to Section 310 shall include the 

following information on product data sheets: 

402.1 For coatings and coating components subject to Section 302: 

a. The volatile organic compound regulatory content for coatings expressed in 

grams per liter, calculated pursuant to Section 409. 

b. The volatile organic compound actual content for coatings expressed in 

grams per liter, calculated pursuant to Section 410. 

c. The weight percentage of volatiles, water and exempt compounds. 

d. The volume percentage of water and exempt compounds. 

e. The density of the material (in grams per liter). 

f. For coatings and coating components containing tertiary butyl acetate, the 

actual content of tertiary butyl acetate per total volume of coating or coating 

component, expressed in grams per liter. 

402.2 For each individual ready to spray mixture (based on the manufacturer’s and 

repackager’s stated mix ratio): 

a. The volatile organic compound regulatory content for coatings expressed in 

grams per liter, calculated pursuant to Section 409. 

b. The volatile organic compound actual content for coatings expressed in 

grams per liter, calculated pursuant to Section 410. 

c. The weight percentage of volatiles, water and exempt compounds. 

d. The volume percentage of water and exempt compounds. 

e. The density of the material (in grams per liter). 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-19 

f. For each ready to spray mixture containing tertiary butyl acetate, the actual 

content of tertiary butyl acetate per total volume of the mixture, expressed in 

grams per liter. 

402.3 For coating removers and solvents subject to Section 311 and 310: The volatile 

organic compound content as calculated pursuant to Section 411. 

403 LABELING REQUIREMENTS: 

403.1 Effective February 25, 2012, the manufacturer and repackager of automotive 

coatings or automotive coating components subject to Section 302 shall include on 

all containers the applicable use category(ies), and the VOC actual content for 

coatings and VOC regulatory content for coatings, as supplied, expressed in grams 

per liter. 

403.2 Effective February 25, 2012, the manufacturer and repackager of coating removers 

(strippers) subject to Section 311 and solvents subject to Section 310 shall include 

on all containers the VOC content for solvents, as supplied, expressed in grams per 

liter. 

404 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN: Any person using emissions control equipment 

pursuant to Section 305 must submit an Operation and Maintenance Plan for the emissions 

control equipment to the Air Pollution Control Officer for approval. The Plan shall specify 

operation and maintenance procedures which will demonstrate continuous operation and 

compliance of the emissions control equipment during periods of emissions-producing 

operations. The Plan shall also specify which daily records must be kept to document these 

operations and maintenance procedures. These records shall comply with the requirements 

of Section 502. The Plan shall be implemented upon approval by the Air Pollution Control 

Officer. 

405 PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN:

405.1 APPROVAL OF PLAN: The Air Pollution Control Officer shall determine whether 

the Operation and Maintenance Plan meets the requirements of Section 404 not later 

than 30 days after receipt of the Plan, or within a longer period of time agreed upon 

by the parties. The Air Pollution Control Officer shall approve an Operation and 

Maintenance Plan unless it fails to demonstrate continuous operations of the 

emissions control equipment during periods of emissions producing operations, 

according to the standards set forth in Section 305, and/or it fails to specify which 

daily records, in accordance with the requirements of Section 502, are to be kept to 

document the operation and maintenance procedures set forth in the Plan. 

405.2 REVISION OF PLAN: If the Air Pollution Control Officer does not approve an 

Operation and Maintenance Plan, the source shall receive written notice of the 

deficiency, and shall have an additional 30 days from the date of the notification of 

the deficiency to correct and resubmit the Operation and Maintenance Plan. The 

decision of the Air Pollution Control Officer regarding the resubmitted Operation and 

Maintenance Plan shall be final. Failure to correct the deficiency in an Operation and 

Maintenance Plan upon resubmittal shall constitute a violation of this rule that is 

subject to the penalties set forth in Health and Safety Code section 42400 et seq. 

406 COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE: Section 301 sunsets and is replaced with Section 302 

beginning: 

406.1 One day after August 25, 2011 for an automotive coating facility installed after 

August 25, 2011. 

406.2 February 25, 2012 for an automotive coating facility installed before August 25, 2011. 

This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

407 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND MASS EMISSION RATE AND 

PERCENT CONTROL EFFICIENCY: The volatile organic compound mass emission rate 

shall be calculated both upstream and downstream of the emissions control device based on 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-20 August 25, 2011 

the respective volatile organic compound mass concentration and volumetric flowrate, 

pursuant to Section 504.4 and the following equation: 

M  QC60 min/hr

Where: M = volatile organic compound mass emission rate, in lb/hr. 

Q = the volumetric flowrate of the exhaust stack, in scfm. 

C = the volatile organic compound mass concentration, in 

lb/scf, as determined pursuant to the test methods in 

Section 504.4. 

The percent control efficiency is calculated as follows: 

% 100  

U

U D

M

M M CE

Where: CE = control efficiency. 

MU = the upstream volatile organic compound mass emission 

rate, in lb/hr. 

MD = the downstream volatile organic compound mass emission 

rate, in lb/hr. 

408 DETERMINATION OF OVERALL SYSTEM EFFICIENCY: The overall system efficiency 

shall be determined using the following equation: 

E  CE  K

Where: E = Overall system control efficiency 

CE = Control efficiency as determined pursuant to Section 407 

K = Collection efficiency as determined in Section 504.5. 

409 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS REGULATORY CONTENT OF 

A COATING, LESS WATER AND EXEMPT COMPOUNDS (VOC REGULATORY): The 

volume of coating material is defined as the volume of the original coating plus any material 

added to the original coating. The weight of volatile organic compounds per combined 

volume of volatile organic compounds and coating solids shall be calculated by the following 

equation: 

m W ec

V W ec

V V V

W W W G    1 

Where: G1 = Regulatory content weight of volatile organic compounds per total 

volume of coating, less water and exempt compounds, in grams per 

liter 

Wv = Weight of volatile compounds including any volatile materials added 

to the original coating supplied by the manufacturer, in grams 

Ww = Weight of water, in grams 

Wec = Weight of exempt compounds as defined in Section 230, in grams 

Vm = Volume of coating material, in liters 

Vw = Volume of water, in liters 

Vec = Volume of exempt compounds as defined in Section 230, in liters 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-21 

410 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ACTUAL CONTENT OF A 

COATING (VOC ACTUAL): The volume of coating material is defined as the volume of the 

original coating plus any material added to the original coating. The weight of volatile organic 

compounds per total volume of coating shall be calculated by the following equation: 

m

V W ec

V

W W W G   2 

Where: G2 = Actual content weight of volatile organic compounds per total 

volume of coating, in grams per liter 

Wv = Weight of volatile compounds including any volatile materials added 

to the original coating supplied by the manufacturer, in grams 

Ww = Weight of water, in grams 

Wec = Weight of exempt compounds as defined in Section 230, in grams 

Vm = Volume of coating material, in liters 

411 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ACTUAL CONTENT OF 

COATING REMOVERS (STRIPPERS) AND SOLVENTS: The volume of material is defined 

as the volume of the original material, plus any volatile organic compound-containing material 

added to the original material. The weight of volatile organic compounds per total volume of 

material shall be calculated by the following equation: 

m

V W ec

V

W W W G   3 

Where: G3 = Weight of volatile organic compound per total volume of material, in 

grams per liter 

Wv = Weight of volatile compounds, in grams 

Ww = Weight of water, in grams 

Wec = Weight of exempt compounds as defined in Section 230, in grams 

Vm = Volume of material, in liters 

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS

501 RECORDKEEPING FOR PROHIBITION OF SALE OR MANUFACTURE: Any person 

claiming a prohibition of sale exception shall keep a detailed log on site, and make it available 

to the Air Pollution Control Officer immediately upon request, of each automotive coating 

component and automotive coating manufactured, blended, repackaged for sale, supplied, 

sold, offered for sale, or distributed showing: 

501.1 The quantity manufactured, blended, repackaged for sale, supplied, sold, offered for 

sale, or distributed including size and number of containers. 

501.2 The volatile organic compound regulatory content for coatings as defined in Section 

409. 

501.3 The volatile organic compound actual content for coatings as defined in Section 410. 

501.4 To whom they were supplied, sold, offered for sale, or distributed, or for whom they 

were manufactured, blended, or repackaged for sale including the name, address, 

phone number, retail tax license number, and valid district permit number (if a permit 

is required). 

501.5 The specific exception being utilized under Section 308.2. 

502 RECORDKEEPING FOR END USERS: In addition to any applicable recordkeeping 

requirements of either Rule 202, New Source Review, Rule 209, Limiting Potential to Emit, or 

any other District rule which may be applicable, any person subject to this rule shall maintain 

the following records on site and make such records available immediately upon request to 

the Air Pollution Control Officer: 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-22 August 25, 2011 

502.1 LIST OF COATINGS: This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. For automotive 

coating facilities subject to the requirements of Section 301, a list shall be maintained 

of currently used coatings, coating removers (strippers), surface preparation 

materials, solvents and other volatile organic compound-containing materials 

including, but not limited to thinners, reducers, hardeners, retarders and catalysts. 

The list shall contain all such materials that are currently used and stored on-site and 

shall include the following information: 

a. The material type by name/code/manufacturer and the appropriate category 

as designated by the coating categories in Sections 301, 310, and 311, as 

applicable. 

b. The volatile organic compound content of the material as applied. Volatile 

organic compound content, as applied, as reported by the vendor, pursuant 

to Section 401, is acceptable. 

c. The actual mixing ratio used for the material, as applied. 

d. Identification of each material type exceeding the volatile organic compound 

limits specified in Sections 301, 310, and 311. 

502.2 LIST OF MATERIALS: For automotive coating facilities subject to the requirements 

of Section 302, a current list shall be maintained of all coatings and solvents used 

that are subject to this rule. This list shall include the following information for each 

coating and solvent: 

a. The material name and manufacturer. 

b. The application method used. 

c. The coating type as designated by the coating categories in Section 302 and 

mix ratio specific to the coating. 

d. VOC actual content for coatings and VOC regulatory content for coatings, as 

applied, or VOC content for solvents. 

e. Identification of the material as a coating or solvent. 

502.3 PRODUCT INFORMATION SHEET: This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. 

For automotive coating facilities subject to the requirements of Section 301, a data 

sheet applicable to each material type shall be maintained on-site. The data sheet 

shall be made available by the vendor to the end user, pursuant to Section 401, and 

shall include the following information: 

a. For coatings, as specified in Section 301: the name/code/manufacturer 

and maximum volatile organic compound content of the material, as applied, 

after any mixing or thinning as recommended by the manufacturer. Volatile 

organic compound content shall be displayed as grams of volatile organic 

compound per liter of coating (or pounds of volatile organic compound per 

gallon), excluding water and exempt compounds, pursuant to Section 409. 

b. For surface preparation materials, solvents, and coating removers 

(strippers), as specified in Sections 310.5, 310.3, and 311, and 

temporary protective coatings as specified in Section 301: The 

name/code/manufacturer and maximum volatile organic compound content 

of the material, as applied, after any mixing or thinning as recommended by 

the manufacturer. Volatile organic compound content shall be displayed as 

grams of volatile organic compound per liter of coating (or pounds of volatile 

organic compound per gallon), including water and exempt compounds, 

pursuant to Section 410 for temporary protective coatings and Section 411 

for all other materials. 

c. For all as specified in Sections 502.3(a) and 502.3(b): Recommendations 

regarding thinning, reducing, or mixing with any volatile organic compound 

containing material, as defined in Section 273. 

d. For all as specified in Sections 502.3(a) and 502.3(b): Volatile organic 

compound content may be calculated using product formulation data, or 

may be determined using the test method in Section 504.1. 

502.4 PRODUCT DATA SHEET: For automotive coating facilities subject to the 

requirements of Section 302, for each individual automotive coating or automotive 

coating component, coating remover (stripper), solvent, or ready to spray mixture, a 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-23 

data sheet shall be maintained on site. The data sheet shall comply with the 

requirements of Section 402. 

502.5 RECORDS OF USAGE: This section will sunset on February 25, 2012. For 

automotive coating facilities subject to the requirements of Section 301, any person 

using materials subject to this rule shall update and maintain the following records on 

site: 

a. Monthly: 

1. Records of total applied volume (including thinners, reducers, 

hardeners, retarders and catalysts) for each coating, coating 

remover (stripper), surface preparation material and solvent, 

specified by category as listed in Sections 301, 310, and 311. 

2. The method of application, specified by category as listed in 

Sections 301, 310, and 311, including a designation for touch-up 

operations, as applicable. 

3. Records of total applied volume (including thinners, reducers, 

hardeners, retarders and catalysts of precoat and primer used in 

conjunction with precoat to demonstrate compliance with Section 

313. 

4. Records of total applied volume (including thinners, reducers, 

hardeners, retarders and catalysts) of each category of specialty 

coating used to demonstrate compliance with Section 312. 

5. Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 502.5.a.1, 502.5.a.3, 

and 502.5.a.4, if total applied volume records are not maintained 

then all of the following records shall be maintained. 

i) Beginning inventory. This shall include the number of 

coating containers, the capacity of each container (e.g., 

quarts), and the category of coating as specified in Section 

301, 310, or 311 of the coating stored in each container 

(e.g., primer, primer, sealer). A partially filled container 

shall be counted as a full container; 

ii) Purchase invoices; 

iii) Amount of manifested waste. If there is a monthly record 

of the manifested waste, then a percentage of the total 

manifested waste shall be allocated to each coating 

category based on the usage rate for that coating category 

during the reporting period. If there is not a monthly record 

of the manifested waste, then the amount of manifested 

waste shall be zero; and 

iv) Ending inventory. This shall be the number of remaining 

coating containers, the capacity of each container (e.g., 

quarts), and the category of coating as specified in 

Sections 301, 310, or 311 of the coating stored in each 

container (e.g., primer, primer sealer). A partially filled 

container shall be counted as a full container 

b. Daily: 

1. If utility bodies are coated, record of the number of utility bodies 

coated, 

2. If, pursuant to Section 305, an emission control device is used as a 

means of complying with this rule, records of the material type by 

name/code/manufacturer and the total applied volume of each 

material. 

3. For non-compliant coatings, coating removers (strippers), surface 

preparation materials and solvents, records regarding the use, 

including the lack of use, of each material type by 

name/code/manufacturer and the total applied volume of each 

material. 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-24 August 25, 2011 

502.6 PURCHASE AND USAGE RECORDS: For automotive coating facilities subject to 

the requirements of Section 302, the following purchase and usage records shall be 

maintained on-site: 

a. Monthly purchase records identifying the coating type (as listed in Section 

302), name/code/manufacturer, and purchased volume of each material. 

b. If, pursuant to Section 305, an emission control device is used as a means 

of compliance with this rule, daily records identifying the coating type (as 

listed in Section 302), name/code/manufacturer, and the total applied 

volume of each material. 

c. For coatings containing tertiary butyl acetate, monthly records regarding 

use, including name/code/manufacturer of the coating and content of tertiary 

butyl acetate contained in each coating. 

503 DURATION OF RECORDS: All records required by this rule shall be maintained on site for a 

continuous three-year period. 

504 TEST METHODS

504.1 DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND CONTENT: Volatile 

organic compound content of coatings, coating removers (strippers), and solvents 

shall be determined using EPA Reference Method 24 and Sections 409, 410, 411, 

and 504.3 of this rule. 

504.2 DETERMINATION OF ACID CONTENT: The weight percent acid in a pretreatment 

coating shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D1613-06, “Standard Test 

Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, 

Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products” (April 2006). 

504.3 DETERMINATION OF COMPOUNDS EXEMPT FROM VOLATILE ORGANIC 

COMPOUND DEFINITION: Compounds exempted from the volatile organic 

compound definition, other than those determined pursuant to Section 504.7 shall be 

determined in accordance with ASTM D4457-02, “Standard Test Method for 

Determination of Dichloromethane and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane in Paints and Coatings 

by Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph” (February 2008), or ARB method 432, 

“Determination of Dichloromethane and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane in Paints and 

Coatings” (September 1989). If any of the perfluorocarbons or volatile cyclic and 

linear methyl siloxanes are being claimed as exempt compounds, the person making 

the claim must state in advance which compounds are present, and the EPAapproved test method used to make the determination of these compounds. 

504.4 DETERMINATION OF CONTROL EFFICIENCY: Control efficiency of the emissions 

control equipment shall be determined in accordance with EPA Method 25, 25A, 

25B, EPA Method 2 or 2C (whichever is applicable), and Section 407. 

504.5 DETERMINATION OF COLLECTION EFFICIENCY: Efficiency of the collection 

system shall be determined in accordance with the following: 

a. Applicable U.S. EPA methods 204, 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, 204E, and/or 

204F; or 

b. Any other method approved by the U.S. EPA, the California Air Resources 

Board, and the Air Pollution Control Officer. 

504.6 DETERMINATION OF METALLIC CONTENT: Measurement of metallic content 

shall be conducted and reported in accordance with South Coast Air Quality 

Management District Method 318-95, “Determination of Weight Percent Elemental 

Metals in Coatings by X-ray Diffraction”. 

504.7 DETERMINATION OF METHYL ACETATE, ACETONE, t-BUTYL ACETATE, AND 

PCBTF CONTENT: The quantity of methyl acetate, acetone, t-butyl acetate, and 

parachlorobenzotrifluoride shall be determined by using ASTM Method D6133-02: 

“Standard Test Method for Acetone, p-Chlorobenzotrifluoride, Methyl Acetate or tButyl Acetate Content of Solvent-borne and Waterborne Paints, Coatings, Resins, 

and Raw Materials by Direct Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph” (February 2003). 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

August 25, 2011 459-25 

504.8 DETERMINATION OF SOLIDS CONTENT IN COATINGS: The solids content shall 

be determined in accordance with ASTM Standard D2832-92, “Standard Guide for 

Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile Content of Paint and Related Coatings” 

(January 2005). 

504.9 DETERMINATION OF TRANSFER EFFICIENCY: The transfer efficiency of 

alternative coating application methods (as specified in Section 306.1(e)) shall be 

determined using South Coast Air Quality Management District “Spray Equipment 

Transfer Efficiency Test Procedure for Equipment User,” (May 24, 1989) and South 

Coast Air Quality Management District “Guidelines for Demonstrating Equivalency 

with District Approved Transfer Efficient Spray Guns,” (September 26, 2002). 

504.10 ALTERNATIVE TEST METHODS: The use of other test methods which are 

determined to be equivalent or better and approved, in writing, by the Air Pollution 

Control Officer, ARB, and the U.S. EPA may be used in place of the test methods 

specified in this rule. 

504.11 MULTIPLE TEST METHODS: When more than one test method or set of test 

methods is 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 this rule. 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

459-26 August 25, 2011 

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