LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Air Quality Management District reported that it reopened the district office to walk-in traffic on Monday.

The district office will be open to walk-in traffic Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon to allow for paperwork drop off and limited services.

The agency said its district office was closed to walk-in traffic in September due to a staffing shortage.

“The district has not fully resolved our staffing shortage, however we are reopening with limited days and hours,” said Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart.

Gearhart advised the community that intermittent office closures may occur during these times due to ongoing staffing shortage. Appointments are still recommended to ensure staff is available to assist members of the public. The district asks that the public call its office to schedule an appointment.

Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin. Residential and agricultural burn permits can be obtained online at www.lcaqmd.net or by appointment at the district office.

A smoke management plan burn permit is required for multi-day burns, overnight burns, standing vegetation burns, whole tree or vine removal, burns over 20 acres in one day, and any other burn where significant smoke impacts may occur or sensitive receptors may be impacted and can be obtained at the district office. Appointments are required for smoke management plans.

Requests for county or city building and demolition permit sign-offs can be submitted in person at the district office or to its general email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Include all documents pertaining to the project as appropriate. For example: building/demolition permit application, location map, engine information, engine specification sheets, engine emission sheets.

Additionally, a drop box is generally available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the district office if you wish to drop off documents.

To obtain applications, forms and more information visit www.lcaqmd.net.

“We appreciate your support during this difficult time,” Gearhart said.