News Release:  One-Stop Permit Center Opens in Silicon Valley

For Immediate Release (C-10-95)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
February 24, 1995

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814

SAN JOSE - Continuing an effort to reinvigorate California's business climate through regulatory reform and improved customer service, the Santa Clara Valley Permit Assistance Center opened for business today.

Secretary for Environmental Protection James M. Strock described the Center, which brings together permitting authorities from state and local government, as another example of the State's determination to simplify the process of securing permits to open or expand businesses.

"At the direction of Governor Wilson, Cal/EPA has taken the lead in establishing permit assistance centers to bring together all levels of government in the business permitting process," Strock said. "We are pleased to work with Joint Venture-Silicon Valley Network, the Chamber of Commerce, manufacturing groups and others to advance our economy and better protect our environment."

The center is the seventh Permit Assistance Center (PAC) to open, with others in Fresno, Ontario (with a satellite office in Riverside), Santa Ana, San Diego, and two in Los Angeles.  Other centers or permit coordination programs are planned for Humboldt, Shasta and Sonoma counties.

The PAC is located in the Environmental Business Cluster at 1830 Bering Drive, Suite 15, in San Jose.  It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week.

Operating the Santa Clara Valley Center are staff from Cal/EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Business Environmental Assistance Center and the Santa Clara Valley Environmental Health Department.  Agencies Contributing to creation of the Center include the San Jose Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, San Jose Redevelopment Agency, Santa Clara Valley Manufacturing Group, and the Joint Venture- Silicon Valley Network.

The Centers assist business by:

• Issuing permits whenever possible and giving direction to applicants;
• Serving as an information clearinghouse through an information network with local cities and counties throughout California;
• Assisting applicants with general business matters and referrals to other services;
• Ensuring a single point of contact for permit
  consultation; and
• Providing feedback for future regulatory reform.

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