Asbestos

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that asbestos can cause cancer.  In order to protect citizens from the health hazards presented by airborne asbestos fibers, all building demolitions and many renovation projects require a permit from the Air Pollution Control Bureau.

An application for an Asbestos Removal Permit, a Demolition Permit, or a Renovation Permit is to be completed and filed with the Bureau a minimum of 10 working days before the start of any:

Demolition Project: (with the exception of one private residence containing less than five (5) dwelling units where the property has not been used for commercial, business or institutional purposes) regardless of whether the building contains asbestos or not.  Demolition is any wrecking or removal of any load-supporting structural member of a facility.  An Asbestos Survey* and a permit are required.

Renovation Project:is the altering a facility or one or more facility components in any way, including stripping or removal of regulated asbestos-containing materials (RACM) from a facility component.  An Asbestos Survey* and a permit may be required.

Asbestos Removal Only Project: the removal of regulated asbestos-containing material or facility components that contain or are covered with regulated asbestos-containing material from any facility.  A permit may be required.

Single family dwellings: The demolition of a single-family dwelling does NOT require an asbestos survey or a permit from the Air Pollution Control Bureau, providing it has not been used in the past for an institution, office, or commercial purpose.

*An Asbestos Survey includes an inspection, sample, and laboratory testing of suspected asbestos-containing materials.  This must be conducted by an individual or company certified by the State of Tennessee.

Permit Fees
Permit fees are required to be paid before the permit will be issued. 
The fee schedule can be found on our Fee Schedule page under Asbestos.

Check the website before each project to ensure that you are aware of any changes in asbestos regulations.

For additional information or questions, contact our Asbestos Coordinator, John Schultz at 423.643.5988.

Additional Resources

• Fee Schedule page – under Asbestos
• Asbestos Brochure
• Asbestos Survey and Abatement Contractors**
• Asbestos Accredited Laboratories^**

_{**The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau does not certify, endorse, or make any representations regarding the services offered by these companies.  This list is merely provided for your convenience.}