Who can I call about asbestos removal or demolition questions?

AQMD Asbestos Hot Line at
(909) 396-2336
Tuesday–Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

• For after-hours emergencies, call 1-800-CUT-SMOG.  Leave a message stating the reason for the emergency and if you want a supervisor to respond to your call.

Do I have to have a survey before I send a demolition form to AQMD?

YES

• Asbestos surveys are required prior to all demolitions and renovations.  The form requires answering questions that only a survey can answer.

Who needs to file the Asbestos Removal or Demolition Notification forms?
 

Who should fill out the notification?

CONTRACTORS

• The Contractors that will remove asbestos and/or demolish the structure.
   

• Notifications should be completed, signed, paid, and mailed by the contractor performing the removal and/or demolition project.

Are there exceptions to the Notification form process?

YES

• Asbestos removals of less than 100 square feet.

• Renovations without asbestos.

• Other Rule requirements may apply.

Are homeowners required to file a Notification form?

YES

• Only when performing a demolition by owner.

• This exemption applies only to the owner of the house who is a permanent resident of this house. 

• Other Rule requirements may apply.

Where can I find asbestos demolition notification forms and fee information?

At AQMD web site:

1. http://www.aqmd.gov

2. Click on “Business”

3. Click on “Compliance Program”

4. Click on “Asbestos Removal & Demolition”

Where do I send my completed asbestos demolition or notification form?

SCAQMD Asbestos Notifications
File #55641
Los Angeles, CA 90074-5641

Keep a copy of your notification
for your records and to obtain
a city demolition permit.

Do I need an AQMD demolition permit or an asbestos permit?

NO

• But the regulation requires a Notification to AQMD 14 days prior to any demolition or removal of more than 100 square feet of asbestos.

Are there due dates for the Notification and fee?

YES

• Notification and fee are due 14 calendar days BEFORE work starts.

How is the notification fee determined?

SIZE OF PROJECT IN SQUARE FEET

• Removals require a fee based on the amount of asbestos to be removed.

• Demolitions require a fee based on the building size.

• Refinery and/or chemical unit demolition fees are based on the structure’s footprint surface area.

What are the notification fees and where do I find them?

Fees are specified in AQMD Rule 301, Table VI.  They are usually updated annually as of July 1.

• A summary of fee requirements is provided in Asbestos Fee Information.

I want to hand carry my Notification to AQMD

We strongly recommend that you mail the notifications to save time and money, and to reduce traffic and air pollution.  However, you can drop the notification in the inbox labeled “Asbestos Notifications” located at the cashier’s window in the lobby at AQMD’s Diamond Bar Headquarters.

Can I submit my notification without fees?

NO

• Notifications submitted without appropriate fees are deemed incomplete and will be returned to sender and referred to the Air Toxics Compliance Unit.

Do I need to notify AQMD if I am doing a “soft” demolition?

NO

• Demolition and or removal of asbestos-free partitions are exempt from notification.  Renovations without asbestos do not require notification.

What is the purpose of the 14 day waiting period?

 Why do I have to wait 14 calendar days? 

INSPECTION

• To give AQMD time to verify the information submitted and inspect the site.

When can I expect an inspector at my site before, or during abatement/demolition?

ANY TIME

• Any time before, during, and/or after renovation/demolition completion, an inspector may visit your site.

• Inspectors verify compliance, observe asbestos removal procedures, and confirm that the asbestos was removed prior to demolition or renovation.

Do I have to notify for a demolition if there is no asbestos?

What if I know there is no asbestos?

YES

• All demolitions require notification to allow inspection and confirmation that there is no asbestos in the building.

Can anybody remove asbestos from a building if there is less than 100 square feet of asbestos present?

As a demolition contractor, can I remove asbestos if it is under 100 Sq Ft?

NO

• Within SCAQMD jurisdiction, only asbestos removal contractors with a Cal OSHA Registration are allowed to remove asbestos.  A list is published at the Cal OSHA website.

Do I have to remove non-friable asbestos before I can demolish a building? 

YES

• It is required to remove ALL the asbestos prior to demolition to prevent non-friable materials being rendered friable during the demolition.

Do you offer financial assistance for asbestos removal?

NO

• There is no federal, state or local financial assistance for removing asbestos.

Is there any way I can do the demolition before the 14 calendar-day elapsed?

NO, except that

• Court-ordered demolitions with proof of a written court order, an asbestos survey, and confirmation that all the asbestos was removed, may be eligible to submit an Ordered Demolition Notification.

The city B&S told me I need to call you regarding the demolition permit.  Is that true?

YES

• State law prohibits issuance of demolition permits until you provide the city with a copy of the demolition notification you submitted to AQMD.

Does AQMD send a letter to me or the city verifying that my notification has been received and my demolition permit can be issued?

NO

• No verification is required per State law.  However, upon request AQMD can provide you a printout of the notification computer tracking record that can be used as proof of notification.