Asbestos Removal, Demolition and Renovation Permits
A permit must be obtained from AB Air Quality for any plan to demolish or remodel any building in Buncombe county no matter the age, including residential, commercial, industrial or public buildings; or for any plan to
remove any asbestos-containing material. Some projects are subject to the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos and have additional requirements. To see if a project is subject to this
regulation, please read AB Air Quality's Asbestos NESHAP Program Brochure.
A permit can be obtained online from the Permits Portal or by downloading an application form below. For
online permits, you must register or log in with your credentials and click the Air Quality tab to start the application. Applicants will be able to pay for their permit online once the application has been submitted
and reviewed and receive their permit via email. In some circumstances, a hard copy with a wet ink signature is required before the permit is issued.
Demolition or removal must be handled so that asbestos fibers are not released into the air. Asbestos-containing materials must be kept wet. Materials that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand
pressure when dry, (friable), must be removed by asbestos-accredited professionals prior to demolition. Asbestos cement board, or transite siding, must be removed prior to demolition.
Asbestos is dangerous and is harmful to humans. A naturally occurring mineral, it is a known carcinogen and its long, sharp microscopic fibers can penetrate and remain in the human body. Diseases associated with asbestos
exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, and cancers of the stomach, esophagus, colon and pancreas.
Read more at epa.gov/asbestos.
Download asbestos-related information for homeowners (pdf) from NC Health and Human Services here.