Department of Health and Human Services

Basic Steps for Conducting a Demolition
or Renovation Activity

Brochure: North Carolina Requirements for Demolition⁄Renovation
& Asbestos-Containing Materials (PDF*)

1. Inspect the Facility for Asbestos-Containing Materials
• Buildings must be thoroughly inspected by a NC accredited asbestos inspector prior to beginning any demolition or renovation activity. The inspection is used to determine the presence, type, location and amount of asbestos present and what state or federal asbestos rules and regulations apply to the project.
2. Notify and/or Permit (Use Form DHHS-3768, Asbestos Permit Application and Notification for Demolition/Renovation - this form is used for both asbestos removal and notifying for building demolition)
• A notification of building demolition must be submitted to the HHCU, even if no asbestos is present in the building.
• In addition, county or local building inspections departments may have requirements for demolition or asbestos removal. Note: Obtaining a demolition permit from the local city or county Building Inspections Department does NOT satisfy or meet the notification requirements of the HHCU.
• Local Air Pollution Control Programs in Mecklenburg, Buncombe and Forsyth counties have their own requirements in North Carolina - refer to "County Asbestos-related Ordinances" for contact information for those counties. When regulated asbestos is to be removed in these counties, an asbestos removal permit is required and must be obtained from the HHCU.
• An asbestos removal permit must be obtained from the Health Hazards Control Unit if more than 35 cubic feet, 160 square feet, or 260 linear feet of regulated asbestos-containing material is to be removed from a building. Regulated asbestos-containing materials are materials containing asbestos that can be easily crumbled in your hand; that will be or have been subject to sanding, abrading, grinding or cutting; or that has a high probability of becoming crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to a powder by forces expected to act on the material in the course of the demolition or renovation.
• Notifications and Removal Permit applications must be submitted to the HHCU with an original signature and must be submitted 10 working days prior to beginning demolition or renovation activities.
• A revision to an existing renovation or demolition project must be submitted for notification of changes (changes to start or completion dates, removal methods, scope of work, etc.) that occur after the initial permit/notification is issued. Revisions must be submitted on the HHCU form "Revision for Asbestos Permit/Demolition Notification (HHCU 3768-R)."
3. Address the Asbestos
• Regulated asbestos-containing materials must be removed prior to any activity that will disturb the material. Only North Carolina accredited asbestos professionals can perform these activities.
• If asbestos is present in a building, it should be handled so that asbestos fibers are not released into the air. Asbestos-containing materials must be maintained adequately wet at all times during the demolition and renovation, and there should be no visible emissions.

Disclaimer: These steps are meant to provide a general understanding of the requirements for conducting demolition or renovation activities in N.C. They are meant solely as a brief overview of North Carolina ’s asbestos regulations pertaining to demolition and renovation activities. Before owners or operators become involved in demolition or renovation activities, they are encouraged to contact the HHCU to make sure they understand the applicable regulations, accreditation and permitting requirements.

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