If you are unsure whether an Asbestos Removal/Abatement Permit is required, contact the Inspection Services Division by email or phone: 703-228-3800.
To obtain a building permit to renovate or demolish a building that was originally permitted before January 1, 1985, the local building official must receive proof from the owner (or their agent) that:
- the building has been inspected for asbestos by a licensed inspector
- no asbestos has been found, or appropriate steps will be taken to handle it safely
Exceptions
Not all properties require proof that asbestos is not present before Arlington County can issue a building permit to renovate or demolish a structure. As determined by the state building code, owners of the following building types are not required to provide proof that there is no asbestos to the local building official:
- Single-family homes or residential housing with four or fewer units, unless a renovation or demolition is for commercial or public development (e.g., a home daycare or other small business being run from the home)
- Buildings with smaller combined amounts of asbestos, specifically:
- less than 260 linear feet on pipes
- less than 160 square feet on other facility components
- less than 35 cubic feet of facility components where the length or area could not be measured previously
Scheduling Asbestos Inspections
Asbestos inspections must be scheduled with the state of Virginia. Arlington County does not perform them.
Requirements for Removal or Disturbance of Asbestos
If asbestos is found by a licensed inspector, property owners must follow several local, state, and federal requirements to have asbestos removed.
Local
In accordance with Section 108.1 (item 4) of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, property owners must obtain a permit from Arlington County for the removal or disturbance of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including additions.
Upon the removal or abatement of asbestos, the Asbestos Removal/Abatement Certification(PDF, 466KB) must be submitted through the Permit Arlington portal. This form serves as a record of completion of work in lieu of an inspection by the County, which does not perform asbestos inspections.
Federal
Action must be taken in accordance with the:
- Clean Air Act National Emission Standard for the Hazardous Air Pollutant (NESHAP) ( 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M)
- Asbestos worker protection requirements established by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for construction workers (29 CFR 1926.1101)
Schools must also follow the requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and certify compliance with 40 CFR Part 763.
Arlington Permit Submission Requirements
You must complete the Asbestos Removal/Abatement Permit application in Permit Arlington. Click “Create” and select “Building Application.”
- Review Permit Arlington online submission guidelines, which include document sizing and layout, recommended file naming conventions, and file type requirements.
- The permit holder, who may be different from the applicant, must be a Licensed Asbestos Contractor with a valid business license.
Arlington Permit Application Process