If you’ve ever been stopped mid-project by a CDPHE demolition permit requirement, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and contractors assume that their local city or county building permit covers everything. After all, when most of us think about construction, demolition, or renovation permits, we think about city hall or the county building department — not the state health department.

But demolition permits are different. In Colorado, they fall under the authority of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) because of one critical concern: asbestos exposure.

What Counts as “Demolition”?
Under CDPHE rules, “demolition” has a very specific definition. It’s not just tearing a whole building down. It includes:

• The wrecking or removal of any load-supporting structural member of a facility.
• The handling of debris related to that wrecking or removal.
• The intentional burning of any facility.
• Even moving a structure off a permanent foundation.

If your project involves any of these actions, CDPHE requires that a state-level demolition permit be obtained.

Why the State Health Department?
It may seem odd that this is a public health requirement, but the reasoning is straightforward:

• Demolition has a high potential to disturb asbestos-containing materials.
• Asbestos exposure poses serious health risks when fibers become airborne.
• CDPHE, not your city or county, has the responsibility to enforce rules that prevent such exposure.

That means before you start wrecking or burning or moving a building, CDPHE wants confirmation from a certified asbestos consulting firm that the structure has been inspected and verified safe.

Why So Many Get Caught Off Guard
Here’s where the confusion comes in: not all local building departments tell you about this requirement.

It’s common for a contractor or property owner to walk out of the city office with their building permit in hand, ready to go — only to get hit with a stop work order days later. At that point, they call us in a panic:

• “I thought I had all my permits.”
• “Why is the state involved?”
• “Why didn’t the building department tell me?”

Unfortunately, that confusion can cost time, money, and scheduling headaches.

How to Stay Compliant (and Avoid Stop Work Orders)The good news: it’s avoidable.

1. Know when CDPHE permits apply.
   If demolition, as defined above, is part of your project, assume you’ll need a CDPHE demolition permit.
2. Get an asbestos inspection.
   CDPHE requires a certified asbestos building inspector to evaluate the property. If asbestos is found, it must be properly abated before demolition.
3. Submit the CDPHE application.
   Once the building has been cleared, your demolition permit can be filed and approved.

The Bottom Line
While it may feel obscure or even frustrating that a state health permit is required on top of local permits, it’s not just red tape. It’s a safeguard — for workers, neighbors, and the public — against the dangers of airborne asbestos.

By working with a certified asbestos consulting firm before demolition, you can avoid costly shutdowns and keep your project moving forward safely and legally.

When you select Demolition in the Asbestos Inspection Wizard, the result is:
“Inspection & Asbestos Report and State Demolition Permit Required.”
Here’s why:
1. Demolition is Always RegulatedUnder Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B (Asbestos), the State requires an asbestos inspection for all demolition projects, regardless of the building’s age, size, or type.

• Definition of Demolition (Reg 8, Part B, Section I.B.23):
  “The wrecking or taking out of any load-supporting structural member of a facility, and related handling operations…”
  This covers any activity where part or all of a structure is removed, not just complete tear-downs.
• Because demolition disturbs a wide range of materials, the State presumes there could be asbestos present unless proven otherwise by a certified inspection.

2. Inspection Must Be Performed by a Certified Inspector

• Requirement (Reg 8, Part B, Section III.A.1):
  “Prior to any renovation or demolition, a thorough inspection for asbestos-containing material shall be performed by a Colorado-certified asbestos building inspector.”
• This ensures an independent, qualified professional documents whether asbestos is present before work begins.

3. State Demolition Permit is Mandatory

• In addition to the inspection, a Demolition Notification Permit must be filed with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).
• This applies even if no asbestos is found, because the State needs to track all demolitions for compliance and recordkeeping.

4. Protecting Health and Avoiding Liability

• Asbestos fibers released during demolition can cause serious diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
• An inspection and permit process protects:
  • Workers (so contractors know how to handle materials safely).
  • Neighbors and the public (so dust and debris are properly managed).
  • Property owners (avoiding fines and costly project delays if asbestos is discovered mid-demolition).

✅ In Plain English
If you’re demolishing any structure in Colorado, an asbestos inspection and a State demolition permit are always required by law.

• The inspection proves whether asbestos is present.
• The permit ensures CDPHE has been notified and the project follows safe practices.

For most homeowners and contractors, this means your first step is to hire a certified asbestos inspector, get a written report, and then file for a demolition permit with CDPHE.

References for Those Who Want to Read More

• Colorado Regulation No. 8, Part B – Asbestos CDPHE link →
  • Section I.B.23 – Definition of Demolition
  • Section III.A.1 – Inspection Requirements
  • Section III.B – Notification (Demolition Permits)