Caught Off Guard? Why Colorado Demolition Needs a CDPHE Permit What triggers permitting, how asbestos ties in, and how to avoid costly delays Demolition • Permitting • Compliance Planning

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.