Asbestos Abatement Permitting

Asbestos Abatement Permits

An Asbestos Abatement permit application is required for all asbestos projects (residential, commercial, institutional and industrial) and must be applied for via the Electronic Permit Processing Portal at least ten (10) working days before the start of the project. See below for fee schedule:

• Residential: $200.00 filing fee
• Commercial: $200.00 filing fee and Inspection fee: $6/square foot, $2/linear foot
  • Inspection fee shall not exceed $2,000.00
• All fees are non-refundable

Please note: Cook County does not distinguish between friable and non-friable Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) in the above fee schedule.

Effective March 1, 2024, the asbestos abatement permit fee shall not be applicable to asbestos removal work prior to a demolition of a residential structure performed by or for any municipality. To apply for an asbestos abatement permit under this fee exemption, complete the permit application and click on “Save & Return Later” to obtain a temporary application number. Email the department at asbestosdemo@cookcountyil.gov and include: 1) Temporary application number and 2) Letter from the municipality on letterhead stating the work will be performed by or for the municipality.

Additional Info

• Asbestos Abatement Permits are valid for intervals of 30 days at a time. Contractors are not permitted to be off-site for more than 10 consecutive calendar days at a time without submitting a new permit.
• A revision must be submitted via the Electronic Permit Processing Portal if the work hours/shifts differ from the hours provided on the application. Failure to do so will automatically VOID the permit. Processing time may take longer than 48 hours and if approved, applicants will typically receive their permit within 3-7 business days.  Questions can be directed to asbestosdemo@cookcountyil.gov or 312-603-8200, option 1. The application for Asbestos Abatement Contractor Registration can also be submitted online.
• Phasing: If the contractor is off-site for more than 10 consecutive calendar days, or if the scope of work is increased by more than 15% within 5 days of the project's completion, or if on-site work dates cannot be specifically identified, then the situation counts as Phasing and your permit will be VOIDED. 

Revisions

• You can revise a permit anytime between the original start and completion dates of the project. 
• Submit a revision via the portal to notify the department of an O&M permit project notification within 48 hours prior to starting each removal episode. The notice must include the location within the building to which the work is to be performed, onsite contact information, and the anticipated work hours.
• A general asbestos removal permit may be revised up to six (6) times within one (1) year from the issuance. O&M permits have unlimited revisions.

Operations and Maintenance Asbestos Removal Permits

To obtain a first-time Operations and Maintenance Asbestos Removal Permit an applicant must submit an email request to asbestosdemo@cookcountyil.gov no less than 15 days prior to the scheduled start of the asbestos renovation project. The Applicant will work with the Asbestos & Demolition Coordinator to submit the required information.

O&M permits are valid for one calendar year (the calendar year in which the permit was issued), Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. (Applications may be submitted at any time).

The annual report and inspection fee requirements are as follows:

• Summary reports and inspectional fees are due every quarter (or biannually depending on facility type)
  • Healthcare facilities and schools: Every 6 months
  • Commercial and/or industrial buildings: Every quarter
• Inspectional fees: $6.00/square foot and $2.00/linear foot

For more information, please contact asbestosdemo@cookcountyil.gov or call (312) 603- 8200, option 1.