--- title: "Building Demolition Services in Missouri | Advanced Environmental Services" description: "For building demolition services including interior and complete building demolition in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Columbia, Missouri, contact AES." url: https://www.aes-stl.com/building-demolition publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact --- # Building Demolition Services in Missouri Tearing down a whole building in Missouri means an asbestos inspection, a state notice at least 10 working days ahead for regulated structures, and local approvals. The City of St. Louis requires a certified demolition contractor to get the permit. St. Louis County requires a Demolition Waste Application and Release Authorization form for every demolition. [Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![Large interior hall stripped to the floor during an AES abatement and demolition job](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/lead-abatement-2025-12-03-11.52.45._J8XFnrR_ZErVBy.webp) ![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting during an AES lead abatement project](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/127.BqgpMQY__7ReD8.webp) ![AES lift and equipment parked between brick buildings on a job site](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/lead-abatement-2025-12-03-11.52.58.B1pmqNuI_2tzsob.webp) ## State notice, 10 working days Missouri DNR requires notice at least 10 working days before demolition of a regulated structure, even if no asbestos is found. ## Not every house is exempt DNR excepts a single residential structure of four or fewer dwelling units. Two or more residential structures in one project, or a building used for something other than residential, are not exempt. ## City permit needs a certified contractor The City of St. Louis says applicants must hold a Demolition Certification from its Demolition Contractors' Certification Board. AES holds Class II certificate #877. ## County form for every project St. Louis County requires a Demolition Waste Application and Release Authorization form for all demolition projects in the County, whatever the municipality. On this page 1. Our Building Demolition Services 2. Contact Us for Building Demolition in St. Louis, St. Charles, & Columbia, MO 3. What steps does a whole-building demolition follow? 4. Is my building regulated by Missouri DNR? 5. What does the inspection require, and when must asbestos come out first? 6. What does the City of St. Louis require? 7. What does St. Louis County require? 8. How does AES run a whole-structure demolition? 9. What should I ask before I hire a demolition contractor? 10. Next step ![Building Demolition Services in St. Louis, St. Charles, & Columbia, MO](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/building-demolition-1.C03X3hA-_Z2wtMJ9.webp) As a certified professional environmental remediation company, we offer a complete turnkey solution for your building demolition needs, and our contractors strictly adhere to the recommendations and guidelines set out by OSHA for the removal of any hazardous materials during demolition projects. Contact our [environmental remediation company](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact) today to learn more about our building demolition services or to schedule service for your building in St. Louis, St. Charles, Columbia, and the surrounding areas. ## Our Building Demolition Services Benefits of choosing AES as your sole building demolition contractor include: - We can provide experienced, licensed professionals who are dedicated to providing structural demolition for project of any size, including commercial, retail, healthcare, and industrial institutions. - Our workforce has access to a wide range of machinery that is suitable for any sized project. - At AES, we recognize the environmental impact of every building demolition project. Prior to any demolition, our professionals start with all EPA and NESHAPS notifications and any federal laws concerning the removal of any hazardous materials. When necessary, we can combine asbestos abatement as part of the demolition package, along with underground storage tank removal, contaminated soil removal, and HazMat remediation. - Our professional and skilled workforce can provide a cost effective turnkey service that maintains your project schedules and quality standards. - By using AES as your sole contractor, we will have the full knowledge and sensitivity towards the needs of your project that often gets lost when handing reports between multiple contractors. - AES take great pride in ensuring the compliance of all federal, Missouri state, and local regulations associated with abatement and demolition projects. ### Special Concerns for Building Demolition Projects ![St. Louis Building Demolition Company](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/building-demolition-2.CbCPcASV_11lyUp.webp) There are many things to consider when buildings require demolition. This includes not only safety concerns throughout the demolition process, but there are also many environmental considerations that come into play as well. Many Missouri properties that were built before the 1980’s had both lead-based products and asbestos used in their construction. As both of these hazardous materials have been shown to have serious health risks associated with them, special care needs to be used in building demolition projects containing these materials. In many cases, there will need to be special remediation or abatement services completed prior to any demolition work. As part of our building demolition service, AES offers a complete lead and [asbestos remediation](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-remediation) and abatement service. Our experts can test any suspect materials, control their removal, and have these disposed of in the correct manner prior to demolition. Our abatement professionals will also handle all legal notifications and permits associated with hazardous material removal. ### An Overview of Our Demolition Process AES understands the implications of building demolition and the effects it can have on the surrounding area and the environment. Therefore, we will remove any materials deemed fit for recycling prior to demolition. These can include: - Bathtubs, sinks, and toilets - Bricks and stones - Dimensional lumber - Doors and windows - Marble and wooden flooring Once all suitable items have been removed and demolition begins, other factors that may affect the surrounding areas must be considered, such as: - Noise - Dust from breaking bricks and rubble - Vibration that may affect surrounding buildings - Flying debris - Uncontrolled unintentional collapse AES provides skilled building demolition contractors who are qualified in dealing with such matters. Any disruption is kept to a minimum and all waste is separated for disposal to the appropriate authorized site. ## Contact Us for Building Demolition in St. Louis, St. Charles, & Columbia, MO To learn more about our building demolition services or if you have concerns regarding handling hazardous materials during your demolition project, our professionals can assist you with your requirements. [Contact us](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact) today! ## What steps does a whole-building demolition follow? Whole-building demolition follows five steps: inspect, give notice, get local approvals, remove hazardous materials, then take the structure down. Different offices own different steps. The table shows who handles what. Each office has its own conditions, which the sections below explain. Step Office Key condition Asbestos inspection Missouri certified inspector (state); Missouri licensed inspector (County) DNR requires it for regulated structures before demolition State notice Missouri DNR At least 10 working days before demolition of a regulated structure, even if no asbestos is found City permit City of St. Louis Building Division Obtained by a City-certified Demolition Contractor County form St. Louis County Department of Public Health Demolition Waste Application and Release Authorization for all County demolitions Abatement Missouri registered abatement contractor Required when threshold quantities of regulated material will be impacted A [glossary entry on NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) explains the federal rule behind the notice. For the survey itself, see the entry on an [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey). ## Is my building regulated by Missouri DNR? Often, if it is commercial, industrial, institutional or public, or if the project is more than one simple residential structure. DNR says it regulates demolition projects involving institutional, commercial, public, industrial or residential structures. Its one exception is a single residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units. That exception has limits. Situation Exempt from the DNR rules? One residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units Exception applies. Most single-family homes fall here Project with two or more residential structures Not exempt Two or more residential structures in an urban or rural renewal or unsafe building program Not exempt, however close together they are A structure that was used for anything other than residential, such as converted from residential to commercial or the reverse Not exempt Demolition of two or more mobile homes Not exempt A residential structure used in fire training exercises Not exempt So the test is the whole project, not just the building type. A duplex that was converted to an office is not exempt. Two rental houses on one site are not exempt. Check the DNR fact sheet, then confirm with the department. City and County steps apply even when the state exception does. ## What does the inspection require, and when must asbestos come out first? Before demolition, a Missouri certified asbestos inspector must thoroughly inspect a regulated structure for asbestos-containing material. DNR then sets a threshold. At 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet or more of regulated material impacted, a registered abatement contractor must remove all of it. Two more rules matter. The state notice is required even if no asbestos is found, and DNR says the owner and any contractors involved are obliged to make sure it is given. So the owner cannot treat it as someone else’s problem. The notice goes in at least 10 working days before demolition of a regulated structure. If the inspection finds asbestos, plan for abatement first. See [asbestos abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-abatement), [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-survey) and the [Missouri asbestos rules guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules). For the scheduling math, the post on the [10 working day notice](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/missouri-asbestos-notification-10-working-days) covers the clock. Terms like [regulated asbestos-containing material](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/regulated-asbestos-containing-material-racm) are defined in the glossary. ## What does the City of St. Louis require? The City of St. Louis requires a certified demolition contractor. Its permit page says demolition permits must be obtained by a Demolition Contractor certified by the City, and that applicants must hold a Demolition Certification from the Demolition Contractors’ Certification Board before any demolition or wrecking work. AES holds a City of St. Louis Class II demolition certificate, #877, valid from February 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027. See the [certificate PDF](https://www.aes-stl.com/wp-content/uploads/AES-City-of-St-Louis-Demolition-Certificate.pdf). The certificate does not define Class II, so ask the Certification Board what that class covers for your building. A few more City rules help an owner plan: - A non-owner needs a notarized letter from the building owner. It should give the owner’s contact information, the name of the individual or company that will demolish and the cost of the demolition. - Every application needs photos of the structure: all four sides, with neighboring structures or lots shown on all sides, and any visible damage to neighboring structures. - The permit is good for 30 days. - For partial demolition, the City says to call the Permit Section. The [St. Louis City permits guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/st-louis-city-asbestos-and-demolition-permits) goes deeper, and the [house demolition page](https://www.aes-stl.com/house-demolition) covers owner permits for small buildings. ## What does St. Louis County require? St. Louis County requires a Demolition Waste Application and Release Authorization form for every demolition in the County, whatever the municipality. The Department of Public Health’s Air Pollution Control Program or Waste Management Program receives it. Both programs review it. Once approved, you get it back signed. That signed form is what you show your municipality or County Public Works to prove the Department of Public Health has approved the demolition. The back of the form holds a table of the documents each type of demolition needs, and the application fee information. The County adds its own survey rule. Each structure to be demolished has to be inspected by a Missouri licensed asbestos inspector, and a copy of the survey goes in with the form. Depending on the structure, a NESHAP form and a commercial checklist may also be required. The County names a health reason as well. It calls demolitions a source of fugitive dust, including lead. Ask your contractor how it will control dust, and see [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement) for older buildings. More detail is in the [St. Louis County permits guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/st-louis-county-asbestos-and-demolition-permits) and the [St. Louis County page](https://www.aes-stl.com/service-areas/st-louis-county-mo). ## How does AES run a whole-structure demolition? AES says its demolition work starts with all EPA and NESHAP notifications and the federal rules on hazardous material removal. When needed it can combine asbestos abatement with demolition, along with underground storage tank removal, contaminated soil removal and HazMat remediation. Its crews follow OSHA recommendations for hazardous materials. AES says it removes materials fit for recycling before the building comes down. Its list: - Bathtubs, sinks and toilets - Bricks and stones - Dimensional lumber - Doors and windows - Marble and wooden flooring Then it plans for the effects on the area around the site. AES lists noise, dust from breaking bricks and rubble, vibration that may affect nearby buildings, flying debris and uncontrolled, unintentional collapse. It says it keeps disruption to a minimum and separates waste for disposal at the appropriate authorized site. AES also says using one contractor keeps the full knowledge of the project from getting lost when reports move between several firms. See [tank removal](https://www.aes-stl.com/tank-removal), [soil remediation](https://www.aes-stl.com/soil-remediation) and [hazardous material disposal](https://www.aes-stl.com/hazardous-material-disposal) for those parts, and [environmental remediation services](https://www.aes-stl.com/environmental-remediation-services) for the rest. ## What should I ask before I hire a demolition contractor? Ask for proof, not promises. A buyer who checks the paperwork up front avoids a stalled job. The questions below tie each answer to a rule on this page. 1. Does the contractor hold the City of St. Louis demolition certification, and which class? 2. Who orders the asbestos inspection, and is the inspector Missouri certified (state) or licensed (County)? 3. Who files the state notice, and on what date will the 10 working days be up? 4. Does the quote cover abatement, permits, the County form and disposal, or are they listed separately? 5. What dust control and neighbor protection will be used? 6. Where will debris go, and what is recycled first? AES does not publish prices. It quotes each job. For cost drivers, read [building demolition costs](https://www.aes-stl.com/building-demolition-costs). For the other types of demolition, see [demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/demolition), [interior demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/interior-demolition) and [hotel demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/hotel-demolition). The [demolition from survey to debris guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/demolition-from-survey-to-debris) follows the steps in order. ## Next step To scope a teardown, call AES at (314) 865-2662 or use the quote form on the [contact page](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact). Send the address, the building type and size, how it was used and any asbestos or lead results. AES serves St. Louis and projects within 300 miles. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need an asbestos survey before demolishing a commercial building in Missouri? Yes. DNR says regulated structures must be thoroughly inspected by a Missouri certified asbestos inspector before demolition. It regulates institutional, commercial, public, industrial and residential structures, with an exception for one residential structure of four or fewer dwelling units. A demolition notice is required even if no asbestos is found. ### When does the 160, 260 and 35 rule apply? DNR says if the inspection finds 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet or more of regulated asbestos-containing material that demolition or renovation will impact, all of that material must be removed by a Missouri registered asbestos abatement contractor. It applies to regulated structures. Confirm the measure with your inspector. ### Does a house have to give the state notice? Often not, but check. DNR says most single-family residences are exempt, and excepts a single residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units. It is not exempt if the project has two or more residential structures, if the structure was converted between residential and commercial use, or in other cases DNR lists. City and County steps still apply. ### What certification does a contractor need in the City of St. Louis? The City says demolition permits must be obtained by a Demolition Contractor certified by the City, and applicants must get a Demolition Certification from the Demolition Contractors' Certification Board. AES holds a City of St. Louis Class II demolition certificate, #877, valid February 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027. ### What is the County Demolition Waste Application? It is the Demolition Waste Application and Release Authorization form. St. Louis County says it must go to the Department of Public Health for all County demolitions, whatever the municipality. The asbestos survey copy goes with it, and fee details are on the back of the form. The signed form goes back to you for your municipality or County Public Works. ### What if the building is not mine? For a City of St. Louis permit, the City says a non-owner must obtain a notarized letter from the building owner. The letter should include the owner's contact information, the name of the person or company that will demolish the structure and the cost of the demolition. Photos of the structure are also required. ### Can AES handle abatement, tanks and demolition together? AES says that when needed it can combine asbestos abatement with demolition, along with underground storage tank removal, contaminated soil removal and HazMat remediation. It says using one contractor keeps knowledge of the project from being lost between firms. Ask for one scope and one schedule. ## Terms on this page - [Regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM)](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/regulated-asbestos-containing-material-racm) - [Asbestos-containing material (ACM)](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-containing-material-acm) - [Underground storage tank (UST)](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/underground-storage-tank-ust) - [Interior demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/interior-demolition) - [Soil remediation](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/soil-remediation) - [Asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey) - [Lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-abatement) - [NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) ## Sources 1. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos Requirements for Demolition and Renovation Projects (PUB2157), scope](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 2. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, exception](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 3. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, converted buildings](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 4. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, two or more structures](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 5. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, inspection](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 6. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, threshold quantities](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 7. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, notice](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 8. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, who must give notice](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 9. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos](https://dnr.mo.gov/air/business-industry/asbestos) 10. [City of St. Louis: Apply for a Demolition Permit (certified contractor)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/demolition-permits.cfm) 11. [City of St. Louis: Apply for a Demolition Permit (certification board)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/demolition-permits.cfm) 12. [City of St. Louis: Apply for a Demolition Permit (non-owner)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/demolition-permits.cfm) 13. [City of St. Louis: Apply for a Demolition Permit (partial demolition)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/demolition-permits.cfm) 14. [St. Louis County: Demolition Inspections (form)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/) 15. [St. Louis County: Demolition Inspections (survey and extra forms)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/) 16. [St. Louis County: Demolition Inspections (fees)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/) 17. [St. Louis County: Demolition Inspections (dust)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/) Checked against the sources above on November 6, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Request your custom environmental remediation estimate Contact us for a free environmental remediation or restoration estimate and a personalized solution to your problems. [Or call (314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662)