--- title: "St. Louis County Demolition Permit and Asbestos Rules" description: "St. Louis County demolition permit steps, the $126 fee, the 2026 Air Pollution Control asbestos fees and the 12 cities that also need a municipal letter." url: https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/st-louis-county-asbestos-and-demolition-permits publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact --- Guide: 8 min read, updated November 6, 2026 # St. Louis County demolition permits and asbestos rules: who issues what, and what it costs In St. Louis County, Public Works issues demolition permits for unincorporated areas and for cities that contract with the County. Air Pollution Control must clear asbestos first. The base permit fee is $126. Twelve named cities also require a letter from the municipality. Utilities, septic tanks, wells and propane tanks must be handled before the permit issues. [Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![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) ![Worker in an orange lift working on the upper floor of a brick building](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/Lead-2.9LKWOFtB_1gAHyw.webp) ## Public Works issues it Public Works issues demolition permits for unincorporated St. Louis County and for cities that contract with the County for building code enforcement. ## Asbestos is cleared first Municipalities and County Public Works rely on County Air Pollution Control to address asbestos before they issue demolition permits. ## Base fee $126 One structure under 5,000 gross square feet costs $126. Larger buildings add $10 per 1,000 square feet. Each detached accessory structure adds $47. ## 12 cities need a letter Black Jack, Chesterfield, Sunset Hills, Fenton, Twin Oaks, Glendale, Green Park, Warson Woods, Manchester, Westwood, Wildwood and Woodson Terrace. ## 2026 fee changes County asbestos fees rose on January 1, 2026. The NESHAP demolition notification fee rose to $120 on July 1, 2026. ## Who issues demolition permits in St. Louis County? St. Louis County Public Works issues them for unincorporated St. Louis County and for the municipalities that contract with the County for building code enforcement. Cities that run their own building offices issue their own. Rules and fees are current as of November 2026. The County’s instructions say a permit is required to demolish a structure. They define “structure” widely: buildings, detached accessory structures, towers, large above-ground tanks, pavilions and in-ground pools. A backyard pool removal counts. The County page does not list which municipalities contract with the County. This guide does not guess. If your property is inside a city, call that city hall and ask who issues the permit. The City of St. Louis has its own offices. Read our [City of St. Louis permit post](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-city-asbestos-abatement-permit). ## Does my city run its own permit office? Some do. The County page I reviewed does not list which municipalities contract with it. It names only 12 cities that also need a letter. For everything else, call your city hall before you plan the job. Where the property sits Who issues the demolition permit Unincorporated St. Louis County County Public Works City that contracts with the County for building code enforcement County Public Works One of the 12 cities listed below County Public Works, plus a letter from the municipality City of St. Louis Building Division (see our [St. Louis permit post](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-city-asbestos-abatement-permit)) Any other municipality Call your city hall For the service areas AES covers around the County, see [St. Louis County, MO](https://www.aes-stl.com/service-areas/st-louis-county-mo) and [St. Louis, MO](https://www.aes-stl.com/service-areas/st-louis-mo). ## Which 12 cities need a letter from the municipality? The County requires a letter from the municipality if the property is in one of 12 places. Get the letter before you submit the application, because the County lists it as a requirement to issue the permit. 1. City of Black Jack 2. City of Chesterfield 3. City of Sunset Hills 4. City of Fenton 5. Village of Twin Oaks 6. City of Glendale 7. City of Green Park 8. City of Warson Woods 9. City of Manchester 10. Village of Westwood 11. City of Wildwood 12. City of Woodson Terrace The County instructions do not say what the letter must contain. Ask the city hall what it needs. The application form also has a line for municipal zoning approval, which suggests the city reviews zoning, but the County does not spell that out. ## What does the County demolition permit cost? The base fee is $126.00 for one structure under 5,000 gross square feet. Gross square feet counts all levels, including basements. A larger structure costs $126.00 plus $10 per 1,000 square feet. Each detached accessory structure removed at the same time adds $47.00. What you are removing County fee One structure under 5,000 gross sq ft $126.00 One structure over 5,000 gross sq ft $126.00 plus $10 per 1,000 sq ft Each detached accessory structure on the same parcel, same time Add $47.00 The County requires a separate application for structures on different parcels. It also requires one for each structure over 5,000 gross square feet and for each structure that gets its own electric, gas, water or sewer service. Pay by check to “Treasurer - St. Louis County” or, if you email the application, by credit card over the phone. Mail goes to 41 South Central Avenue, 6th floor, Clayton, MO 63015, Attention: Demolition Permits. Fees change, so confirm with Building Inspections at (314) 615-3724. ## Does asbestos get checked before the permit? Yes. The County says all municipalities and County Public Works rely on the Department of Public Health’s Air Pollution Control Program to make sure asbestos and other environmental hazards are addressed before demolition permits issue. The permit packet lists Air Pollution Control approval when required. Air Pollution Control’s asbestos program issues permits, inspects asbestos removal sites and investigates reports of illegal removal. Its office is at 6121 N. Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134, phone 314.615.8924, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Start with an [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey). It tells you what is in the building and how much, which decides the fee tier and whether a registered contractor must remove it first. Our [asbestos survey service](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-survey) covers the work. The state’s 10 working day notice still applies to regulated projects: Missouri DNR requires notification at least 10 working days before crews begin. See the [Missouri asbestos rules guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules). ## What fees does County Air Pollution Control charge? County asbestos fees went up in 2026. Abatement permits are $240 for projects at or above the County thresholds; ask the County about smaller projects. An asbestos inspection is $230. The NESHAP demolition notification is $120. The County lists the old and new amounts together, so check which date applies to your project. Fee Before 2026 change Current Abatement permit, 160 sq ft, 260 linear ft or 35 cu ft or more $200 $240 (from January 1, 2026) NESHAP demolition notification $100 $120 (from July 1, 2026) Asbestos inspection (two billable inspections) $200 $230 (from January 1, 2026) The City’s fees look different. The City charges $100 or $200 notifications and uses its own trigger. We list them side by side in the next section. ## How do the County’s thresholds differ from the City’s and the state’s? The County sorts permits by 160 square feet, 260 linear feet and 35 cubic feet, the same numbers the state uses for removal. The City of St. Louis starts lower, at more than 10 square feet, 16 linear feet or 3 cubic feet. Always check which office has your address. Measure St. Louis County (permit tiers) City of St. Louis (ordinance trigger) Missouri DNR (removal threshold) Area Under or at/over 160 sq ft More than 10 sq ft 160 sq ft or more Linear Under or at/over 260 linear ft More than 16 linear ft 260 linear ft or more Volume Under or at/over 35 cu ft More than 3 cu ft 35 cu ft or more Demolition notice fee $120 (from July 1, 2026) $100 Not a fee; a threshold The columns measure different things. County tiers set a fee. The City number sets when its ordinance applies. The state number sets when a registered contractor must remove the material. Do not treat a County fee tier as proof that smaller amounts are unregulated. For the City side, read our [City of St. Louis permit post](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-city-asbestos-abatement-permit). For the state rules, see the [Missouri asbestos rules guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules). The [regulated asbestos-containing material](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/regulated-asbestos-containing-material-racm) definition drives which category your project falls in. The [NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) glossary entry explains the federal rule behind the notice. ## Do I need utility disconnect letters first? Yes. The County says utility connections must be properly disconnected, and copies certifying the disconnection of water, sewer, gas and electricity must be provided before it will issue a permit. The County also says it must be notified in writing by the utilities when disconnects are made. The packet spells out each step: - **Water and sewer.** A plumber and drainlayer licensed in St. Louis County secures the “tap destroy” permits. A County plumbing inspector must inspect the work. Missouri American Water Company must witness and certify the water tap destroy. - **Gas.** Get a disconnect letter from Laclede Gas. - **Electric.** Get a disconnect letter from AmerenMO. - **Right-of-way.** Work in the right-of-way, such as utility excavation or removing driveway entrances, needs a Special Use Permit from the right-of-way owner: city, County or state. Plan these early. Utility work often sets the schedule more than the permit does. Our [demolition from survey to debris guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/demolition-from-survey-to-debris) shows where utilities sit in the sequence. ## What do I do with a septic tank, well or propane tank? Handle all three before the permit issues. The County requires septic tanks pumped, wells located and reported, and propane tanks removed by the propane company. Each has its own proof. The demolition contractor is responsible for locating wells and for calling the propane company. - **Septic tank.** Disconnect it from the building, pump it out and break out the tank bottom. Backfill with crushed limestone, gravel or clean compacted dirt. Before the permit issues, you provide written verification from the licensed waste hauler that the tank has been pumped. - **Well.** The demolition contractor must locate it, mark it clearly and report it to St. Louis County. Missouri DNR requires abandoned well plugging to be registered. - **Propane tank.** The tank belongs to the propane company named on it. The demolition contractor must have that company disconnect and remove it. If the building holds a heating oil or fuel tank, see our [tank removal](https://www.aes-stl.com/tank-removal) page and the [tank removal guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/tank-removal-and-closure-in-missouri). ## How long is the process, and who do I call? The County pages do not state a processing time, so this guide does not give one. Plan around the longest items: the asbestos survey, the notice period, the utility work and any municipal letter. Missouri DNR requires notification at least 10 working days before a regulated project starts. Use this call list: Question Who to call Permit requirements, fees, forms Building Inspections, (314) 615-3724 Asbestos permits, inspections, notices County Air Pollution Control, 314.615.8924 Municipal letter Your city hall Water and sewer tap destroy A plumber and drainlayer licensed in St. Louis County You can submit the application by mail, at the drop-off bin inside the east entrance of the Lawrence K Roos Building at 41 S. Central Avenue in Clayton, or by email. The County says the email route leads to credit card payment instructions by phone. ## How does AES handle the permit and notice steps? AES does asbestos abatement and demolition and has “developed a good working relationship with all regulatory agencies including St. Louis City Air Pollution Control, St. Louis County Department of Health, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources,” according to its own site. AES is a Missouri DNR registered asbestos contractor, registration 27-06-0640. AES describes itself as “AHERA Certified Building Inspectors,” and Mr. Ruckman is “trained and certified as an Asbestos Inspector & Supervisor.” AES has 30 years of experience (Dennis Ruckman, November 2, 2026). Read about [asbestos abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-abatement) and [demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/demolition) on the AES site. The [interior demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/interior-demolition) glossary entry explains a common first phase before a full tear-down. ## Next step Planning a demolition or asbestos job in St. Louis County? Start with the [demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/demolition) page, then call AES at (314) 865-2662 or send the quote form at [/contact](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact) with the address and the type of building. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who issues demolition permits in St. Louis County? The County Department of Public Works issues them for unincorporated St. Louis County and for cities that contract with the County for building code enforcement. Other municipalities may run their own offices. If your city is not on the County list, call your city hall before you plan anything. ### How much is a St. Louis County demolition permit? The County lists $126.00 for one structure under 5,000 gross square feet, counting all levels and basements. A larger structure adds $10 per 1,000 square feet. Each detached accessory structure removed at the same time adds $47. Fees can change, so confirm them with Public Works. ### Does St. Louis County check for asbestos before the permit? Yes. The County says all municipalities and County Public Works rely on Air Pollution Control to make sure asbestos and other environmental hazards are addressed before they issue demolition permits. The permit packet also lists Air Pollution Control approval when required. ### What are the County asbestos fees in 2026? Abatement permits are $240 at or above 160 sq ft, 260 linear ft or 35 cu ft; ask the County about smaller projects. An inspection is $230, with two billable inspections. The NESHAP demolition notification is $120 as of July 1, 2026. Confirm on the County page. ### Which cities need a letter from the municipality? Black Jack, Chesterfield, Sunset Hills, Fenton, Twin Oaks, Glendale, Green Park, Warson Woods, Manchester, Westwood, Wildwood and Woodson Terrace. The County lists them on its permit instructions. If your property is in one of them, get the city's letter before you submit. ### Do I have to disconnect utilities before demolition? Yes. The County says copies certifying proper disconnection of water, sewer, gas and electricity must be provided before it will issue a demolition permit. Septic tanks, wells and propane tanks also need attention first. Call Building Inspections at (314) 615-3724 with questions. ### Is the County asbestos threshold the same as the City's? No. The County prices permits by 160 sq ft, 260 linear ft and 35 cu ft, the same numbers as the state. The City of St. Louis starts at more than 10 sq ft, 16 linear ft or 3 cu ft. The two offices use different rules. ## 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) - [Interior demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/interior-demolition) - [Asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey) - [NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) ## Sources 1. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (who issues)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 2. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (fee)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 3. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (accessory fee)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 4. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (municipal letter)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 5. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (utilities)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 6. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (propane)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 7. [St. Louis County Public Works: Demolition permit application and instructions (questions)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/county-demolition-program/demolition-permit-application-instructions) 8. [St. Louis County Department of Public Health: Demolition Inspections](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/) 9. [St. Louis County Department of Public Health: Asbestos Program (what it does)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/asbestos/) 10. [St. Louis County Department of Public Health: Asbestos Program (large abatement fee)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/asbestos/) 11. [St. Louis County Department of Public Health: Asbestos Program (NESHAP demolition fee)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/asbestos/) 12. [St. Louis County Department of Public Health: Asbestos Program (inspection fee)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/asbestos/) 13. [City of St. Louis Air Pollution Control (City trigger)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/environmental-health/air-pollution/index.cfm) 14. [City of St. Louis Air Pollution Control (demolition notification fee)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/environmental-health/air-pollution/index.cfm) 15. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos (10 working days)](https://dnr.mo.gov/air/business-industry/asbestos) Written by Advanced Environmental Services and checked against the sources above on November 6, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Missouri asbestos rules for demolition and renovation: who you notify and whenIn Missouri, a regulated demolition or renovation needs an inspection by a certified asbestos inspector and a notice at least 10 working days before work starts. Thresholds of 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet trigger removal by a registered contractor. Most single-family homes are exempt.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules) - [Demolition in Missouri, From Survey to Debris: Every Step in OrderA Missouri demolition starts with a survey for asbestos, lead and mold, not with equipment. Next come notices to DNR or the city, utility disconnects and abatement. Only then does teardown begin, followed by salvage sorting and hauling debris to a regulated landfill. Each step protects the next one.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/demolition-from-survey-to-debris) - [City of St. Louis asbestos abatement and demolition: how to fileIn the City of St. Louis, the Department of Health's Air Pollution Control Program handles asbestos and demolition notifications for the state. You report each project on the STL City Permits website and pay a fee. The City's fee table lists $100 for an abatement notification and $100 for a demolition notification.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-city-asbestos-abatement-permit) - [City of St. Louis demolition permits and asbestos notices: who files, what it costsIn the City of St. Louis, two offices work side by side. The Building Division issues the demolition permit. Air Pollution Control takes the asbestos notices. An owner may pull a permit only for a small building. Larger jobs need a City-certified demolition contractor. The City's asbestos trigger is 10 square feet, lower than the state's.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/st-louis-city-asbestos-and-demolition-permits) - [House Demolition Cost in St. Louis: Price Ranges and PermitsLawnMasters reports that, nationally, most homeowners spend $6,000 to $25,500 to demolish a standard 2,000-square-foot house, and prices run $4 to $17 per square foot. Asbestos and a basement add more. In the City of St. Louis, a certified demolition contractor pulls the permit for a typical house.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/house-demolition-cost-in-st-louis) - [What drives asbestos removal costAsbestos removal cost depends mainly on how much material there is, where it sits, how hard it is to reach, and what testing, notice fees and disposal the job needs. Angi's 2026 national average is $2,260. AES publishes no asbestos prices and quotes each job after a survey.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-removal-cost) ## 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)