--- title: "Ferguson, MO Asbestos and Demolition Work | Advanced Environmental Services" description: "Ferguson, Missouri has historic districts, more than 20 city landmarks and 90.9% of homes built before 1980. See permit steps, asbestos rules and AES services." url: https://www.aes-stl.com/service-areas/ferguson-mo publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact --- # Asbestos, lead and demolition work in Ferguson, Missouri Ferguson, Missouri has more than 20 designated Ferguson Landmarks and several County National Register listings, and 90.9% of its homes were built before 1980. The city requires a demolition permit from Public Works before any structure comes down. Ferguson is about 14.8 miles, roughly 24 minutes without traffic, from the Advanced Environmental Services office. [Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![Commercial space sealed with plastic containment and air machines during AES mold remediation](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/Commercial-Mold-Remed-1.Ba4cYySF_Z9NqLo.webp) ![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting during an AES lead abatement project](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/127.BqgpMQY__7ReD8.webp) ![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting with an AES storage container in front](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/AESI-083.BQiJ3BQs_Z1FKjAJ.webp) ## Landmarks and districts More than 20 Ferguson Landmarks, plus County National Register listings, set Ferguson apart. ## City permit first Ferguson Public Works issues the demolition permit that is required before any structure comes down. ## Old housing stock 90.9% of homes date before 1980, and 1,463 date to 1939 or earlier. ## Ask before you plan Confirm fees and landmark steps with the city, because the pages we read do not give a demolition fee. ## Ferguson at a glance Office to Ferguson About 14.8 miles, 24 minutes without traffic [router.project-osrm.org](https://router.project-osrm.org/route/v1/driving/-90.233935,38.599770;-90.2958267,38.7488292?overview=false) Ferguson housing units counted 9,335 [api.censusreporter.org](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=16000US2923986) Ferguson homes built before 1970 81.9% (7,648 homes) [api.censusreporter.org](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=16000US2923986) Ferguson homes built before 1980 90.9% (8,483 homes) [api.censusreporter.org](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=16000US2923986) Ferguson homes built in 1939 or earlier 1,463 homes, 15.7% of all units [api.censusreporter.org](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=16000US2923986) Designated Ferguson Landmarks More than 20 buildings [fergusoncity.com](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) Century Homes plaques awarded Over 80 [fergusoncity.com](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) County National Register listings in Ferguson Church Street Commercial District, Ferguson School-Central School, Old Ferguson West Historic District [stlouiscountymo.gov](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/about-us/historic-buildings-commission/st-louis-county-national-register-of-historic-places/) City demolition permit Required before tearing down or removing any structure; issued by Public Works [fergusoncity.com](http://www.fergusoncity.com/727/Permits-and-Licenses) Home baseAreas we serveSelect an area for its page. Map data: US Census Bureau. ## What makes Ferguson’s older buildings different? Many of them are protected or recognized. The City of Ferguson says more than 20 buildings are designated Ferguson Landmarks, including houses, stores, churches and schools. St. Louis County’s National Register list names more Ferguson entries. Listing Where Who lists it Church Street Commercial District 2-100 Church St. County National Register list, 8/23/84 Ferguson School-Central School 201 Wesley Ave. County National Register list, 9/7/84 Old Ferguson West Historic District Roughly Carson Rd., Harvey and Tiffin Aves., Florissant Rd. County National Register list, 11/2/11 Ferguson Landmarks More than 20 buildings City of Ferguson Landmarks Commission Century Homes Over 80 plaques awarded City of Ferguson Landmarks Commission The County list we read is dated “as of January 2013,” so check for newer additions. Any building over 50 years old that is significant to the community can receive landmark status, according to the city. ## Do Ferguson Landmarks affect a demolition or remodel? Ask before you plan. The Landmarks Commission reviews any plans that alter the exterior of a designated Ferguson Landmark. The city says the commission has advisory, not statutory, jurisdiction. It assists preservation through education and advocacy. The city page does not say how a demolition request is handled. We do not state an answer. Call Public Works and ask whether your building is a designated landmark before you set a date. Century Homes plaques are honorary, and the page says the commission has no further role in reviewing or regulating them. ## Do I need a demolition permit in the City of Ferguson? Yes. The City of Ferguson lists a Demolition Permit, issued by Public Works, as required before tearing down or removing any structure within the city. The permit ensures work is completed safely and meets local rules and utility coordination requirements. The page we read gives no fee, and we do not state one. Call Public Works at (314) 521-7721 or check the [City of Ferguson permits page](http://www.fergusoncity.com/727/Permits-and-Licenses) for the current cost and steps. Our [demolition from survey to debris](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/demolition-from-survey-to-debris) guide shows the order of work. AES lists [demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/demolition) and [building demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/building-demolition) as services. ## What asbestos steps come before a Ferguson demolition? Asbestos clearance comes first. St. Louis County says all municipalities and County Public Works rely on its Air Pollution Control Program to make sure asbestos and other hazards are handled before demolition permits issue. Ferguson is a city, and that statement covers municipalities. Missouri law requires notice at least ten working days before a regulated project starts. Most single-family residences are exempt from the DNR rule, but commercial buildings are not. Confirm the County’s asbestos notification fee with the [County Air Pollution Control program](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/). We do not state a fee here. Learn the terms [NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) and [asbestos-containing material](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-containing-material-acm). Our guide to [Missouri demolition and renovation asbestos rules](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules) lists thresholds. ## How old is Ferguson’s housing? Mostly older homes. Census data for 2020 to 2024 counts 9,335 housing units. Of those, 90.9% were built before 1980 and 81.9% before 1970. About 1,463 homes, or 15.7%, date to 1939 or earlier, and the 1950s add 2,881 homes, or 30.9%. The Census groups by decade and cannot show 1978 exactly, so use your deed for the real year. An [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey) samples suspect materials before work. AES offers an [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-survey) and [asbestos testing](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-testing). ## What about lead paint in a Ferguson house? Assume it until a test says otherwise. Missouri’s health department estimates that 60% of dwellings built from 1960 to 1978 contain lead-based paint, 80% for 1940 to 1959, and as high as 90% for homes built before 1949. Most Ferguson houses fall in those years. We did not find a Ferguson city lead program. St. Louis County’s Healthy Homes Program offers free in-home lead inspections for county residents with a child under six in the home and a recent venous blood lead test. Read [lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint) and our [lead paint in pre-1978 homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes) guide. AES lists [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement) as a service. ## How should I plan work on an older Ferguson building? Treat history, permits and hazards as three separate checks, and run them in this order. 1. **Ask Public Works about landmark status.** Find out whether the building is a designated Ferguson Landmark or inside a listed district. 2. **Find the build year.** Your deed or County record shows it. Of Ferguson’s 9,335 homes, 1,463 date to 1939 or earlier. 3. **Order a survey and a paint test.** Do both before anyone cuts, sands or demolishes. 4. **File the notices.** The state asbestos notice and the City demolition permit run on separate clocks. 5. **Abate first, then remodel or demolish.** Regulated material comes out before other work begins. Owners of a Century Home or a downtown storefront can also read our guides to [asbestos in older St. Louis homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-in-older-st-louis-homes) and the [St. Louis County permits guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/st-louis-county-asbestos-and-demolition-permits). For work inside a building, see [interior demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/interior-demolition). The city says the commission reviews plans that alter the exterior of a designated landmark. ## How far is Ferguson from the AES office? About 14.8 miles, roughly 24 minutes without traffic, from the center of Ferguson to 3100 Gravois Ave. That is a free-flow estimate, so allow more at rush hour. AES lists St. Louis, St. Charles and Columbia, Missouri, as its service area, plus projects within 300 miles of St. Louis. AES holds Missouri DNR asbestos contractor registration 27-06-0640. See [asbestos abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-abatement) and [St. Louis County](https://www.aes-stl.com/service-areas/st-louis-county-mo). ## Next step Call (314) 865-2662 or send our [quote form](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact) with your Ferguson address, the year built and whether the building is a designated landmark. Start with the [demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/demolition) page to see the process. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a demolition permit in Ferguson, Missouri? Yes. The City of Ferguson lists a Demolition Permit, issued by Public Works, as required before tearing down or removing any structure in the city. We did not find a fee on the page we read, so call Public Works at (314) 521-7721 for the cost and the steps. ### What is a Ferguson Landmark? A building over 50 years old that is significant to the history or physical character of the community can receive landmark status. Ferguson has more than 20, including houses, stores, churches and schools. The Landmarks Commission reviews plans that alter the exterior of a designated landmark. ### Does landmark status stop a teardown? The city's page says the commission has advisory, not statutory, jurisdiction over city landmarks. It does not describe how a demolition request is handled, so we do not state an answer. Ask Public Works and the Landmarks Commission before you set a date or hire crews. ### How old are Ferguson homes? Mostly old. Census data for 2020 to 2024 shows 90.9% of Ferguson homes built before 1980 and 81.9% before 1970. Another 1,463 homes, 15.7%, date to 1939 or earlier. Check your deed for the exact year, then test before you disturb materials. ### How do I get a quote? Call (314) 865-2662 or send our quote form at /contact with your Ferguson address and the work you plan. Tell us the year built and whether the building is a designated landmark. The AES office is about 14.8 miles away. ## Terms on this page - [Asbestos-containing material (ACM)](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-containing-material-acm) - [Interior demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/interior-demolition) - [Lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint) - [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. [U.S. Census Bureau: ACS 2024 5-year, table B25034 (Ferguson city), housing units](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=16000US2923986) 2. [U.S. Census Bureau: ACS 2024 5-year, table B25034 (Ferguson city), 1970s back to 1939 or earlier](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=16000US2923986) 3. [OSRM route estimate: office to Ferguson](https://router.project-osrm.org/route/v1/driving/-90.233935,38.599770;-90.2958267,38.7488292?overview=false) 4. [City of Ferguson: Ferguson Landmarks Commission (designated landmarks)](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) 5. [City of Ferguson: Ferguson Landmarks Commission (who qualifies)](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) 6. [City of Ferguson: Ferguson Landmarks Commission (exterior review)](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) 7. [City of Ferguson: Ferguson Landmarks Commission (advisory role)](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) 8. [City of Ferguson: Ferguson Landmarks Commission (Century Homes)](https://www.fergusoncity.com/233/Ferguson-Landmarks-Commission) 9. [City of Ferguson: Permits and Licenses (demolition)](http://www.fergusoncity.com/727/Permits-and-Licenses) 10. [City of Ferguson: Permits and Licenses (Public Works phone)](http://www.fergusoncity.com/727/Permits-and-Licenses) 11. [St. Louis County Historic Buildings Commission: National Register list (Church Street)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/about-us/historic-buildings-commission/st-louis-county-national-register-of-historic-places/) 12. [St. Louis County Historic Buildings Commission: National Register list (Central School)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/about-us/historic-buildings-commission/st-louis-county-national-register-of-historic-places/) 13. [St. Louis County Historic Buildings Commission: National Register list (Old Ferguson West)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/about-us/historic-buildings-commission/st-louis-county-national-register-of-historic-places/) 14. [St. Louis County: Demolition Inspections](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/demolition-inspections/) 15. [St. Louis County: asbestos notification form instructions](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/asbestos/asbestos-neshap-notification-form-instructions/) 16. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos (notice)](https://dnr.mo.gov/air/business-industry/asbestos) 17. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos (exemption)](https://dnr.mo.gov/air/business-industry/asbestos) 18. [St. Louis County Healthy Homes: lead inspection FAQ](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-faq/2-i-would-like-my-home-tested-for-lead-may-i-request-an-environmental-lead-inspection/) 19. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (lead paint by home age)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 20. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos contractor registrations](https://dnrservices.mo.gov/env/apcp/asbestos/contractors/index.php) Checked against the sources above on November 6, 2026. Rules and fees 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)