Missouri asbestos notice: the 10 working day rule explained

What is Missouri’s 10 working day asbestos notice rule?

Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires notice at least 10 working days before crews begin a demolition or an asbestos abatement project on a regulated structure. The clock counts working days, not calendar days. Weekends do not count. The notice gives DNR time to review the plan and inspect the site.

The rule comes from the federal NESHAP asbestos standard and Missouri’s own air rules. DNR states it plainly on its notification page: it “requires notification of demolitions and abatement projects involving regulated structures at least 10 working days before crews begin a project.” Plan your schedule around that gap. A late notice can hold up a demolition crew, a dumpster order and a utility shutoff.

Which buildings are regulated?

Most commercial, industrial, institutional and public buildings are regulated. Most single-family homes are not. DNR says its asbestos regulations “apply to commercial structures in Missouri and to some residential structures,” and that most single-family residences are exempt.

The exemption is narrow. DNR fact sheet PUB2157 sets these limits as of October 2026:

If your building sits near the line, ask DNR before you assume an exemption. A wrong guess means a violation, not a saved fee.

What do you have to send with the notification?

Send a signed notification form, the asbestos inspection report and the lab results. DNR lists two forms on its asbestos page: “Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Demolition and Renovation MO 780-1923” and “Asbestos Abatement Project Notification MO 780-1226.” Email completed, signed forms to AsbestosNotifications@dnr.mo.gov.

A review fee applies to each notification. The fact sheet does not list the amount, so check the current form before you budget.

The inspection report must come from a Missouri certified asbestos inspector. DNR says it should list all suspect materials and show “the amount, location, category and condition” of each. It should also include the lab results and chain of custody for every sample. An asbestos survey done before the notice is what makes the notice possible.

Do you still file if no asbestos is found?

Yes, for a regulated demolition. DNR says the demolition notice “is required even if there is no asbestos identified in the structure being demolished.” The department wants the chance to inspect before the building comes down. The inspection report and lab results still go with the notice, because they prove that nothing was found.

What counts as an emergency or an unsafe building?

DNR can waive the 10 working day period only in narrow cases. If a structure is in danger of imminent collapse and a state or local government agency ordered it demolished, the department can waive the wait. Notice should go in as early as possible, and no later than the next working day. A copy of the government order must be included.

DNR also says alternate notification rules may apply in emergencies. In that case, call the Air Pollution Control Program at 573-751-4817. Do not guess.

Who files the notice, and who removes the asbestos?

The owner and every contractor on the job share the duty to file. DNR says it is “the obligation of the owner and any contractors involved to ensure these notifications are provided.” Failure to file is a violation. Do not assume the demolition contractor filed. Ask for the notice of receipt letter.

Removal is a separate rule. If the inspection finds 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet or more of regulated asbestos-containing material, all of it must be removed by a Missouri registered asbestos abatement contractor. Workers on that job must hold DNR certification. This is not a do-it-yourself task. Read the full process in our guide to Missouri demolition and renovation asbestos rules.

Do St. Louis and St. Louis County add steps?

Yes. DNR fact sheet PUB2157 says St. Louis city and St. Louis County each have a local agency with an agreement to enforce Missouri’s asbestos rules and local ordinances. DNR tells owners to contact the local agency before starting work in those places, because additional requirements may apply.

For the city process, read our post on the City of St. Louis asbestos abatement permit. For county work, call the St. Louis County Health Department before you file with DNR.

What should you do first?

Follow this order and the 10 working days will not surprise you.

1. Confirm whether your structure is regulated, using the table above.
2. Hire a Missouri certified inspector to survey and sample suspect materials. See our asbestos survey and asbestos testing pages.
3. Read the report. Add up the regulated material against the 160, 260 and 35 thresholds.
4. File the correct DNR form with the report and lab results. Pay the review fee.
5. Keep the notice of receipt letter. Fix any deficiency it lists.
6. Start work only after the notice period ends.

A plan that starts at step 4 is already late. Order the inspection weeks before your target start date.

Next step

Advanced Environmental Services handles asbestos abatement, surveys and demolition in St. Louis, St. Charles and Columbia, Missouri. Call (314) 865-2662 or use the quote form at /contact to plan your notice dates before you set a start date.