Navigating Colorado Asbestos Regulations and Testing Requirements
Navigating Colorado Asbestos Regulations: What You Need to Know Before You Renovate
If you are planning a home renovation, a commercial remodel, or a full-scale demolition in the Denver area, "asbestos" is likely a word that has come up in your permitting process. In Colorado, asbestos management isn't just a safety recommendation—it is a strictly enforced legal requirement under Regulation 8, Part B.
At Colorado Asbestos Inspections, LLC, we help Denver homeowners and contractors navigate these complex rules every day. Here is a breakdown of the current Colorado regulations and testing requirements you need to know for 2026.
1. Does Age Matter? The "Any Age" Rule
A common misconception is that "newer buildings don't have asbestos." In Colorado, the law is clear: Buildings of any age must be inspected for asbestos before any building materials are disturbed.
While use decreased significantly after the late 1970s, asbestos is still found in modern building products imported from overseas. Whether your home was built in 1890 or 2020, you are required to have an inspection before starting work that exceeds "trigger levels."
2. Understanding "Trigger Levels"
Colorado law specifies "trigger levels"—the amount of material you can disturb before a formal inspection and state-certified abatement are required.
Project TypeLinear Feet (Pipes)Square Feet (Surfaces)Volume (55-Gal Drum)Single-Family Residential50 linear ft32 sq ft1 drum equivalentPublic & Commercial260 linear ft160 sq ft1 drum equivalent
Export to Sheets
Note: For any demolition project (removing the entire structure or a load-bearing component), an inspection is mandatory regardless of the amount of material.
3. The Testing Process: What to Expect
Asbestos testing isn't just about grabbing a piece of drywall and sending it to a lab. To be legally compliant for a permit, the inspection must be performed by a Colorado-certified Asbestos Building Inspector.
Identifying Homogeneous Areas: We group similar materials (e.g., all "popcorn" ceiling texture applied at the same time).
Bulk Sampling: State law requires a specific number of samples based on the square footage of the material. For example, surfacing materials often require 3, 5, or 7 samples to prove a "negative" result.
The 1% Rule: A material is officially "Asbestos-Containing Material" (ACM) if it contains more than 1% asbestos.
4. Notification and Permits
If your inspection reveals asbestos above the trigger levels, you cannot simply throw it in the trash.
Permit Application: You or your contractor must submit an application to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
10-Day Wait: There is a mandatory 10-working-day notification period before abatement or demolition can begin.
Certified Abatement: Only a Colorado-certified General Abatement Contractor (GAC) can legally remove the material.
Why Choose Colorado Asbestos Inspections, LLC?
Based right here in Denver, we specialize solely in the inspection and testing phase. Because we don't perform the removal ourselves, we provide an unbiased, honest assessment focused entirely on your safety and compliance. We serve the entire Front Range, including Boulder, Aurora, Littleton, and Fort Collins.
Planning a project? Don't let regulatory delays hold you up.
[Contact us today at 303-246-4587 or email contact@coasbestest.com to schedule your certified inspection.]