Asbestos Abatement in Seattle, WA
In Seattle, the asbestos survey comes before the demolition permit, not after. We handle the survey, the PSCAA notice and the removal.
Older buildings in Seattle
More than half of Seattle homes (52.8 percent) were built before 1980, and 22.8 percent before 1940. Architectural historians single out Seattle for its concentration of Craftsman houses, from Wallingford bungalows to the shingled homes of Ballard, along with the older mansions of Capitol Hill, Queen Anne and First Hill and postwar rambler neighborhoods.
Houses from every one of those eras used asbestos somewhere, and anything painted before 1978 should be treated as lead paint until tested.
If a building predates 1980, test before you disturb it. See where asbestos hides in older homes and how our surveys work.
Asbestos rules for Seattle projects
Seattle, WA is under the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), which covers King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.
Survey
Before a renovation, an AHERA certified building inspector has to survey any material the work will disturb. The one exception is an owner-occupant renovating their own single-family home. Before a demolition, an AHERA survey is required with no exceptions.
Asbestos removal notice
Removing 10 linear feet or more of friable asbestos on pipe, or 48 square feet or more on other materials, requires written notice to PSCAA before work starts. Projects of 260 linear feet or 160 square feet and up also carry a 10-day waiting period after notice.
Demolition notice
Demolishing any structure with a roof area over 120 square feet requires PSCAA notification and a 10-day wait, even when the survey finds no asbestos at all.
Fees
A single-family residence asbestos notification is $25. Current PSCAA fees.
State certification
In Washington, only a certified asbestos contractor can bid or perform abatement. Every job needs a certified supervisor on site and certified workers doing the removal. Projects over 48 square feet or 10 linear feet also get their own L&I notification, normally filed at least 5 days before work starts.
Permits
Building and demolition permits come from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI). SDCI states that you must meet asbestos survey requirements before you can get a demolition permit.
TAC handles the survey, the PSCAA and L&I notices and the abatement. Questions about your project? Read the FAQ or call us.
West Seattle and the smelter plume
King County lists West Seattle among the areas most affected by the Tacoma Smelter Plume. If your project involves excavation, grading or landscaping there, check the address on Ecology’s Dirt Alert map first.
What we do in Seattle
- Asbestos Abatement & Encapsulation
- Asbestos & Mold Survey / Inspection
- Lead Remediation & Stabilization
- Mold Remediation
- General & Select Demolition
- Total Loss Inventory
Restoration or mitigation contractor? See how we work with restoration crews.
Common questions in Seattle
Do I need an asbestos survey before remodeling or demolishing in Seattle?
Before a renovation, an AHERA certified building inspector has to survey any material the work will disturb. The one exception is an owner-occupant renovating their own single-family home. Before a demolition, an AHERA survey is required with no exceptions. Seattle, WA falls under the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
How long is the waiting period after notifying PSCAA?
Larger asbestos removals (260 linear feet or 160 square feet and up) and every demolition over 120 square feet wait 10 days after notice. Smaller removals need notice before work starts but no waiting period. PSCAA can waive the waiting period for a sudden hazard, to protect equipment or utilities, or when asbestos turns up that the survey missed.
Does Tacoma Abatement Company work in Seattle?
Yes. Our yard at 3829 S M Street in Tacoma is about 34 road miles from downtown Seattle. Estimates are free and on site. Abatement projects have an $800 minimum. Call (253) 830-5945, Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM.