Understanding New York State & NYC Asbestos Regulations

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Stay Compliant. Stay Safe.

Asbestos is a highly regulated material due to the serious health risks it poses when disturbed. In New York State—and especially in New York City—strict laws and regulations govern how asbestos must be inspected, handled, tested, and documented.

At DJ Group Asbestos, we help you navigate these complex requirements to ensure your project stays safe, legal, and on schedule.

 

New York State Asbestos Regulations

In New York State, asbestos-related activities are regulated primarily by:

• New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), Code Rule 56

  • Outlines rules for asbestos inspections, testing, project notifications, worker protection, and air monitoring.

  • Requires any asbestos disturbance over a certain amount (≥ 10 square feet or 25 linear feet) to follow strict abatement procedures.

• NYS Industrial Code Rule 56 Licensing Requirements

  • Only certified asbestos investigators, contractors, and workers may perform asbestos-related work in NYS.

  • Licensing includes required training, continuing education, and project documentation.

• EPA’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

  • Federal regulations adopted by NYS for demolition and renovation projects that may disturb asbestos.

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New York City Asbestos Regulations

New York City has even stricter rules than the rest of the state. Key agencies and laws include:

• NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

  • Oversees asbestos inspections, ACP-5 form issuance, and abatement work in NYC.

  • Requires an ACP-5 form for most construction, demolition, or alteration permits—even if no asbestos is found.

• NYC Air Code

  • Regulates asbestos emissions during construction and demolition.

  • Requires contractors to file asbestos project notifications and maintain records for DEP review.

• NYC Building Code

  • Mandates asbestos surveys before issuing permits for certain construction work.

• Local Law 76 of 1985 & Local Law 70 of 1987

  • Establish NYC’s asbestos inspection and certification requirements.

  • Mandate the use of licensed asbestos investigators for any inspections tied to building permits.

 

When is an Asbestos Inspection Required?

Under NYS and NYC regulations, asbestos inspections are generally required when:

• Renovating or demolishing any structure

• Filing for permits with NYC DOB (requiring an ACP-5)

• Conducting work that might disturb suspect materials (walls, ceilings, insulation, flooring, etc.)

Even minor work can trigger inspection requirements if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present.

 

What Happens If You Skip Compliance?

Failing to comply with asbestos laws can result in:

• Costly project delays

• Heavy fines and penalties

• Stop-work orders

• Legal liabilities and potential health risks

 

How DJ Group Asbestos Helps

At DJ Group Asbestos, we’re fully licensed asbestos investigators with deep knowledge of both NYS and NYC regulations. We help you:

✅ Perform legally compliant asbestos inspections and testing
✅ Complete required documentation like the ACP-5 form
✅ Understand your regulatory obligations
✅ Avoid delays, violations, and costly mistakes

Our goal is to make asbestos compliance simple and stress-free so you can focus on your project with confidence.

Need help understanding local asbestos laws for your property or project? Contact DJ Group Asbestos today. We’re here to keep you safe, compliant, and moving forward.