2025 Cook County & Chicago Asbestos Inspection Requirements for Demolition Permits
Starting October 1, 2025, all demolition projects in Chicago and Cook County will require a licensed asbestos inspection before a demolition permit can be issued. These updated requirements come from the Cook County Department of Environment & Sustainability (DES) and apply to both residential and commercial structures within the City of Chicago and all Cook County suburbs.
Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, these updates are mandatory for any demolition or renovation project in suburban or unincorporated Cook County. This guide explains exactly what’s changed and how to stay compliant.
Who Needs a Demolition Permit?
Cook County requires a demolition permit for any project involving:
This includes projects located within Chicago city limits, as the City follows Cook County asbestos inspection and documentation requirements.
Altering
Deconstructing
Destroying
Razing
Renovating
Tearing down
Wrecking
This applies to all residential and commercial structures, including homes, garages, sheds, multi-unit buildings, industrial facilities, and offices.
This applies not only to full demolitions but also to renovations that involve altering or removing structural elements.
Every demolition permit application must include an asbestos inspection report, even if no asbestos is found.
New 2025 Asbestos Inspection Requirements
Effective October 15, 2025, all asbestos inspection reports submitted to the Department of Environment & Sustainability must now include:
Sampling Methodology:
A detailed description of how sample locations were determined, ensuring a representative collection of samples from all suspect homogeneous areas.Sample Area Identification & Scaled Drawing:
A drawing of the building or area to scale, with clear dimensions and labeled sample points.Precise Sample Locations:
Each sample must be shown clearly and precisely on the scaled drawing.Contextual Photographs:
Each sampled material must be photographed with enough context to show adjacent homogeneous surfaces.
These updates are in addition to the standard state and federal asbestos reporting requirements (EPA 600/R-93/116 and AHERA 40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E).
Residential vs. Commercial Demolition Permits
The updated rules apply to all Cook County municipalities, including Chicago, for both residential and commercial demolitions.
Residential: Required for the demolition of any structure with four or fewer dwelling units, including garages and sheds.
Commercial: Required for commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family (five or more units) structures. One permit is needed per structure.
Permit applications must also include:
Cook County property tax summary (taxes must be current)
Plat of survey or photographs of the structure(s)
A Demolition Debris Diversion Plan showing recycling/reuse compliance
Variance or emergency documentation (if applicable)
Why This Matters
These new asbestos reporting standards are designed to protect workers, the public, and the environment.
If your asbestos inspection report doesn’t meet the updated Cook County requirements, your demolition permit will not be approved, delaying your project.
How We Help
At Asbestos Testing & Inspection, we provide certified asbestos inspections for Chicago, Cook County, and nearby suburbs to help property owners meet DES demolition requirements quickly and correctly.
Our reports include:
✅ Detailed Sampling Methodology Narrative
✅ Scaled Drawing with Labeled Sample Points
✅ Contextual Photographs
✅ NVLAP-Accredited Lab Results
✅ Chain-of-Custody Documentation
We handle everything start to finish — so your demolition permit gets approved quickly and without rejection.
📞 Contact Information
Need a Cook County–compliant asbestos inspection?
Call or text (312) 972-2321 or email info@asbestostestingandinspection.com.
We proudly serve homeowners, builders, and contractors throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Licensed and experienced asbestos testing and inspection serving all of Chicago and Suburban Cook County.
🏢 Cook County DES Contact (Reference)
Cook County Department of Environment & Sustainability (DES)
69 W Washington Street, Room 1900 | Chicago, IL 60602
📞 (312) 603-8200 | 📧 asbestosdemo@cookcountyil.gov
Visit the Cook County Demolition Page →
