Pennsylvania asbestos rules: licensing, notices and homeowner exemptions

Built from official Pennsylvania and federal agency pages. Checked November 2026.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) certifies asbestos workers and contractors, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) receives notifications. Abating more than 3 square or 3 linear feet of friable asbestos needs at least five days' notice, and NESHAP projects need at least 10 working days. DEP does not regulate removal from private residences unless the building is an apartment with five or more units.

Who licenses asbestos work in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I).

• All individuals who enter containment must hold current L&I certification, and people who remove asbestos must work for a contractor with current L&I certification. Source
• L&I's asbestos division lists 717-772-3396 and CALBOIS@pa.gov for questions. Source

Notification before renovation or demolition

• For abating friable asbestos material of more than 3 square or 3 linear feet, notice must reach DEP at least five days (Monday-Sunday) before work begins, filed electronically through DEP's GreenPort. Emergency waivers are requested by phone from L&I at 717-772-3396. Source
• Projects subject to the federal NESHAP need a minimum ten-working-day notification to DEP. Source
• DEP lists a $400 notification fee for projects in all Pennsylvania counties except Philadelphia and Allegheny. Source

Homeowners and private residences

• DEP does not regulate the removal of asbestos-containing material from private residences unless the residence is an apartment with five or more units. DEP advises checking with your township or borough for local regulations. Source
• The L&I certification page does not list a homeowner exemption from its certification rules. If you hire anyone to do the work, confirm their L&I certification. Source

An exemption from licensing or notice is not a safety finding. EPA advises leaving undamaged material alone and having a trained professional sample anything you plan to disturb. See do I need asbestos testing before renovating?

Local programs in Pennsylvania

• DEP's online notification system is not for asbestos abatement or demolition and renovation projects in Philadelphia or Allegheny County, and the $400 DEP fee does not apply there. Check with the city or county before filing. Source

The federal baseline

State rules sit on top of the federal Asbestos NESHAP. These points apply nationwide.

• Before a covered demolition or renovation starts, the owner or operator must thoroughly inspect the affected facility for asbestos, including Category I and Category II nonfriable material. Source
• The full removal and work-practice requirements apply when the regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) involved totals at least 260 linear feet on pipes, 160 square feet on other components, or 35 cubic feet where it could not be measured beforehand. Source
• Written notice of intent is due at least 10 working days before asbestos stripping or removal work, or any other covered activity, begins. Source
• The owner or operator must notify the delegated agency before any demolition. Renovations need notice only when they involve the threshold amount of regulated asbestos-containing material. Source
• The work practice standards cover demolitions and renovations of all facilities except residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units. A home demolished or renovated as part of a commercial or public project is not exempt. Source

This guide summarizes official agency pages for property owners. It is not legal advice. Abate Safe is a directory and does not perform asbestos work.