San Diego APCD Rule 1206
Rule 1206 in San Diego County: What Property Owners Need to Know About Asbestos Requirements
If you’re planning a renovation or demolition project in San Diego County, you may be required to follow Rule 1206, the local regulation that governs asbestos inspections, notifications, and removal. Many property owners don’t realize that even small commercial or multi-unit residential projects can trigger strict asbestos requirements — and failing to comply can result in costly penalties.
This guide breaks down what Rule 1206 is, who it applies to, and what you must do before starting any renovation or demolition project in San Diego County.
What Is Rule 1206?
Rule 1206 — officially titled “Asbestos Removal, Renovation, and Demolition” — was adopted by the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) to align the county with state and federal asbestos regulations.
Its purpose is simple:
➡️ Prevent asbestos fibers from being released into the air during construction, renovation, or demolition.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed. Because there is no known safe level of exposure, Rule 1206 requires strict inspection and handling procedures to protect workers, neighbors, and building occupants.
Who Must Follow Rule 1206?
Rule 1206 applies to most structures defined as “facilities.” This includes:
Commercial buildings
Industrial facilities
Public and government buildings
Schools and institutional structures
Multi-unit residential buildings (5+ units)
Condominiums and HOAs
Ships and marine structures
Asbestos-containing waste management (ACWM) disposal sites
Exemptions
Rule 1206 does not typically apply to:
Single-family homes
Duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes
Projects disturbing less than 100 sq ft or 20 cubic feet of suspect material within a 365-day period
➡️ Important: Even if your home is exempt, asbestos may still be present. Testing is still recommended for safety.
Rule 1206 Requirements: What You MUST Do Before Renovation or Demolition
If your building qualifies as a facility under Rule 1206, you must follow these steps before and during your project.
1. Conduct a Full Asbestos Survey (Required Before Any Work)
A certified asbestos inspector must perform a facility survey before any renovation or demolition begins.
This includes:
Identifying all suspect materials
Sampling and laboratory testing
Determining if materials are ACM (asbestos-containing material) or RACM (Regulated ACM)
Age does NOT matter — even newer buildings require an asbestos survey.
2. Sample & Test All Suspect Materials
Any material that may contain asbestos must be:
✔ Sampled
✔ Certified Lab-tested
OR
✔ Treated as asbestos by default (RACM).
Common suspect materials include flooring, ceiling tiles, drywall joint compound, roofing, mastics, insulation, and more.
3. Submit a “Notice of Intention” (Asbestos Notification)
If your project involves 100 sq ft or more (or 20 cubic feet) of RACM:
You must submit a Notice of Intention to SDAPCD
Submission must occur at least 10 working days before the project starts
Attach the asbestos survey
Pay applicable fees
4. Proper Asbestos Abatement (If Required)
If asbestos is found, it must be:
Removed by a licensed abatement contractor
Contained using proper engineering controls
Kept wet during removal
Sealed, labeled, and disposed of at an approved facility
No renovation or demolition may disturb asbestos until removal is completed.
5. Keep Records On-Site
Rule 1206 requires:
A copy of the asbestos survey
Lab results
Notifications
Waste manifests (if applicable)
These must remain on-site and available to the District upon request.
Why Rule 1206 Matters
Asbestos exposure is linked to:
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Mesothelioma
Long-term respiratory diseases
When asbestos-containing materials are cut, drilled, sanded, or demolished, microscopic fibers can become airborne — and the risk increases significantly.
Rule 1206 protects:
Contractors
Tenants
Homeowners
Neighbors
The surrounding community
It also protects property owners from severe legal consequences. Violations may be subject to fines, stop-work orders, and liability for environmental cleanup.
What San Diego Property Owners Should Do
Whether you’re a landlord, contractor, or property manager, your steps are straightforward:
Checklist
Determine if your project falls under Rule 1206.
Schedule a certified asbestos survey before disturbing any materials.
Test all suspect materials at an accredited lab.
File the 10-day Notice of Intention if required.
Use licensed abatement professionals if asbestos is found.
Maintain documentation on-site throughout the project.
Skipping these steps exposes you to legal penalties — and puts people at risk.
Final Thoughts
Rule 1206 is essential for protecting air quality and public health in San Diego County. Whether you’re renovating an older condo, demolishing a commercial building, or planning upgrades for a multi-unit property, understanding this rule ensures you stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep your project safe.
If you need help with:
✔ Asbestos inspections
✔ Testing & surveys
✔ Compliance guidance
✔ Rule 1206 notifications
✔ Mold or lead testing
We’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your asbestos survey or request a quote.
Reference: San Diego APCD: Rule 1206 - Rule 1206 - Asbestos Removal, Renovation, and Demolition (11/15/2017)
