Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Before demolishing a residential building built before January 1, 2004, what must an owner obtain?

1. Structural survey

2. Historic preservation approval

3. Asbestos survey

4. Demolition permit

The correct answer is: Asbestos survey

To ensure the safety and compliance of a demolition project, particularly for residential buildings constructed prior to January 1, 2004, obtaining an asbestos survey is a crucial step. Buildings from this timeframe are more likely to contain asbestos, a hazardous material that can pose significant health risks when disturbed. The asbestos survey helps identify potential asbestos-containing materials in the structure, allowing the owner to take necessary precautions and follow appropriate regulations for safe removal and disposal. While acquiring a demolition permit is typically required, it is not specific to the condition of the building's construction date in relation to hazardous materials. Similarly, while structural surveys and historic preservation approvals may be applicable in certain contexts, they do not directly address the immediate health and safety concerns associated with asbestos exposure. Therefore, the requirement to obtain an asbestos survey before demolishing older structures specifically highlights the priority of protecting public health during such operations.