Building notices

A building notice allows you to carry out building works without having to provide plans first.

Who can apply

You can apply for a building notice if you do not need the protection of full plans approval.

When to use it

You can use it for most domestic building work proposals where there are no sewers. If the work is over or close to a public sewer, as shown on a public sewer map, you will need to apply for a full plans notice.

It is especially suitable for simple projects or by professionals who understand the requirements of the building regulations.

You cannot use it for work that involves offices, shops, railway premises, hotels or boarding houses.

Some people believe that if they have a building notice, they will not need to employ a designer. But from experience, we know that people can have problems on site because of a lack of design and forethought.

If you have not already done so, we recommend that you get professional advice about your scheme before you start work.

Fees

If you apply for a building notice, you will only have to pay one fee and this is when you submit the application. For details, see our  Fees and guidance [270kb].

How to apply

You need to complete two  building notice forms [163kb] and submit these with the fee. If you prefer, you can pay for it online through our secure online payment system.

If we need more information, we will ask you for it.

What happens next

When we receive a building notice form, we will usually send an acknowledgement within 48 hours and we will write to you to let you know what happens next.

We may ask for details about certain aspects of the works, for example structural calculations, layout plans or heat loss calculations.

Once we have carried out all the necessary inspections and the work complies with building regulations, we will issue a completion certificate. This certificate will be important if you sell your property and we recommend that you ask for it when your builder completes the work.

Planning permission

You may also need planning permission for your proposal. If so, you must have it in place before you start on site. For more information, please see our Do I need planning permission? page.