Building warrants

All building construction works (with some exceptions) must comply with the standards prescribed in the the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations

A Building Warrant application is required for the erection, change of use, alteration or extension of a building and is also necessary for the demolition of a property. It is valid for three years and construction work cannot begin before the Building Warrant has been approved.

The processing of Building Warrants is a major part of the work done by Building Standards staff. Each year in East Renfrewshire there are approximately 1400 applications amounting to a total cost of contruction work of £70 million.

When a Building Warrant application is received a fee requires to be paid based on the cost of the building work. The current fee scales can be obtained from the building Standards office.

Where the proposed work involves structural design, e.g. steel frame, beams, roof structures, either structural calculations or alternatively a certificate from an approved Certifier of Design should accompany the Building Warrant application.

On some projects Building Standards may consult with various bodies before the assessment of an application is complete e.g. the Fire Authority, Scottish Water, SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) and the Health & Safety Executive.

The length of time it takes for checking will vary depending on the size and complexity of the proposals and any adjustments required to the plans to show compliance with the Building Regulations.

Building Warrant Applications

How do you apply for a building warrant

Having established that a Building Warrant is required for yor proposed building project an application form should be completed and forwarded along with the necessary drawings and appropriate fee to the Building Standards Section of the Environment Department.

East Renfrewshire Council
Council Headquarters
Eastwood Park
Rouken Glen Road
Giffnock
East Renfrewshire
G46 6UG

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any types of building work that are exempt from the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004?
A: Yes. Certain broad categories of buildings are exempt, and the full list is included in schedule 1 in section 0 of the Technical Handbooks. If you are not sure, you should seek advice from an independent professional or the Council's building standards service by phoning 0141 577 3001
Q: Is it necessary to have a Certificate of Completion accepted when my building work is finished.
A: Yes. You or your appionted agent should complete the completion certificate submission form and return to your local authority, together with an electrical installation test certificate to BS7671 where appropriate. You cannot occupy the building or part the building affected until you have the Certificate of Completion accepted by the Council's building standards service.
Q: What constitutes a contravention of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, and what happens if I do contravene these regulations?
A: You are committing an offence if you start work, without a warrant, on work that requires a building warrant. It is also an offence to contravene the requirements of Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. You are committing an offence if you occupy or use a new building without first having submitted a completion certificate and it being accepted by the the Council's building standards service. The exception is if you receive permission from the verifier for the temporary occupation or use of the building for a specified time. The Council's building standards service can take enforcement action in each instance. Contravention of the regulations can incur a maximum fine and an additional daily fine if the offence continues (£5,000 with an additional fine of £50 per day as at 18 October 2004).
Q: What happens if I cannot comply with a Regulation?
A: You might be able to apply for a dispensation or relaxation of a particular building regulation with which you are unable to comply. An application form for a relaxation of the Building Regulations can be obtained from the Building Standards Service.
Q: What happens when my building work is finished?
A: When your building work is finished, it is your responsibility (as the relevant person) to submit a completion certificate on the appropriate form. A completion certificate is needed to confirm that a building has been constructed, altered or converted in accordance with the warrant and the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. It is an offence to submit a false completion certificate or to occupy a building without a completion certificate being accepted by the verifier. The Building Standards Service must make reasonable inquiry to establish that the work complies with the warrant. If satisfied that the work complies, the Building Standards Service must accept a completion certificate. The Building Standards Service must give acceptance, or refusal (with reasons) within 14 days.