Building Regulations exemptions

[edit] Introduction

The first set of national building standards was introduced in 1965. Now known as the Building Regulations, they set out:

• What qualifies as ‘building work’ and so falls under the control of the regulations.
• What types of buildings are exempt (such as temporary buildings).
• The notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work.
• Requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction.

For more information see: Building regulations.

However, some building classes and types may not have to satisfy the regulations and if so, are exempt.

Compliance with the Act is crucial as those who contravene it and its associated Building Regulations may, if convicted, face a heavy fine or even imprisonment. It is therefore essential to ensure that if a building is thought to be exempt, exemption really does apply and advice sought from the appropriate authority.

In many cases, even if a building is technically exempt, the owner or developer will nonetheless comply with the regulations.

[edit] Exemptions

The following classes of building may be exempt from the regulations:

• Public bodies – e.g local authorities, county councils and other bodies acting under an enactment for the public good and not for profit. However, this is a grey area and advice should be sought if there is any uncertainty as to whether exemption applies.
• Buildings belonging to ‘statutory undertakers’ – e.g utilities.
• Buildings belonging to (or occupied by) UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). (NB: dwelling houses and offices are not exempt).
• Buildings belonging to (or occupied by) the British Airports Authority (NB: dwelling houses, hostels, offices or showrooms are not exempt).
• Buildings belonging to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (NB: Houses, hotels, offices and showrooms are not exempt).
• Temporary buildings may be exempt from some parts of the building regulations, see Building regulations exemption for temporary buildings for more information.

[edit] Crown buildings

Many of the requirements of the Building Regulations apply to Crown Buildings. But there are a few deviations and therefore the advice of the Treasury should be sought when work is to be undertaken on a Crown building.

(By ‘Crown’ is meant buildings where the Crown, the Duchy of Lancaster or the Duchy of Cornwall have an interest in the building).

[edit] Buildings in Inner London

Buildings in the boroughs of Inner London are subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations but in a few circumstances some of the regulations may not apply. The advice of the local authority in question should be sought prior to submitting drawings.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Approved documents.
• Approved inspector.
• Building control body.
• Building notice.
• Building regulations.
• Building regulations exemption for temporary buildings.
• Building warrant (Scotland).
• Do the building regulations apply to existing buildings?
• Failure to comply with the building regulations.
• How long it takes to get building regulations approval and how long it lasts.
• Northern Ireland building regulations.
• Planning permission.
• Scottish building standards.
• Statutory approvals.
• Statutory authorities.
• The Building Act.
• The difference between planning permission building regulations approval.
• Welsh building regulations.
• What approvals are needed before construction begins.

[edit] External references

• Approved documents can be downloaded from the Planning portal.
• The Communities and Local Government Building Regulations website.
• Department for Communities and Local Government: Building Regulations, Explanatory booklet. (now archived)
• Local authority building control guidance.
• The Building Regulations in full.
• Department for Communities and Local Government.
• CLG: Determinations and appeals.
• Free online version of Approved Documents from SpecifiedBy