A Building Control Commencement Notice is required for :

• The erection of a building,
• The material alteration or extension of a building, and
• A material change of use of a building to which building regulations apply, subject to various exemptions as set out in the Acts and Regulations.
• Notice must be given not less than 14 days and not more than 28 days before the commencement date of the works.
• A Commencement Notice should be submitted electronically on the national Building Control Management System (BCMS)
• Further detail on the national Building Control Management System, including operational instruction, is available at  https://www.localgov.ie/en/BCMS

The type of Commencement Notice required depends on the works being undertaken.

Commencement Notice with Documentation (required as of 1^st March 2014)

Required for the following :

(a)    The design and construction of a new dwelling;

(b)   An extension to a dwelling involving a total floor area greater than 40 square metres; or

(c)    Works to which Part III (Fire Safety Certificates) apply

Commencement Notice without documentation

Applies to all other works that the Building Regulations apply to.

Commencement Notice with Opt Out of Statutory Certification

Since 1^st September 2015 new amendment regulations allow for an Opt Out of Statutory Certification for one off dwelling houses in one off developments and extensions to dwelling houses only.

Certificates of Compliance on Completion

The “Assigned Certifier” and “Builder” is responsible for confirming that the completed works comply with Building Regulations, by executing the Completion Certificate. The 2014 Regulations prohibit the opening, occupation or use of a building until a Completion Certificate has been filed and registered by the Building Control Authority.