Exempt Buildings & Work
The following are the most common types of domestic building work that are exempt from the requirements of submission of an application for Building Regulation approval. However, all building work should be in compliance with Building Regulations or good building practice.
Small Detached Buildings
- A detached single-storey building, having a floor area which does not exceed 30m2 which contains no sleeping accommodation and at not point of which is less than 1m from the boundary of its curtilage, OR is constructed substantially of non-combustible material.
- A detached building, having a floor area which does not exceed 15m2 which contains no sleeping accommodation.
Domestic Extensions
- The extension of a building by the addition at ground level of a conservatory, porch, covered yard or covered way OR a car port open on at least 2 sides where the floor area of that extension does not exceed 30m2, and provided that in the case of a requirements of Approved Document N (Safety Glazing).
There are other exemption categories. For more information contact your Building Control Officer.
Should you wish to erect an exempt building, you are advised to notify us in writing so that the work can be registered on our database and we send you an exemption letter, which should be kept in a safe place with the deeds of the property as it may assist with any conveyancing in the future.
We are always looking for ways to improve the Building Control service. Please let us know what you think about our service by completing the Building Control satisfaction survey on our West Somerset Says website.