The Building Regulations are a set of legal requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, extensions and material alterations to and certain changes of use of buildings, and provide for the health, safety and welfare of people, conservation of fuel and energy, and access for people with disabilities.
The primary responsibility for compliance rests with designers, builders and building owners. Donegal County Council is a Building Control Authority and has powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution where breaches of the Regulations occur. There are heavy penalties including fines and imprisonment for breaches. In addition there may be difficulties in selling a property if a purchaser’s solicitor is not satisfied that the requirements of the regulations have been met.
The Building Control Regulations supplement the basic system of enforcement.
Two important control arrangements are provided:
A Commencement Notice is a notification to the Building Control Authority of an intention to start work and must be submitted not more than 28 days and not less than 14 days before commencement.
A Fire Safety Certificate is a certificate granted by the Building Control Authority that certifies that the building or works, if constructed in accordance with the plans submitted, would comply with Part B of the second schedule to the Building Regulations, 1997 – 2004. All new buildings, except houses and certain agricultural buildings, require a Fire Safety Certificate.
Further information can be obtained by e-mail johnny.mcgettigan@donegalcoco.ie