Building Standards

This part of the web site provides general information on the Building Standards System. A new system of Building Standards came into force on 1st May 2005 this system operates under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 all new applications for Building warrant will be dealt with under this system. However the new system will run in conjunction with the old system under the Building (Scotland) Act 1959 for applications submitted prior to 1st May 2005.

Note all Guidance notes refer to Building (Scotland) Act 2003 unless otherwise stated.

The Building Regulations 2004 and Technical Handbooks are available on the Scottish Building Standards Agency website.

What are Building Standards?

Building Standards responsibilities evolve from the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which covers all types of buildings, to secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings and those who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings. In addition to this, Building Standards exist to further the conservation of fuel and power, and to further encourage sustainable development.

As a result of the 2003 Act, Local Authorities have been appointed as sole Verifiers of the Building Standards function for their own geographical area of responsibility.

Verifiers carry the responsibility of ensuring, after reasonable enquiry, that the functional standards set out in the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2004 are met. This can be achieved by complying with the associated Technical Handbooks. There are two Handbooks, one for Domestic and one for Non-Domestic property.

Verifiers can choose to ensure compliance by a variety of means, these may include:

• Pre application advice;
• Pre warrant site visit;
• Desktop appraisal of submission;
• Confirmation of compliance of elements via Approved Certifiers of Design and Construction;
• Consultations with appropriate third parties, and
• Periodic inspection of the works on site.