Getting a building warrant

Last updated: 3 September 2019

Before you apply for a building warrant

If the building work you're planning needs a building warrant, you must get one before you start.

It's an offence to start building work without a building warrant. If you do, you could be fined.

If you're not sure whether you need a warrant, ask your local Building Standards department:

Find out more about Building Standards in Scotland. These building standards set out the rules about doing building work and the need for building warrants.

How to apply for a building warrant

You can get an application form for a building warrant from your local council or the Scottish Government website.

What you need to include when you apply

As well as your application form, you will need to pay a fee. You will also need to include your plans with the application.

These plans should tell your local building services department:

  • the location of the building work
  • what the building work is

You should think about using an Approved Certifier of Design and/or Construction. These are Scottish Government approved scheme providers that can certify to your local council that the building work meets building standards.

Payment of your fee

The fee is based on the value of work you're doing. Minor building work that needs a building warrant will often carry a fee from £100 upwards.

You'll need to check the exact fee with your local Building Standards department.

What happens after you apply

Your local council will assess your application - this can take around 20 working days.

At this stage, your local council's Building Standards department will decide whether it meets Scottish Building Standards or not. If not, it will ask you for more information.

When a building warrant is granted

When your local council grants your building warrant they'll also tell you in writing about:

  • what you need to do next
  • your Construction Compliance and Notification Plan (CCNP)

Your CCNP will tell you when you need to get in touch with your local Building Standards department. It will also tell you when you need inspections at different stages of your work.

Making changes

If you want to make any changes to your designs once they've been approved, you must apply for an amendment to your building warrant.