What we do
Building (Scotland) Act
The principal role of the Building Standards Service is set out in the Building
(Scotland) Act and is the processing of Building Warrants for checking building
design and construction. The Building (Scotland) Act also requires a Building Authority
to ensure that a dangerous building is made safe.
This part outlines the important legal requirements associated with the Building
Warrant process. A Building Warrant is the formal permission which is required before
The design and construction of buildings is controlled by ensuring Building Warrant
Applications comply with Building Regulations for many classes and types of building,
whether public or private and includes housing, commercial, industrial buildings,
etc. A Building Warrant Application is required for the erection, conversion, alteration
or extension of a building and is also necessary for the demolition of a property.
It is valid for three years and construction work must not begin before the Building
Warrant has been approved.
The Building Standards Service require to be notified when site works start, thereafter,
inspections are made. Before a building or part of a building is brought into use
a Completion Certificate for the work needs to be submitted and accepted by Building
Standards. However, the issue of a Completion Certificate is no guarantee of workmanship
and it is always worthwhile engaging professional advisers at all stages of construction.
The Building Regulations are minimum standards for the design and construction of
buildings to safeguard, as far as possible, the health and safety of people in and
around a property.
The Building Regulations are supported by Technical handbooks that provide practical
guidance and cover many aspects of building design including structural stability,
fire safety, prevention of dampness and condensation, sound insulation, ventilation,
energy conservation, drainage, electrical safety, housing standards access, and
toilet provision for the disabled.
The Building Regulations are constantly under review and changes are made to reflect
new technology and users' needs e.g. higher thermal insulation to conserve energy
and reduce carbon emissions.
The Act empowers the Local Authority to take enforcement action where work is carried
out without a Building Warrant or contrary to Building Warrant conditions.
Should a building become dangerous the local authority can require immediate evacuation
if it is imminently dangerous and instruct any necessary action to protect the public
and adjacent property. Where the situation is less critical a procedure for issuing
written notices to the owner(s) of the building is followed and if satisfactory
action is not taken then the Local Authority carries out the work and recovers costs.
A wide range of services is provided by Building Standards staff and includes the
The Building Standards Service as part of the licensing procedures, provides technical
expertise to the Licensing Board and Licensing Committees.
Legislation associated with this service is varied and includes the Safety of Sports
Grounds Act, Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act, the Licensing (Scotland)
Act and the Civic Government (Scotland) Act.
Premises and temporary venues used by the general public require to meet strict
safety standards especially relating to means of escape.
A large variety of buildings and events are assessed and inspected ranging from
football stadia to public houses, fun fairs, cinemas, circuses, etc.
This work frequently requires close liaison between the Building Standards Service
and other parties including the Police, Fire Authority and Environmental Health.
The need for Building Standards staff to carry out structural checks relating to
Building Warrants and involvement with dangerous buildings has resulted in the Building
Standards Service providing a civil engineering capability.
Other functions include: soil, mineral and structural investigations relating to
property and land; flood prevention; reservoir enforcement responsibilities and,
inspection of raised structures requiring a licence for public use.
There are several types of housing grants currently available including grants for
Standard Amenities, Improvements and altering a house for a disabled person.”
- street naming and numbering
- energy efficiency
- property enquiries
- emergency planning
Above all the Building Standards Service is here to help you and if you wish further
information about the contents of this section or advice on a specific part of the
service please contact the Building Standards office.