Building Control Service
Exempt Buildings and Work
The Building Regulations do not apply to the following types of
building:
Small detached buildings
- Single storey buildings under 30m² floor area, containing no
sleeping accommodation, constructed substantially of non-
combustible material, or sited at least one metre from the boundary
or curtilage (e.g. detached garage).
- Nuclear shelters under 30m² floor area: where the excavation
for the shelter is not nearer to any other buildings than the depth
of the excavation plus one metre.
- A detached building, having a floor area not more than 15m²,
with no sleeping accommodation.
Extensions to buildings
At ground level with a floor area not more than 30m² which
is
- a conservatory or porch*
- a covered yard or covered way
- a car port open on at least two sides.
(*Conservatories or porches are exempt only if the glazing they
contain complies with Part N of the Building
Regulations.)
Greenhouses and agricultural buildings
- Greenhouses are only exempt providing they are not used for
retailing, packing or exhibiting.
- Agricultural buildings and buildings principally for keeping
animals are exempt if they are not used as a dwelling, are at least
one and a half times their height from any building where there is
sleeping accommodation and have a fire exit not more than 30m from
any point in a building.
There are other exemptions for buildings controlled under other
legislation, ancillary buildings, buildings not frequented by
people or temporary buildings (less than 28 days).
If you are unsure whether a building you are proposing
is exempt from the building regulations please contact the Building
Control section for assistance.
