The Building Standards System in Scotland

The purpose of Building Standards is to:

• secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings and of other who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings
• further the conservation of fuel and power, and
• further the achievement of sustainable development

The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 came into force in May 2005. This act, along with major supporting documents; the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, and the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 which are supplemented by guidance contained within the Domestic and Non-domestic handbooks, brought into effect the most significant changes to building legislation since the previous Act of 1959.

The effect of the Building (Scotland) Act and the supporting legislation meant that Argyll and Bute’s Building Control Service became known as Building Standards with a role effectively split between a Verifier function and a Non-verifier or Enforcement function. The Verifier function accounts for the bulk of the work done by the Building Standards unit and comprises the processing of building warrant applications and certificates of completion. The Non-verifier or Enforcement function relates to the duty of Building Standards in regard to dangerous and defective buildings and unauthorised developments.

The Act has a number of implications for Local Authorities. One of these is that the Verifier role is an appointment granted by the Scottish Building Standards (SBS), initially to the 32 Local Authorities in Scotland for a period of 6 years from 1 May 2003, but potentially to the private sector in the future. The Non-verifier or Enforcement role is, however, a statutory duty on the Local Authority and unrelated to the appointment by the SBSA.

The continuous appointment of the Local Authorities as Verifiers will depend on the regular audit of Authorities by the SBS and each Authority being able to satisfy the SBS that it can meet the performance measures it sets.

BUILDING STANDARDS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE
As part of the Building Standards unit of the Planning Services Department, Building Standards is devolved to one of four area offices where applications for Building Warrants should be lodged.

Advice and assistance is available on applications from qualified and experienced staff that make up the area teams. The diversity and background of team members ensures a comprehensive service with an ability to liaise with other services such as Public Protection, Roads, Water and Sewerage, SEPA and Fire.

In the normal course of events the application will be registered and acknowledged within two working days or procedural deficiencies, such as lack of plans or fee, intimated to the agent or applicant. Initial processing should be completed within 20 days of satisfactory registration and any list of points of contravention issued to the agent or applicant.

On successful resolution of all outstanding points of contravention, a Building Warrant and approved copy of the drawings will be issued from the area office.

For any general Questions on the Building Standards System in Scotland, please go to the Scottish Building Standards website.

If you are having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well - find out more at the HSE Website.

Building Warrant Approval Note.
Guidance on electrical work not requiring a warrant.
Guidance note on domestic electrical installation.
How a Building Warrant is processed in Argyll & Bute.
Property Enquiries - copy documention guidance.
Building Standards Contact Details.
Letter of Comfort Leaflet.
Guidance on Velux Roof Lights.
Dangerous Buildings Leaflet.
Guidance on the Removal of Window Mullions.
Patio and French Door Guidance.
Licensing Capacity and Overprovision Guidance.
Building Standards Frequently Asked Questions.