Who we are and what we do

Building Control has a statutory duty to enforce building regulations to ensure minimum standards of Health & Safety apply to all buildings.

The main services provided by the Building Control Department are:

• Examination of applications submitted under the Building Regulations (NI) 2012
• Inspection of building work on site
• Provision of information for Property Certificate enquiries
• Providing advice on Building Regulations and associated matters.
   

Building Regulations Forms

• Download Building Regulations Form
• Download Interactive form
• Download Property Certificate Application form

For further advice and guidance please visit the Building Control NI website.

Building Control Fees

Please click on the link below to access the Building Control Fees Calculator

• Building Control Fees Calculator

All “Full plan” applications should generally be submitted by post together with the appropriate payment by cheque. However, large bulky applications can be delivered directly to the 98 Strand Road, Derry office by prior arrangement. Please make the necessary arrangements by contacting [email protected].

Types of Building Control applications

There are a number of ways applications can be submitted to Building Control these include:

1. Full Plans Applications

A Full Plans Application is required for:

• New build dwellings
• Extensions
• All non-domestic applications
• Roof space conversions

It is recommended that competent designers or architects handle full plans applications. These submissions should include detailed drawings, elevations, sections, and, where applicable, structural engineering reports and SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations. This documentation enables Building Control to assess compliance with the NI Building Regulations 2012 and subsequent amendments.

2. Building Notice Applications

A Building Notice Application is suitable for minor domestic work such as:

• Internal alterations or renovations
• Very small minor extensions
• Installation or replacement of building services

In many cases, full formal working drawings are not required. However, depending on the complexity of the work, a Building Control Surveyor may request additional information such as sketches or structural assessments. For example, an internal wall removal requires a Building Control application, which can be submitted under a Building Notice with accompanying structural engineers information.

3. Regularisation Applications

If building work is completed without the appropriate Building Control application, this is referred to as unauthorised work. To rectify this, a Regularisation Application can be submitted. This application carries a 20% higher fee than a Full Plans or Building Notice application.

It's important to note that unauthorised work can lead to costly remedial work, and the Building Control Surveyor may require parts of the structure to be opened for inspection to confirm it meets regulatory standards.

Examples of Works Requiring a Building Control Application

The following works require a Building Control application (Full Plans, Building Notice, or Regularisation). If in doubt, always check with your local Building Control office.

This list is not exhaustive, always consult your local Building Control Office if unsure 

Note: A Building Notice cannot be submitted for non-domestic work 

Who We Are and What We Do

Who We Are:

Building Control Surveyors are experienced professionals and come from a diverse range of construction backgrounds. They are supported by an administrative team fully trained in the Building Control process.

Building Control Teams

There are three teams of Building Control Surveyors in the Derry and Strabane District, two teams based at Strand Road, Derry and one based in Derry Road, Strabane.

What We Do

Our primary role is to ensure safety and compliance with building regulations, safeguarding both people and the environment. Our responsibilities include:

• Assessing plans for compliance with the NI Building Regulations 2012
• Offering advice and guidance on the Building Control process.
• Conducting statutory inspections during construction
• Providing pre-application advice
• Inspecting dangerous structures
• Apply the requirements of the safety of sports grounds NI legislation

Statutory Inspections

Building Control is required to carry out inspections at various stages of construction, as per the NI Building Regulations 2012. For more information, see here [link to page on give us notice of building work]

Full Plans Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application

Submit Full Plans Application with detailed drawings and any necessary supporting documents with fees (e.g., structural reports, SAP calculations). Link to Building Control fee calculator - https://www.buildingcontrol-ni.com/fees/fee-calc

Step 2: Building Control Review

Building Control Surveyor will review your application form, plans and fee submitted for compliance with the regulations. A Rejection Notice maybe issued which will list the additional information that is required to allow further assessment. Once compliance is demonstrated Building Control Approval will be issued.

Step 3: Statutory Inspections

As the work starts / progresses, the builder / applicant / relevant party will need to notify the Building Control office [link to notification page] to schedule inspections of the work. (e.g., for foundations, damp proof course, etc.).

Step 4: Completion

Once the work is deemed complete a completion certificate should be requested. Following submission of all relevant information and final inspection a certificate will be issued if compliance has been demonstrated.

Tracking your application

You can check the status of your Building Control application by contacting us at [email protected]

Please highlight clearly the full address within the body of the email and the file reference number.

Building Control addresses and telephone contact details

98 Strand Road

Derry

BT487NN

Tel: 028 7137 6521

47 Derry Road

Strabane

Tyrone

BT82 8DY

Tel: 028 7138 1315