Scotland Building Warrant Scheme

A building warrant is required in Scotland for all building work to which the regulations apply, except certain minor works as listed in schedule 5 to regulation 3. A building warrant is the legal permission that allows building work, including the construction, alteration, conversion or demolition of buildings, to be carried out. It must be applied for from a verifier (Local Authority Building Standards Department) for certain types of oil fired installation, commissioning and electrical work. A building warrant must be obtained prior to commencing any warrantable works on site.

 

If a Building Warrant is not obtained when it is required the person carrying out the work is guilty of an offence under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. Where works for which a building warrant has been issued do not comply with the building standards the relevant person (normally the owner) could be served with a Building Warrant Enforcement Notice.

Where a Building Warrant is required:

The following works will require a Building Warrant when carried out within a house with 3 or more storeys or a flat:

  • The installation of a new or replacement oil fired appliance with an output greater than 45kW.
  • The installation or alteration to a chimney or flue pipe (excluding any work associated with installing a flue liner).
  • The construction of a hearth not affecting the floor or wall structure.
  • The installation of an oil storage tank (with a capacity greater than 90 litres) including pipework connecting the tank to the combustion appliance.
  • The installation of a new unvented hot water cylinder (more than 15L capacity).
  • Any electrical installation or circuit where the voltage exceeds 50AC, 120DC.

Where a Building Warrant is required:

The official documents from the SBSA can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/
tech_handbooks/spec_guidance.htm