What is Building Standards?
This part of the WEB site summarises the work done by the Building
Standards Service and more detailed information is available by
using the highlighted links to other parts of the site.
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.
Building Warrants
This part outlines the important legal requirements associated
with the Building Warrant process. A Building Warrant is the formal
permission which is required before work starts.
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, change
of use, 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 is necessary. 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.
Building Regulations
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 Standards
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 and access, egress 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.
Relaxations
It is possible for the Building Standards Service to approve work
that does not comply with the current Building Regulations by
issuing what is called a Relaxation. This may only be considered
if it is unreasonable in particular circumstances to apply the
minimum standards.
Enforcement
The Act empowers the Building Authority to take enforcement action
where work is carried out without a Building Warrant or contrary
to Building Warrant conditions.
Dangerous Buildings
Should a building become dangerous the local authority, as Building
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 Authority
carries out the work and recovers costs.
OTHER SERVICES
A wide range of services may be provided by Building Standards
staff including the following: -
Licensing
The Building Standards Service as part of the licensing procedures,
may provide technical expertise to the Licensing Board and Licensing
Committees.
Legislation associated with this service is varied and includes
the Safety of Sports Grounds Act, 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 may require close liaison between the Building Standards
Service and other parties including the Police, Fire Authority
and Environmental Health.
Engineering
The need for Building Standards staff to carry out structural
checks relating to Building Warrants and involvement with dangerous
buildings can result in the Building Standards Service providing
the Council's civil engineering capability.
This function can involve the design and supervision of building
projects, roads and services; soil, mineral and structural investigations
relating to property and land; flood prevention and reservoirs
responsibilities and, inspection of structures requiring a licence
for public use.
Housing Grants
The processing of various housing grants may also be the responsibility
of the Building Standards Service. This part of the service involves
the assessment, inspection and certifying for payment work which
qualifies for a grant in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Acts.
There are several types of housing grants currently available
including grants for Standard Amenities, Improvements, Lead Pipe
Replacement and altering or extending a house for a disabled person.
Disablement Issues
Following the International Year for the Disabled in 1981 many
Building Standards staff in Scotland appointed an Access Officers
to liaise between the Access Panel and Local Authority services.
This role has led to expert knowledge being developed in relation
to the needs of disabled people in buildings. This work is often
complemented by the availability of home improvement grants for
disabled people and extensive Building Warrant requirements to
design and construct buildings with suitable access, egress and
facilities for the disabled.
Other Activities
It is worthwhile mentioning some of the other activities the
Building Standards Service may become involved with, including:-
street naming and numbering
energy efficiency
property enquiries
emergency planning
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Above all Building Standards Services aim to help you and if
you wish further information about the contents of this WEB site
or advice on a specific part of the service please contact your
local Building Standards office.
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