What this guide is
Use this guide to find building warrant forms, guidance and related building standards services.
We recommend that you submit building warrant applications through the eDevelopment Scotland portal (edevelopment.scot) where possible.
Before you start building work
Contact us before you start building work if you're unsure whether you need a building warrant.
We can also help with building standards services and any of the forms on this page.
If you've submitted a paper application, you can speak to us about converting it to an online application.
Forms, applications and guidance
Building warrant fees
View the current building warrant fee scale before you apply.
Apply for a building warrant
Guidance for building warrant applications
Our guidance notes explain:
- what information you need to provide
- application fees
- where to submit your application
- what happens after you apply.
Tell us when work starts
Once we've approved your building warrant, you must tell us when work will begin.
Submit your notice before work starts and no later than 7 days after work begins.
Submit a notice regarding the start of work
Electrical certificates
If your project includes new electrical installations or alterations to an electrical circuit, you'll need to provide the correct certification and supporting documents.
Amend a building warrant
If you need to change approved plans after we've issued your building warrant, you must apply to amend it before carrying out the revised work.
Request a completion certificate
When building work is complete, tell us so we can carry out a final inspection.
Request a completion certificate
Use an approved certifier
An approved certifier of construction (a professional authorised to certify that specific work complies with building regulations) can certify certain elements of building work.
Apply for temporary occupation or use
If you need to occupy or use a building before we accept your completion certificate, apply for temporary occupation or use.
Request a property enquiry service
Use our property enquiry service if you need:
- copies of building warrants
- copies of completion certificates
- approved plans
- letters of comfort (documents that record our view on unauthorised building work)
- site inspection information
- confirmation that a building warrant was not required
- details of outstanding charges relating to a dangerous building notice.
Request a property enquiry service
Extend a building warrant
Building warrants normally remain valid for 3 years from the approval date.
If you’ve not completed the work within that period, you can apply for an extension. You should apply before the original validity period ends.
Apply to extend the validity of a building warrant
Apply for a Section 50 licensing certificate
You may need a Section 50 licensing certificate when applying for a new premises licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.
Apply for a Section 50 licensing certificate
Submit a completion certificate for work carried out without a building warrant
Use this process if building work has already been completed without a required building warrant.
You should always obtain a building warrant before carrying out work that requires one.
Finalise design details
Use this form to certify contractor-designed elements of a project.
Apply to use a raised structure
Use this service if you need consent to use a raised platform structure under section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Apply for consent to use a raised structure
Contact us
Contact us if you need help with building standards services or any of the forms on this page:
If you've submitted a paper application, you can speak to us about converting it to an online application.