Building regulations notices

Find what information is needed, and when you need to notify us.

Before starting construction on the site, as well as during the process, you will need to fill out and send us specific notices at different stages.

Start of work notification

You need to submit the start of work notification form 2 days before your on-site construction begins. You can use the form below to notify us.

Start definition

Start of work is when physical works begin. 

For example, for the construction of a new building or an extension, when strip or pad foundations have been excavated or piles have been installed. 

Notice of commencement 

You need to submit the notice of commencement form within 5 days of commencing the project.

Commencement definition

When work is regarded to have commenced depends on the building:

  • For a large building that shares its foundation with other buildings, it is when the foundations supporting the building and the structure of the lowest floor level of that building (but not any other buildings or structures to be supported by those foundations) are completed
  • For a small house or an extension to the side(s) of a house, it is when the sub-surface structure of the building or the extension, including: all foundations, any basement level (if any) and the structure of ground floor level is completed.
  • Where the work consists of any other building work then work is to be regarded as commenced at the stage when the client considers 15% of the building work will be completed.

Notice of completion

Notice is required within 5 days of finishing all the building work. Notify us and we will send out the statutory declaration to be completed. 

Completion definition 

When all permitted construction, including structural, insulation, drainage, and safety installations (like fire doors or electrics), are fully installed and compliant with regulations. Decoration and furniture are not required to be complete.  

How to notify us

Use our online form to let us know when you are starting, finishing or have completed building works.

Make sure you have read the information to ensure you are submitting the correct notice.

Notify us about the start, commencement or completion of building works

Changes to who is carrying out the work

If the client, principal designer or principal contractor changes during the project let us know at planning.applications@brighton-hove.gov.uk.