Commencement Notices

Commencement notices must be submitted in compliance with Building Regulations which are enforced by Building Control. 

Types of Commencement Notices

There are four types of commencement notices currently available. It is extremely important to submit the correct form of notice. The responsibility to do so rests with the building owner or person commissioning the works.

Commencement Notice Without Compliance Documentation

1. This is the simplest type of notice and is required for material alterations in a shop, office or industrial building where a fire safety certificate is not required.
2. It may also be used for extensions to dwelling houses which measure 40 sq m or less but which requires planning permission.

Commencement Notice With Compliance Documentation

1. The owner must appoint a builder and registered professional(s) as designer and, or assigned certifier.
2. An inspection plan and a number of construction drawings necessary to outline compliance with the technical requirements of the building regulations are also required.
3. If required, a fire safety certificate must be already granted before this notice is submitted. 

Commencement With Opt Out Declaration

1. For the construction of a single domestic dwelling on a development site, or
2. The extension of a domestic dwelling of more than 40 sq m, where the owner is choosing to opt out of the requirement for statutory certification. 

Seven Day Notice 

1. This notice is similar to that described above and allows works to commence before a final fire safety certificate is granted.
2. This notice is only acceptable if it is accompanied by a valid fire safety certificate application.

How To Submit A Commencement Notice 

In most cases, a commencement notice must be submitted before: 

• the construction of a new building
• the extension of a building
• the alteration of a building 

It must be submitted through the Building Control Management System (BCMS). 

Each owner, designer, builder and assigned certifier on the project must be registered with the BCMS. Work may also require a Fire Safety Certificate, a Disability Access Certificate and a Certificate of Compliance on Completion.

Visit the BCMS website for more information.

Search for Commencement Notices 

You can find a record of all Commencement Notices submitted since 1 March 2014 on the BCMS website. Log into the BCMS website to view the Register.

If you are looking for Commencement Notices submitted before 1 March 2014 please contact Building Control. These are available for inspection at the offices of Dublin City Council during office hours.