When Can I start Building?
After a decision has been made to grant/refuse planning permission, there is a period of 28 days during which time an appeal can be lodged with An Bord Pleanála objecting to the decision. Work cannot begin until after this time period when a notification of Final Grant is issued by Fingal County Council or An Bord Pleanála to the applicant.
Prior to commencement of work a valid "Commencement Notice" or a "7 Day Notice" must be submitted to the Building Control Section of the Planning Dept giving notice of the intention to start work.
What is a commencement notice?
A commencement notice is a notification to the Planning Authority in a prescribed format that works will commence on site. A 7 Day Notice is required where a person intends to commence work on the construction of a building before grant of the relevant Fire Safety Certificate.
When is a commencement Notice required?
In all cases where Planning Permission is required, a commencement notice must be submitted. In all cases where a Fire Safety Certificate is required and one has been granted, a Commencement Notice must submitted.
You do not need to submit a Commencement Notice in a case where a 7 Day Notice is submitted.
One must also be submitted for works in connection with a material alteration (excluding minor works) of a shop, office or industrial building for which a Fire Safety Certificate is not required.
You do not need to send in a commencement notice for works or a change of use which are exempted development under the planning code, and for which a Fire Safety Certificate is not required.
Where do I send my application?
To download an application form please click on the "View All Forms" link on the right hand side of this page.
Application forms should be sent to the following address:
Building Control Section, Planning Dept
Fingal County Council
PO Box 174
Main St
Swords
Co Dublin
Applications should be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
How much notice do I have to give before I can start work?
A minimum of 14 days notice must be given and work must start within 28 days of your notice being received. Notice starts from the date that a valid application is received by Fingal County Council.
How much does it cost?
€30, or where
(a) the proposed works or the material change of use (as the case may be) relate to more than one building, and
(b) neither part III, of the Building Control Regulations, 1991 or part III of the Building Control Regulations, 1994, apply to such works or buildings,
€30 in respect of each building
The maximum fee for a commencement notice is €3,800.
Payment can be made by cheque, cash, Postal Order or credit card. Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to Fingal County Council.
The most common errors made on Commencement Notices are as follows:
Insufficient Notice - An application will be rejected as invalid if the minimum of 14 days notice is not given on the application form. A commencement notice will not be accepted if more than 28 days notice is given. Notice begins on the date the application is received in the Fingal County Council offices.
Incorrect Fee – Do not forget to enclose the appropriate fee. If in doubt about the amount due, contact the Building Control Section @ Ph 8905542 for clarification.
No Final Grant – Work cannot commence until you have received your Final Grant from the Planning Dept. For information regarding an application contact 8905753.
Cheque incorrectly completed – Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to Fingal County Council.
No Fire Safety Certificate - If a Fire Safety Certificate is required for the development the Reference number (FSC/........) of the Granted Fire Safety Certificate must be entered on the Commencement Notice. If work is to start and an application is being made for a Fire Safety Certificate at the same time, a 7 Day Notice must be submitted.
No Disability Access Certificate - If a Disability Access Certificate is required for the development it must be submitted with the commencement notice.
Can I view other commencement notices?
Yes. The register containing all the information from the commencement notices is available for inspection at the planning counter (9.30 to 3.30, open through lunch, Mon-Fri). There is currently no charge to view the register.
If a Registered Copy of a record is required there is a fee of €12.50 payable.
Contact the Building Control Section @ Ph 01 8905542 or FAX 8906779.
The Legislation
The requirement for and the legislative background to a commencement notice is set out in the Building Control Act 1990 (no 3 of 1990), the Building Control Regulations 1997 (SI no 496 of 1997).
See also the Building Control Act, 2007 and the Building Control Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 351 of 2009). These can be viewed online at www.environ.ie or alternatively can be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth St, Dublin 2, Ph 6613111
