This guide explains the process where Nottingham City Council provides the building control service. Different arrangements apply where you use a Registered Building Control Approver or where the work is overseen by the Building Safety Regulator.
Building Safety Levy: From 1 October 2026, some residential development may be subject to the Building Safety Levy. Additional levy information may be required at application, commencement and completion. The requirements depend on whether building control is provided by Nottingham City Council, a Registered Building Control Approver or the Building Safety Regulator.
Not all building works need approval. Some types of work or buildings are exempt.
If your project is not exempt, you must submit a Building Regulations Application.
The correct route depends on the type of work and whether it involves a higher risk building.
Nottingham City Council Building Control
If you choose Nottingham City Council as your Building Control Authority, you can normally apply using one of the following routes:
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Full Plans application: suitable where plans need to be assessed before work progresses, particularly for larger or more complex projects.
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Building Notice: may be suitable for smaller and simpler work. It does not provide formal approval of plans before work starts.
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Regularisation: a retrospective route for eligible building work that has already been carried out without the required approval.
Submit a Build Regulations Application
Important: You must submit the appropriate Building Control application before starting building work.
Complete the form for your chosen route and provide the plans, drawings, project details, dutyholder information and other documents requested.
We will check the submission and contact you if information, plans or clarification are missing. You must follow the payment instructions provided for your application.
Full Plans application
Following assessment, the application may be approved, approved with requirements or conditions, or rejected. If further information or amended plans are needed, we will explain what you need to provide.
Building Notice
A Building Notice does not receive formal approval in the same way as a Full Plans application. Work can normally start after the required notice period, but the work must still comply with the Building Regulations.
Building work must comply with the Building Regulations. Failure to follow the legal requirements may result in enforcement action.
Before starting work, you must give Nottingham City Council notice of your intention to start and provide the proposed start date.
Work must not start until at least two days have elapsed after the notice has been given.
Telling us that work is starting does not automatically book an inspection. You must book inspections separately.
You must also notify Nottingham City Council when the work has reached the statutory commencement stage. This is different from the date when activity first starts on site.
The statutory commencement stage depends on the type of work:
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Complex buildings: when the foundations are constructed and the structure of the lowest floor level is complete.
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New buildings and horizontal extensions: when the sub surface structure, including the foundations and the structure of the ground floor level, is complete.
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All other work: when 15% of the overall work has been completed.
Submit the commencement information within five days after the work has reached the relevant stage.
The number and type of inspections will depend on the work. Smaller projects may require fewer visits, while larger or more complex projects may require more.
Follow the inspection plan and any advice provided by your Building Control Officer. Book inspections before important work is covered up and provide at least 24 hours notice where required.
Tell us about relevant changes during the work, including material design changes and changes to dutyholders. Provide any plans, certificates, test results or other evidence requested by Building Control.
When the work is finished, submit the required completion notice and declarations within five days.
A completion inspection will be arranged once the required information has been received. The person submitting the information should ensure it is complete and accurate.
A Completion Certificate can be issued when the final inspection is satisfactory and the relevant Building Regulations requirements, information requirements and fees have been resolved.
Keep the certificate safe, as it may be needed for a future property sale, remortgage or legal enquiry.
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