Commencement Notice Without Compliance Documentation – Explained (Ireland / Dublin)

Summary Commencement Notice Ireland

The Commencement Notice in Ireland is a formal notification required under the Building Control Regulations. It is submitted by builders or developers to inform the local authority of the intention to commence construction works on a building project. This notice is essential for ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Key Points Commencement Notice Ireland

• The notice must be submitted at least 14 days before the planned start date of construction.

• It includes details such as the address of the site, the nature of the works, and the relevant planning permission.

• Failure to submit a Commencement Notice can result in penalties and delays in the construction process.

• Once submitted, the local authority will acknowledge receipt and may carry out inspections during the construction phase.

Importance Commencement Notice Ireland

Submitting a Commencement Notice is crucial for ensuring that all building activities adhere to legal requirements, promoting safety and accountability in construction practices across Ireland.

A Commencement Notice Without Compliance Documentation is a statutory notification to the Building Control Authority via the Building Control Management System (BCMS) to inform them that building works are due to begin. Unlike standard BCAR notices, it does not require submission of full compliance documents (like Fire Safety Certificates or Certificates of Compliance on Completion) at the time of lodging.

This notice is typically used for smaller projects, such as:

• Domestic extensions under 40m² (which still require planning permission)

• Material alterations to shops, offices, or industrial buildings where a Fire Safety Certificate is not required

🧾 Detailed Breakdown Commencement Notice Ireland

🔹 Purpose Commencement Notice Ireland

To notify the local authority that building works or a material change of use are commencing, in compliance with Building Control Regulations.

🔹 When to Use This Notice

Use this type of Commencement Notice when:

• The project is exempt from full BCAR certification

• No Fire Safety Certificate or Disability Access Certificate is required at commencement

• You are not appointing an Assigned or Design Certifier

Examples Commencement Notice Ireland :

• A rear or side domestic extension under 40m² that needs planning permission

• Internal alterations to a commercial or industrial unit where fire strategy is unchanged

📥 Submission Process

• Must be filed online via the BCMS portal: www.localgov.ie

• Include:

  • Site location plan

  • Project description

  • Planning permission reference (if applicable)

  • Preliminary drawings

  • Name and details of the builder

• Fee payable in line with Building Control Regulations

🔐 Compliance Responsibility Commencement Notice Ireland

Even though you are not submitting compliance documentation, you are still:

• Legally responsible for ensuring the works comply with all relevant Building Regulations

• Subject to inspection by the local authority

• Required to retain drawings and documentation that demonstrate compliance

• May still be required to submit a Completion Certificate, depending on the project type

❌ Not the Same as an F1 Form

Feature	Commencement Notice Without Docs	F1 Form (Assigned Certifier)
Used for	Small-scale or exempt projects	Full BCAR projects
Assigned Certifier?	❌ No	✅ Yes
Design/Construction Certs?	❌ Not required at submission	✅ Required
Fire Cert required?	❌ No	✅ Usually yes
Completion Cert?	Not required for all cases	✅ Required