Commencement Notices
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Do I need to notify the County Council when I wish to commence building and if so what is the procedure?
A. On receipt of a final grant of permission, should you wish to commence development you are required to lodge a commencement notice, pursuant to 1997 Building Control Regulations, with the Building Control Authority (notices can be submitted to the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council).
Notices should be submitted not less than 14 days and not more than 28 days before the commencement of such works. - It is probably preferable to define works as the first physical act of construction. The notice must be accompanied by a fee of €30.00
Q. What type of work do I need to submit a commencement notice for?
A. Commencement Notices are necessary for:
(a) The erection of a building;
(b) The material alteration or extension of a building; and
(c) A material change of use of a building.
(d) Works in connection with the material alteration to a building
A commencement notice is not required for works or a change of use which are exempted development under the Planning Acts and for which a fire safety certificate is not required.
Those with planning permission which fall within the functional area of Kilkenny Borough Council (i.e. lodged their original planning application with Kilkenny Borough Council), must lodge their commencement notice with Kilkenny County Council.
Commencement Notices are available on our website and are also available from the Planning Department, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.
Q. What happens if I do not submit a commencement notice to the building authority?
A. The primary responsibility for compliance rests with designers, builders and building owners. Building control authorities have power to inspect design documents and buildings, as well as powers of enforcement and prosecution where breaches of the regulations occur.
There are heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for breaches of the regulations. In addition, when it comes to selling your property, you may have difficulties if you cannot satisfy the purchaser's solicitor that the requirements of the regulations have been met.
Commencement Notice Form
