Submit a Building Notice

When you need a building notice 

A building notice is for domestic work only. It’s a good option for small building projects like adding new windows, a small extension, converting your loft or turning your garage into a room. 

You don't need to submit detailed plans for this type of application, but you need to be sure that your builder knows and follows all the building regulations. 

If your tradesperson belongs to a recognised competent person self-certification scheme, you won’t need to apply for a building notice. 

It’s your responsibility to make sure the work you’re doing meets the building regulations. If you're unsure, submitting a full plans application is better.

If you’re unsure whether you need a full plans application or a building notice, read our guide to building control [link to new page]. 

Once you submit your building notice application, you can start building work within 48 hours. You cannot use a building notice for:

• commercial work
• houses of multiple occupancies, e.g. shared houses or bedsits
• flats above shops
• other building types where you need enhanced fire protection
• building work that will be near or crosses public sewers
• a new building that will front onto a private road

You must apply for a full plans application for any of these. 

What you’ll need

Before applying, ensure you have an Ordnance Survey plan of the site at a scale of 1:1250. The site plan will need to include: 

• the property boundaries, outlined in red
• an arrow or compass point indicating the direction north
• names of adjoining roads 

You do not need to attach any other plans; if you have any, it will help us understand your work.

How to submit a building notice

Our online form is the quickest way to process and pay for your application. Make your building notice application online at least 48 hours before starting work.

Start a building notice application

Alternatively, you can download a building control application form (PDF). 

Return your completed form to building.control@kingston.gov.uk, attaching copies of relevant documents. But this process can take longer.

Building notice application costs

Start your application with our cost calculator, or find the fees on our building control charges page. If you’re applying online, our cost calculator will allow you to ask for a custom quote if your work is not listed. This is known as an individually determined charge.

After you’ve applied

Once you’ve submitted your building notice application online, you’ll receive an email and a reference number confirming your application.

We will email you within 5 working days to acknowledge your application and contact you within 10 working days if we need more information.

Our surveyor will inform you if they have concerns about your work.

When the work starts 

We'll come to inspect it at various stages to make sure it meets the building regulations standards. After you've submitted your application, you must let us know when the work starts and book a site inspection.

How to make a payment 

You can make payment once you've completed our online building control application. If you’re submitting your application by post, you can call 020 8547 5000 to pay your fee or pay online.