Exempt buildings
Contents
- Overview
- Class 1 - Buildings controlled under other legislation
- Class 2 - Buildings not frequented by people
- Class 3 - Greenhouses and agricultural buildings
- Class 4 - Temporary buildings
- Class 5 - Ancillary buildings
- Class 6 - Small detached buildings
- Class 7 - Extensions
Overview
The below are examples of some of the buildings which are exempt by Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations 2000.
The descriptions are only brief summaries and you should refer to the actual regulations for a definitive list.
Class 1 - Buildings controlled under other legislation
This classification includes buildings which for example are subject to the Explosives Acts 1875 and 1923.
Class 2 - Buildings not frequented by people
An example in this classification is a building used to house plant or machinery, such as an electricity sub-station.
Class 3 - Greenhouses and agricultural buildings
In this case the exemption applies to a building whose main use is as a greenhouse.
The exemption also applies to an agricultural building or a building used for the keeping of animals (not used for retailing) provided it is situated away from living accommodation and has a fire exit.
Class 4 - Temporary buildings
Temporary buildings are classified as buildings erected for less than 28 days.
Class 5 - Ancillary buildings
Builders huts, sheds and temporary sales offices are exempt under this classification provided they do not contain sleeping accommodation.
Class 6 - Small detached buildings
This exemption applies to a detached single storey building which has no sleeping accommodation (unless it is an air-raid shelter).
The building must be no larger than 30 sq.m in floor area and be 1m or more from its boundary.
An exemption to the boundary rule applies if the building is built substantially of non-combustible material or has a floor area of less than 15 sq.m.
Class 7 - Extensions
This exemption applies to a small ground level domestic extension for an open sided car-port, porch, conservatory or similar, with a floor area of no more than 30 sq. m and where glazing is in accordance with regulation N1 (porches and conservatories).
In the case of a conservatory, in order for the exemption to apply, at least three quarters of the roof and half of the wall area should be glazed.
Fixed electrical installations in domestic works covered by Classes 6 and 7 should satisfy the requirements of Part P (electrical safety) of the regulations.