Building Control

A Disability Access Certificate is a certificate granted by a Building Control Authority which certifies compliance of the design with the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations, if constructed in accordance with the granted certificate.

What is a Revised Disability Access Certificate?

A Revised Disability Access Certificate will be required where a disability access certificate has been granted by a building control authority and a significant revision is made to the design or works of a building.

When is a Disability Access Certificate required?

A Disability Access Certificate is required for the following classes of buildings:

• The construction of a new building
• The material alteration (excluding minor works) of a day centre, a hotel, hostel or guest building, or an institutional building, or a place of assembly, or a shopping centre
• The material alteration of a shop, office or industrial building where the building is being subdivided into a number of units for separate occupancy, or additional floor area is being provided within the building
• The extension of a building by more than 25 square meters
• The material change of use into a day centre, a hotel, hostel or guest building, an institutional building, a place of assembly, a shop (which is not ancillary to the primary use of the building), or a shopping centre

A Disability Access Certificate is not required for the following:

• An agricultural building
• A dwelling (other than a flat)
• A garage ancillary to a dwelling
• Certain other buildings ancillary to a dwelling
• A building used solely to enable inspection, repair or maintenance of fixed plant, building services, or machinery
• A material change of use where; an office, or an industrial building becomes so used
• A material change of use to which Section 3(3) of the Building Control Act 1990, as amended applies
• The material alteration to a flat

How long will a Disability Access Certificate take to process?

It can take up to eight weeks for a decision to be made on a valid application for a Disability Access Certificate. It may take longer if this is agreed with the applicant and the Building Control Authority.

When should I apply for the Disability Access Certificate?

It is considered good practice to apply at the same time as applying for a Fire Safety Certificate. The time scale for assessment of both applications is the same. This ensures you have all relevant information prior to construction. There is also a reduction in the fee if you apply at the same time as applying for the Fire Safety Certificate.

What is the fee for a Disability Access Certificate?

The fee for a Disability Access Certificate is set at €800 per building, or €500 per building where the application is made prior to commencement and coincides with an application for a Fire Safety Certificate, where relevant.

A building cannot be opened, operated or occupied or permitted to be opened, operated or occupied without the necessary Disability Access Certificate.

How can I apply for a Disability Access Certificate?

Applications for Disability Access Certificate, Revised Disability Access Certificate and Dispensation/Relaxation should be submitted online on the Building Control Management System (BCMS).

A BCMS account is required to submit applications. Please logon to register an account.

Payments are also made on the BCMS.

Note: The information contained here is intended to present a guide and is not a definitive legal interpretation of the building control laws.