Exempt buildings and structures
Buildings controlled under other legislation
This classification includes buildings which for example are subject to the Explosives Act 1875.
Buildings not frequented by people
An example in this classification is the building used to house plant or machinery, such as an electricity substation.
Greenhouses and agricultural buildings
In this case the exemption applies to a building whose main use is 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.
Temporary buildings
Temporary means erected for less than 28 days.
Ancillary buildings
Builder’s huts, sheds and temporary sales offices are exempt under this classification provided they do not contain sleeping accommodation.
Small detached buildings
This exemption only applies to a detached building which has no sleeping accommodation (unless it is an air-raid shelter). The building must be no larger than 30m2 in floor area and be one metre or more from its boundary. An exemption to the boundary rule applies if the building is single storey and is built substantially of non-combustible material or has a floor area of less than 15m2.
This exemption applies to a small ground level domestic extension (but only carports, porches, conservatories and covered way) with a floor area of no more than 30m2 and where glazing is in accordance with Regulation N1.
Any electrical work, even to an exempt building may require permission.
Summary of domestic exempt buildings
The following buildings and extensions may be erected without obtaining building regulation approval.
- Small detached buildings such as garages and garden sheds, the floor area of which does not exceed 30m2, contains no sleeping accommodation and is either single storey
- - Sited more than 1 metre from the boundary of its cartilage or
- - Constructed substantially of non-combustible material or less than 15m2 floor area
- A porch where the floor area does not exceed 30m2, existing entrance doors are retained and glazing in accordance with Regulation N1
- A greenhouse or conservatory where the floor area does not exceed 30m2, existing entrance doors retained and glazing in accordance with Regulation N1
- A car port open on at least two sides, the floor area of which does not exceed 30m2
In addition to those examples given above, a householder may construct a detached building designed to shelter people from the effects of nuclear, chemical or conventional weapons where its floor area does not exceed 30m2 and the excavation for the building is no closer to any exposed part of another building or structure than a distance equal to the depth of the excavation plus one metre without submitting a building regulation application.
Should you wish to know if your proposal will require building regulation approval, planning permission or if it is exempt from either of the above you may download a permitted development form which you can submit to the City of Lincoln Council to receive confirmation of this.
Non-domestic exemptions
Detached buildings into which people cannot or do not normally go and detached buildings housing fixed plant and machinery which are only visited intermittently to inspect or maintain the plant or machinery are also exempt from the provision of the regulations.