Fire Safety Certificate

What is this licence?

The licence certifies that plans for building works meet fire safety requirements. It states that the works will comply with building requirements if they are constructed in line with the submitted plans.

These requirements are detailed in Part B of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997. It is typically needed wherever there is a substation building.

When do I need it?

Specific types of development require a Fire Safety Certificate. These include works in connection with:

• Designing and constructing a new building
• The material alteration of: a day centre; a building containing a flat; a hotel, hostel or guest building; an institutional building; a place of assembly; a shopping centre
• The material alteration of a shop, office or industrial building where additional floor area is being provided within the existing building or where the building is being sub-divided into several units for separate occupancy
• Extending a building by more than 25 square metres
• A material change of use

How to apply

It's important to get the necessary certification before occupying the building. It is an offence to open, occupy, or operate a building until you have the right certification from the Building Control Authority.

The first step is to complete a Fire Safety Certificate Application. Most works requiring a Fire Safety Certificate also require a Disability Access Certificate.

The submission process is available through the Building Control Management System.

Fees

Fees of €2.90/M² must be paid to lodge the submission. The exception is in circumstances where an applicant claims exemption from fees (BCR Article 22) and the Building Control Authority agree to this claim.