How you apply
Applications go through the national eBuilding Standards portal. The Council’s how to apply page says a valid application needs the form, drawings and specification, and the fee. Fees are paid online, and the Council says it no longer takes cheques or payment by phone.
The owner can apply, or can appoint an agent. Your architect or structural engineer can prepare the drawings and calculations and submit the application for you.
How the fee is worked out
The Council publishes a table of fees that has applied since 1 April 2026. The fee depends on the estimated value of the works, not on the type of job. The lowest value-band fee, for works up to £5,000, is £215. For works valued at £50,001 to £60,000 it is £1,035. Its own worked example uses £52,000 of work and a normal fee of £1,035.
The Council checks the value you declare against published construction cost rates, and may ask for an extra fee if the value looks too low, as its how to apply page explains. The rates are in its cost of works guide. Our cost page also covers what happens if work starts before the warrant.
Timescales the Council publishes
The customer charter sets targets. It aims to check an application is valid within 4 working days, to issue 95% of first reports within 20 working days, and to issue 90% of warrants within 10 working days of satisfactory revised drawings. Build your programme around the Council’s current position, not these targets.
Pre-application advice
The pre-application service is for estimated works over £250,000 and high risk buildings. For an ordinary domestic job, general enquiries go by email or phone, and the contact page lists the building standards teams.
Work without a warrant
The Council states that carrying out work without a required warrant is an offence under section 8 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. If that has happened, see work done without a warrant.