Disability Access Certificate

Disability Access Certificate

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 DAC 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?

    To apply you need a completed application form.

    With this application form you will also need to submit drawings for the works or building and a compliance report.