The regulation of building work is contained in Part Six of the Development Act 1993. Building work is broadly defined as work or activity for the construction, demolition or removal of a building or any part of building or any excavation or filling in relation to a building. Further advice on whether particular work is defined as building work is available from the local council.

Notifications of any proposed building work must be given to the council within a certain period of commencement or completion of the work. Under the Regulations, a certificate or statement from a qualified tradesperson may have to be attached to a notification. The local council can give advice on the required notification periods.