Birmingham Bylaws: Reporting Unsafe Structures

Housing and Building Standards England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

Birmingham, England residents and property managers must know how to report unsafe structures and who enforces local building safety. If a wall, roof, scaffold or other structure appears dangerous, report it to Birmingham City Council or call the emergency services for imminent danger. The council investigates dangerous structures through its Building Control and related enforcement teams and can issue orders to make structures safe or remove hazards. This guide explains how to report risks, which department enforces bylaws, likely enforcement outcomes, application routes and practical action steps for residents and businesses.

Call the emergency services if the structure poses an immediate risk to life or safety.

How to report an unsafe structure

For non-immediate risks, report the problem to the council using its online reporting route or contact Building Control during business hours. For immediate danger call 999. Include location, a description, photos, and any known recent works or incidents.

  • Report online via the council reporting page for dangerous buildings [1].
  • Call Birmingham City Council switchboard or Building Control during office hours for advice and to log a complaint.
  • Provide photos, exact address, time observed and whether anyone is trapped or injured.

Penalties & Enforcement

Birmingham City Council enforces building safety through its Building Control function and may use powers under national building legislation and local enforcement policies to address dangerous structures. Specific fixed fine amounts and daily penalties are not specified on the cited council pages; see the Building Control contact and enforcement guidance for procedures and officer powers. [2]

Failure to obey a dangerous structure notice can lead to legal action by the council.
  • Enforcer: Birmingham City Council Building Control and enforcement teams; they inspect and serve notices.
  • Court action: the council may seek orders or costs recovery through the courts where owners do not comply.
  • Fines and financial penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: emergency works notices, demolition or securing works, seizure or removal of unsafe elements.
  • Escalation: initial warnings and notices, followed by enforcement works and cost recovery; exact timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Common violations: unstable masonry, unsafe scaffolding, collapsed elements, poorly supported temporary works; penalties vary by case.

Applications & Forms

There is no separate national "dangerous structure" application form published on the council pages; reports are made through the council reporting service or by contacting Building Control directly. For works requiring approval, use the Building Regulations application processes and submit plans or notices as required by Building Control.

Keep dated photos and copies of emails to the council as evidence of reporting and response.

Action steps

  • Immediate danger: call 999 and move people to safety.
  • Report non-immediate hazards via the council report page or Building Control email/phone.
  • Document the hazard with photos, notes and witness details.
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the stated steps, note appeal deadlines and seek professional advice if required.

FAQ

Who enforces dangerous structure rules in Birmingham?
The council's Building Control and enforcement teams enforce dangerous structure rules and may arrange inspections, notices or emergency works.
Do I need a form to report a dangerous building?
No specific standalone form is published; report via the council online reporting service or contact Building Control directly.
What if the council does not act?
If you believe the council has failed to act on an imminent risk, call emergency services; for other disputes, ask the council for a review and note appeal routes in any notice you receive.

How-To

  1. Assess safety: if immediate danger exists phone 999 and evacuate the area.
  2. Record details: take photos, note the address, time and witnesses.
  3. Report: use Birmingham City Council's online reporting route or contact Building Control by phone or email [1].
  4. Follow up: keep the council reference, attend site meetings if requested, and comply with any notice or obtain necessary remedial permits.
  5. Appeal or review: if served a notice you disagree with, follow the appeal instructions in the notice and seek legal or professional advice promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Immediate danger: call 999; non-immediate: report to the council.
  • Use Birmingham City Council reporting and Building Control for investigations and notices.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Birmingham City Council - Report a problem or dangerous structure
  2. [2] Birmingham City Council - Building Control

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