The Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) and Building Bye-Laws require reviewing and updating to maintain the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of building users in Jersey. A review of the TGDs is required as industry best practice has moved on in numerous areas of building standards. There are several additional reasons for this change including:
- the continued improvement of building standards following the Grenfell fire in London, and the need for Jersey to reflect these crucial changes
- Jersey’s commitment to being Net Zero by 2050, a plan set out in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and Bridging Island Plan proposal and policies
- the need to create a process to ensure the regular review of the Technical Guidance Documents going forward
History of the Building Bye-Laws
- the Building Bye-laws and associated Technical Guidance documents form part of the
Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002
- the Building
Bye-laws were introduced in 1996
- the last big update was in 2019
- Since 2021, there hasn't been a regular check to keep the guides up to date
Why they are being updated
After the Grenfell fire in London, many places changed and updated their building rules to make homes safer and Jersey would like to do the same.
Jersey aims to reach Net Zero by 2050. To help, buildings need to use less energy and be more eco-friendly. This plan is set out in the
Carbon Neutral Roadmap and
Bridging Island Plan proposal and policies.
Building methods are always improving. Jersey wants to make sure its regulations and guidance match the best and newest ideas used in other places.
Going forward:
How the changes will be made
Jersey follows UK standards, we're using the
UK 'Approved Documents' as a basis and changing them to fit Jersey's needs.
We've split the changes into three groups (workstreams), each with a different focus:
Workstream 1
| Safety
Covers TGD 1, 2, 4, and 12
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Workstream 2
| Net Zero (Better for the Environment) Covers TGD 3, 5, 6, and 11
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Workstream 3
| Accessibility and Home Standards (Making Homes Better for Everyone)
Covers TGD 7, 8, 9, and 10
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Workstreams 1 and 2 are now complete.
Our focus is currently on Workstream 3.
How to get involved
We want to talk to people who work in building and construction, and technical specialists, to explain the changes we're making. For workstream 3 we also want to hear from accessibility groups. We want to know:
- what you think about these changes
- how these changes might affect your work
Workstream 3: Accessibility and Home standards
There are two main parts
1. Planned updates to current TGDs under consideration
These proposed changes are best practice updates and are shown in the tables below
2. targeted engagement with specialist accessibility groups
This is an opportunity for accessibility groups and industry to discuss aspirational additions.
If you would like to send comments, please email buildingstandardsreview@gov.je
Technical Guidance Document Part 7: Stairs Ramps and protective barriers
TGD Part 7 standardises guidance on:
The document has not been updated since it was originally bought into force in 1997. The guidance contained within the document is still considered largely up to date, so only minor changes are suggested. The document needs simplified guidance and more up to date diagrams.
Our recommendation is to:
- use the UK Approved Document K as a template
- carry out a detailed comparison with our TGD 7 to highlight the differences
- consider implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the island
Some additional considerations, are outlined and explained below.
Current technical guidance part 7: Stairs Ramps and protective Barriers
Proposed guidance document: Approved Document K protection from falling, collision and impact
Protective barriers: material change of use
| We are proposing to include requirement 7.2 to the works required under the material change of use as defined in bye-law 6. This would apply in all change of use categories defined under Bye-law 2. This is to ensure that minimum safety standards are maintained
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Protective barriers: material alterations
| We are proposing to include requirement 7.2 within the definition of material alteration
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Loading Bays
| We are looking to introduce new guidance for loading bays
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Stairs
| We are looking to amend stair categories for rise (stair height) and goings (stair depth). This will include a maximum going being introduced to stair cases
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Stairs and ramps
| We are looking make sure the guidance for stairs and ramps in TGD Part 8 and TGD Part 7 align
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Stairs
| We are considering aligning the guarding height to stairs from 900mm to 1000mm. This will bring it in line with the standard for rented dwellings
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Stairs
| We are looking to make minor changes to handrail dimensions
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Current TGD Part 10 (Glazing)
| We are looking to standardise guidance on glazing safety and protection. This guidance currently sits in TGD Part 10 but as it is closely linked TGD Part 7 we recommend that this guidance is incorporated into TGD Part 7.
This may require a name change.
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Glazing
| We are looking to introduce guidance to prevent collision with open windows
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Glazing
| We are looking to introduce new guidance relating to the safe use and cleaning of windows
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Technical Guidance Document Part 8: access and use of buildings
TGD Part 8: access and use of buildings was last updated in 2012. In this update we recommend that that the documents are split into domestic and non-domestic standards.
Non-Domestic
The non-domestic document needs to be updated with simplified guidance and more up to date diagrams in line with the England Approved document. These are minor changes.
Our current document was written in 2008 and last updated in 2012. The reason for the 2012 updates were:
- aging population
- high costs
- short supply of residential care homes
To address this our guidance aimed towards the lifetime homes standard to all new dwellings.
The UK adopted a 3-tier system where planning conditions assign a percentage of homes within new developments to each of these standards:
- M1: visitable dwellings
- M2: adaptable dwellings
- M3: fully accessible dwellings
There are no ongoing controls over who purchases which property. This means that there are no guarantees that a property will be available to those that need it
Our recommendation is that we continue with our existing approach so that all new dwellings are built to the same standard. We are not recommending the UK tiered approach governed by planning conditions. We recommend that the domestic standard should be aligned with the M2 standards from the UK Approved documents. The main changes that will affect Jersey are highlighted below.
Current Document TGD 8 Access to and use of Buildings
Proposed Documents Approved Document M Access to and use of Buildings Volume 1: Dwellings
Proposed Documents Approved Document M Access to and use of Buildings Volume 2: Buildings Other than Dwellings
Domestic standards
| We are looking to align with UK M2 standard for adaptable dwellings
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Domestic standards
| We are recommending general improvements to external approach to dwelling houses and flats including external gates
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to move away from stepped access. This includes a level or ramped approach and the potential provision of lifts if necessary
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Domestic standards
| Where stepped access is acceptable, we are looking to increase the riser height and the maximum going (tread depth) will be included
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to introduce new guidance for accessible parking and drop off points
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to make general improvements to private and common entrances including landings, doors and corridors
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to increase principle entrance doors to 850mm with inclusion of 300mm space to pull side
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to introduce a requirement for a canopy over entrances to flats and dwelling houses
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to reduce private stair width to 850mm. We are also looking at measuring this differently
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to make sure we have clear manoeuvring spaces in bedrooms, kitchens and living areas including between kitchen units
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to raise the minimum height of window in principle living to 850mm
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Domestic standards
| Compared to the exisiting standards in two or three storey homes we are looking for ground floor toilet provisions to be:
- made smaller for houses with 1 or 2 bedrooms
- made larger for houses with 3 or more bedrooms
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Domestic standards
| We are recommending minor amendments to allowable lengths on ramped approach
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Domestic standards
| We are looking to expand guidance for services and controls
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Non-domestic standards
| We are looking to make sure that amendments to the non-domestic standards will be updated in line with England Guidance
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Non-domestic standards
| We are looking to make minor amendments to opening forces on doors
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Non-domestic standards
| We are looking to remove the limit on enclosed lifting platforms
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Non-domestic standards
| We are looking to make amendments to the building types that require a changing places
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Non-domestic standards
| We are looking to increase the turning circle within toilet compartments
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Technical Guidance Document Part 9: Resistance to the passage of sound
TGD Part 9 standardises the guidance on sound resisting elements, including where these are required and the levels of sound reduction needed. The document was last updated in 2003. Very little has changed since 2003 but the document needs simplified guidance and more up to date diagrams. Our recommendation is to update this document in line with the most recent Approved Document E and to follow the format and style of the Approved Documents. The main changes and other government considerations are outlined and explained below.
Current Document TGD 9: resistance to the passage of sound
Proposed Document Approved Document E: Resistance to the passage of sound
Introducing Robust Details as an alternative to on site testing
| Currently the only method of demonstrating that the minimum standards have been met are to carry out post construction sound testing. This can be costly and time consuming. An alternative scheme has been adopted in the UK called Robust Details. This puts the onus on the on the builder to select a detail that suits their construction method. It is down to the builder to inspect the construction on site and sign a declaration that the construction is in accordance with the detail. There is a margin of safety built into the details which should result in an overall improved standard.
We are looking to introduce Robust Details as an alternative to on site testing.
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Technical Guidance Document Part 10: Glazing
TGD Part 10 standardises guidance on glazing safety and protection. The document has not been updated since 1997. The guidance in the document is still considered up to date. The document needs simplified guidance and more up to date diagrams. Our recommendation is to use the UK Approved Document K as a template. We will carry out a detailed comparison with our current TGD Part 10 to highlight the differences and we will consider the most appropriate and clear guidance for the island.
Current Document TGD 10: Glazing Safety and protection
Proposed Document Approved Document K: Protection from Falling collision and impact
Merge TGD Part 10: Glazing with TGD Part 7: stairs, ramps and protective barriers
| The guidance contained in TGD Part 10 has not changed. We are recommending that this guidance is merged into TGD Part 7.
This may require the document having a new name.
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Workstream 1: Safety
Workstream 1 is now closed.
Workstream 1 had 3 main parts:
1. Planned updates to current TGDs
These changes will help make sure buildings are safe and follow best practice. These proposed changes are essential best practice updates and are shown in the tables below
2. Survey
This survey closed on the 25 July 2025.
3. Targeted focus group
This was an opportunity to discuss aspirational additions. The first focus group discussion included TGD2: Fire Safety. The following topics were discussed:
- evacuation alarms on buildings over 11m tall
- means of escape from dwellings for persons with reduced mobility
- application of TGDs to buildings over 18m tall
- requirement for two stairs in buildings over 11m tall
- use of escape windows in two storey dwellings
- evacuation lifts
Technical guidance document part 1: Structure
TGD1 standardises guidance for the structural design in certain types of small buildings:
- foundations
- roofs
- walls
- floors
The document has not been updated since it was initially bought into force in the late 1990s. The primary recommendation is to use the 'UK Approved Document A' as a template and carry out a detailed comparison with our TGD 1 to highlight the differences and consider implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the island.
Current Building Bye-Laws technical guidance
Proposed Building Regulations guidance document
Span tables
| Require regular monitoring, reassessing and updating in order for them to remain accurate. This process has been taken on by the Timber Research and Development Association who publish their own. The span tables will therefore be removed from the TGDs. Designers will need to use this document and obtain the latest copy of span tables in order to design structural elements without the need for a structural engineer |
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Stainless steel wall ties for all locations | As Jersey's exposure rating is severe this guidance will be adopted |
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Revised guidance on masonry walls | The standardised guidance on the construction of walls will be amended and updated |
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Revised guidance on concrete foundations | The standardised guidance on simple strip foundations will be amended and updated |
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Guidance on domestic garages updated | The standardised guidance on domestic garages will be amended and updated |
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Disproportionate collapse | 5 storey minimum will be removed to bring all buildings under control of requirement 1.3 as per UK guidance |
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References to standards updated | The referenced standards will be updated |
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Reference to approved Structural Design scheme (SER) | Some commentary may be added within the alternative approach section to the Jersey approved scheme and a link to the Jersey scheme homepage |
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Technical guidance document part 2: Fire safety
TGD 2 gives guidance on fire safety in buildings and was last updated in 2013. Following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, significant changes have been made to both law and to UK guidance which includes projected changes into 2029.
The primary recommendation is to use the UK Approved Document B as a template and carry out a detailed comparison with our TGD 2 to highlight the differences and consider implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the island. The main changes up to 2029, along with some additional GOJ considerations, are outlined and explained in the following paragraphs.
Current technical guidance part 2: Fire Safety volume 1
Current technical guidance part 2: Fire Safety volume 2
Proposed guidance: Fire Safety volume 1
Proposed guidance: Fire Safety Volume 2
Blocks of flats moved to volume 1
| Move the guidance on flats into the same document as houses so that guidance related to all dwelling types is kept together. This will avoid duplicating guidance |
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Reduce trigger height for sprinklers from 18m to 11m | Currently sprinklers are only mandatory on buildings over 18m in height. Reduce this trigger height to 11m following the outcome of the Grenfell Enquiry report |
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Wayfinding signage for the fire service on buildings over 11m | This relates to floors and flat numbers to assist fire fighters' navigation around a building where firefighting shafts are provided |
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Ban of combustible materials in and on the external walls and balconies in buildings over 11m | In Jersey they are currently banned on the parts of a wall which are above 18m in height and dependent on the distance to boundary. This change was an outcome of the Grenfell enquiry and would put an outright ban on these materials which is covered by law as well as guidance |
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Secure information boxes, over 11m | This stores vital information about the building for use by the fire service. It mandates that a person responsible for a building ensures the necessary information is provided |
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Evacuation alarms | This allows for a controlled floor by floor evacuation of a building under the direction of the fire service. This is triggered on buildings over 18m containing flats |
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Reg 38 Fire safety information | This ensures that the person responsible for the building has sufficient information relating to fire safety. This is covered by Law as well as guidance |
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Removal of national classes for reaction to fire and roofs | This simplifies compliance by bringing everything in line with European classifications |
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Surface spread of flame | European standards to be adopted |
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Sprinkler requirement in schools | Following discussions between Building Standards, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, Property Holdings and Children and Young People, Education and Skills department. It was agreed that consideration would be given to designing all new school Buildings with sprinklers to ensure both life and property protection to the Island's schools |
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Fire hydrants | The guidance on the provision of fire hydrants to new developments will be clarified and highlighted |
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Buildings in scope of TGD2 | TGD 2 is for designed for common building types. It is not intended for complex buildings and situations. This has been highlighted in the Grenfell outcome review. It is therefore proposed to incorporate better guidance on buildings or situations that are in or out of scope of TGD2. This could include the BSR definition of complex/High risk buildings |
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Living walls | There is currently no guidance in TGD2 related to the provision of living walls on the exterior of buildings. Reference may be made to the most relevant guidance
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Guidance of galleries
| The definition of a gallery will be amended to reflect that in BS 9991 |
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Technical guidance document 4: Resistance to moisture
TGD Part 4 looks at ensuring that the site over which a building is to be constructed is free from contaminants and that the building will adequately resist the passage of moisture. The document was last updated in 2019 and as such is considered relatively up to date. The primary recommendation is to use the UK Approved Documents C and D as a template and carry out a detailed comparison with our TGD 4 to highlight the differences and consider implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the island. The main changes to the UK document and some additional GOJ considerations, are outlined and explained in the following paragraphs.
Current technical guidance document 4: resistance to moisture
Proposed guidance document: resistance to moisture
Guidance on condensation in roofs to be moved from TGD 4 to TGD 5
| This gives requirements to ventilate a roof space to prevent condensation and as such sits better within TGD 5 and will be removed from this document |
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Wind driven rain clarification | Clarification of Jersey's wind driven rain index calculation will be included with the guidance document
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Technical guidance document 12: Electrical safety
TGD part 12 is the standard for electrical safety. It details what is exempt electrical work and the design standards for electrical works carried out under the competent person scheme. The document has not been updated since 1996, however the bye-laws takes an arms length approach to electrical work and therefore few updates are considered necessary.
Current technical guidance document 12: Electrical safety
Proposed technical guidance document: Electrical safety
Workstream 2: Net Zero
Workstream 2 closed on 29 September.
There were two main parts to Workstream 2.
1. Planned updates to current TGDs
These proposed changes are best practice updates and are shown in the tables below.
2. Targeted focus groups
These focus groups have now taken place. They provided an opportunity to discuss Workstream 2: Net Zero topics in relation to TGDs 3, 5 and 11:
- fossil fuel appliances
- refurbishment Ventilation improvements
- JSAP Reference dwelling
- SBEM Reference dwelling
- consequential improvements
- thermal elements
- air testing
- solar overheating
- material change of use
- solar panels
- high speed data infrastructure
- EV charging points
Technical guidance document part 3: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Technical guidance document part 3 (TGD3) standardises guidance on Combustion appliances and Fuel Storage.
The document was last updated in 2011 and requires modernising with simplified guidance and more up-to-date diagrams.
The recommendation is to use the UK Approved Document J as a template and carry out a detailed comparison with TGD 3 to highlight the differences and give consideration to implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the Island.
Current guidance document: TGD 3
Proposed guidance document: ADJ
Additional Government of Jersey considerations, are outlined and explained in the following table.
Combustion appliances
| The Carbon Neutral Roadmap commits us to phasing out the use of fossil fuel heating, cooking and cooling appliances as part of our decarbonisation plans. The revised Building Standards will set out this intention. Although it is very difficult to meet the current building and planning requirements for a new building with designs that include a fossil fuel heating system, it is not currently prohibited outright. As a first step, consideration is being given to introducing an outright ban on fossil fuel primary heating systems in new buildings from 2026. Further work will be progressed in the coming months around the time frame for expanding this restriction to cover the installation of replacement fossil fuel heating systems in existing buildings. We also need to consider if the restrictions for fossil fuel heating systems should include other fossil fuel combustion appliances, such as cookers and secondary heating or decorative fires. |
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Technical guidance document part 5: Means of ventilation
Technical guidance document part 5 (TGD5) gives guidance on ventilation in buildings. The document requires modernising with simplified guidance and more up-to-date diagrams.
The primary recommendation is to use the UK Approved Document F as a template and carry out a detailed comparison with TGD 5 to highlight the differences and consider implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the Island.
The main changes and additional GOJ considerations, are outlined and explained in the following table.
Current guidance document: technical guidance document 5
Proposed guidance document: approved document F volume 1
Proposed guidance document: approved document F volume 2
Creation of 2 separate documents
| Guidance will be split into two parts:
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Refurbishment ventilation improvements
| When a property is refurbished, which could include: There is currently no requirement to consider the effect this will have on the building. For example, ventilation, Bye-Law 5 (4). We need to consider if this should this be changed.
There will be provisions for reducing the risks. This includes improving ventilation where refurbishment and energy efficiency measures are carried out, such as requiring background ventilators on replacement windows.
We are considering if a ventilation assessment should also be required for renovation works which might make the building more airtight.
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Material alteration
| We are considering making Requirement 5.1 a trigger for material alterations.
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Positive input ventilation
| We will provide guidance on positive input ventilation as an option for improving ventilation where a property is subject to a renovation.
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Background ventilation
| Background ventilation provisions have been increased in the updated ADF. There is also a requirement to provide these on replacement windows where these were not previously provided.
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Whole building ventilation
| Whole building ventilation rates have been increased in the updated ADF.
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Commissioning
| Better Guidance on the commissioning of mechanical ventilation systems has been included.
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Purge ventilation
| Purge ventilation is a term used to describe the rapid removal of pollutants from a room and is currently defined as an openable window. Consideration will be given to changing this definition in line with ADF to include the option for mechanical ventilation.
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Condensation in roofs
| Guidance on condensation in roofs has been moved from this part to TGD Part 4.
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Single sided ventilation
| Where a dwelling is provided with only single sided ventilation, for example flats, there is a strong risk that prevailing wind conditions will prevent the adequate ventilation of a property. The guidance on overcoming this (high- and low-level vents) is considered impractical, unlikely to be used and potentially causes drafts. Consideration will be given to mandating mechanical ventilation or continuous extract ventilation for single sided dwellings.
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Air pressure test results
| The guidance contained in TGD5 for natural ventilation is based on an air pressure test being 3m3/h/sqm@50pa or worse. It is becoming common for the ‘as built’ pressure test results to be significantly better than the ‘as designed’ assumption which could cause issues. The guidance on the implications of this is being reconsidered. For example, the installation of continuous mechanical extraction ventilation or seeking specialist advice. |
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Technical guidance document part 6: Drainage, hygiene and hot water storage
Technical Guidance Document part 6 (TGD6) standardises guidance on:
- drainage
- hygiene
- water storage
Very little has changed regarding the content, which was last updated in 2011.
However, the document requires modernising with simplified guidance and more up-to-date diagrams.
The primary recommendation is to use the UK Approved Document J as a template and carry out a detailed comparison with TGD 3 to highlight the differences and give consideration to implementing the most appropriate and clear guidance for the Island.
Additional Government of Jersey considerations are outlined and explained in the following table.
Current guidance document: TGD 6
Proposed guidance documents: Approved document H
Proposed guidance documents: Approved document G
Demand pressures
| We are considering encouraging the use of rainwater storage in new developments.
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Drainage authority
| Consideration should be given to incorporating better guidance on when to liaise with the Drainage Authority.
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Technical guidance document part 11: Conservation of fuel and power
Technical guidance document part 11 (TGD 11) standardises guidance on energy usage and heat loss in buildings. We are considering making improvements to the following areas:
- new building standards
- extension standards
- material change of use standards
- renovation of thermal elements standards
- consequential improvements standards
Current technical guidance documents:
Technical Guidance Document 11.1a
Technical Guidance Document 11.1b
Technical Guidance Document 11.2a
Technical Guidance Document 11.2b
JSAP reference dwelling
| The reference dwelling effectively sets the minimum standard for new dwellings. The Target Energy Rating (TER) and Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE) are both measured in KWh/m2/annum. Consideration is being given to making improvements to this under the current SAP calculation methodology as to how far this should go.
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SBEM reference building
| The reference building sets the minimum standards for new building. The TER is measured in KWh/m2/annum. Consideration is being given to making improvements to this under the current iSBEM calculation methodology as to how far this should go.
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Consequential improvements dwellings: 1
| Where a building is being extended there is a requirement to make improvements to the existing dwelling. Currently 5% of extension build costs@ £2,000/sqm. Consideration is being given to increasing the consequential improvement figure. Demonstrating the 5% improvement is currently justified using the RD SAP calculation tool. Consideration is being given to clarifying this in the TGD.
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Consequential improvements dwellings: 2
| Where the existing property was constructed post-2011 this is considered new build and currently excluded from consequential improvements. The status of this is under consideration. Consideration is being given to establish if the age band should be increased.
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Consequential improvements: commercial buildings
| The trigger point on commercial buildings is being reconsidered.
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Thermal elements
| Improvements in insulation are triggered when stripping back to structure or adding a new layer to thermal elements. Consideration is being given to amending both the threshold and improved u-values.
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Air testing
| Consideration is being given to how to improve the performance standards for air testing and increasing the sample testing regime. The goal being all dwellings. If this should be staggered or in one hit with the ability to use low pressure pulse air testing is under consideration.
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Material change of use
| Consideration is being given to adjusting the threshold and improved u-values required where a building is subject to a material change of use or a change in energy status.
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Solar panels
| We are considering if the use of solar panels should be encouraged or mandated in all new buildings. This includes if this should be just commercial buildings, or on larger developments. We want to understand if this be through minimum standards or planning conditions.
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Documents
| Guidance from new and existing buildings to be combined to produce only two documents.
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New documents for building infrastructure
| Requirements now exist in the UK to require the installation of highspeed data infrastructure and EV charging points within new dwellings e.g. UK doc R and S. Consideration will be given to following: |
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