Find out if you need to pay CIL and what we charge.
Your development is liable for CIL if:
- it contains at least 100 square metres of extra floor space (new build)
- it is less than 100 square metres but results in the creation of a new dwelling
- you are converting a building that is not in-use'
Read our pdf guidance notes on development liable for CIL (54 KB) .
Some development is not liable for CIL. Check the list of development that doesn't pay CIL on the government Planning Practice Guidance website.
Claim CIL relief
You can claim relief from CIL for some development.
You can find out how to claim social housing relief using our pdf CIL relief flowchart (107 KB)
You can find out how to claim self-build relief using our pdf CIL self-build relief flowchart (357 KB)
Check the forms of relief on the government Planning Practice Guidance website to see if you can claim relief. You can't claim relief from CIL for exceptional circumstances in Bristol.
You can also make a claim for pdf Discretionary Charitable Relief from CIL (48 KB)
In-use buildings
A building is in-use if it contains a part that has been in lawful use for a continuous period of at least six months within the three years ending on the day planning permission first permits the chargeable development.
How we work out the size of a development
We work out the size of a development using its Gross Internal Area (GIA). This is measured in accordance with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Code of Measuring Practice Go to https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/code-of-measuring-practice/ (opens new window).
What to do if you think you're liable for CIL
You can get a Planning Application Additional Information Requirement form and guidance from the CIL forms page at the Planning Portal website. If you apply through Planning Portal, you'll need to attach this form as a supporting document. Otherwise, you'll need to send us this form with your planning application.
If you will be paying the CIL, you must also download the Assumption of Liability Notice form from the CIL forms page at the Planning Portal website and send it to us.
We'll then work out if you need to pay CIL. If we give you planning permission, we'll also give you a Liability Notice telling you how much CIL you must pay.
What you'll need to pay
Look at rates in our pdf CIL charging schedule (1.29 MB) and our pdf Annual CIL Rate Summary for 2025 (139 KB) .
If you have to pay more than £35,000, you can pay in four instalments over 18 months. Read our pdf CIL instalment policy (173 KB) .
Find out about pdf our CIL charging and collection process (48 KB) .