Do I need a planning application?
Below are some frequently asked questions asked in relation to applying for planning permission.
Prior to submitting a full planning application you may want to avail of a pre-planning consultation.
FAQ
- The highest point to which the wall of an exempt extension can be built is eaves level;
- If the proposed extension has a flat roof, it must not exceed the eves or parapet level;
- If the proposed extension has a pitched roof, it must not exceed the ridge of the existing pitched roof.
Broadly speaking, the construction of an extension or conservatory does not require planning permission when it is to the rear of the house; however, any query from the public of this nature should be dealt with subject to the provisions of Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule to the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.
The following should be seen only as general guidelines:
- Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: If the house has not been previously extended, the floor area of the proposed extension cannot exceed 40 sq metres. This exemption also allows for extensions above ground-floor level (if the house is semi-detached or terraced, the area of the above ground extension cannot exceed 12 sq. m). This means, for a typical semi-detached house, one could have a ground floor extension of 28sq. m & 2nd floor extension of 12sq m without applying for planning permission. Any above ground floor extension shall be a distance of not less than 2 metres from any party boundary.
- Detached Houses: As with terraced and Semi-detached above, the overall area of extension must be less than 40 sq. metres. This exemption also allows for extensions above ground floor level, the are above ground floor are cannot exceed 20 sq. m. One could therefore have a ground floor extension of 20 sq. m., and a 2nd floor of 20 sq. m. Any above ground floor extension shall be a distance of not less than 2 metres from any party boundary.
- Both Cases: If the proposed extension is in addition to an existing extension (post 01-10-1964), overall areas of all extensions must not be more than 40 sq. m. - including extensions which needed permission, e.g. to side of house.
Yes, providing the following guidelines are applied;
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Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: Windows at ground floor level shall not be less than 1 metre from the boundary they face. Windows at above ground floor level shall not be less than 11m from the boundary they face. The above applies to terraced s/d dwellings.
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Detached Houses: Where the dwelling is detached and the floor area of above ground floor extension is greater than 12sqm windows shall not be less than 11m from the boundary they face.
Yes. Subject to the provisions of Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule to the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 N.B. Garage must be attached to the dwelling.
(Page 156 - 157).
No - specifically excluded from exemption by Part 1, Schedule 2, Column 2, Condition 7. (see page 156).
Yes provided that:
- It is not forward of the front wall of the house;
- Not greater than 25sqm total area (not floor area) (or no. of sheds aggregated);
- 25sqm of garden space is left. N.B. extensions attached to house are not reckoned as private open space;
- Shed finish is in keeping with the house;
- Shed height: max 4m pitched roof; 3m flat roof;
- It is not lived in or used for keeping of animals (pigs, ponies, horses, pigeons).
(see page 156 - 157, Class 3)
Yes, provided that:
- Not less than 2 metres from roadway;
- Not more than 2sqm Height: 3m max for a Flat Roof, 4m max Pitched Roof.
(see page 158, Class 7)
No. Not an exempted development. However an existing garage to the side may be converted (see Section 6).
No. This is not exempted development (except the porch - for exemptions see page 158, Class 7 and Section 9).
Yes, subject to:
- Not more than 2m high to the rear.
- Not more than 1.2 metres to the front or forward of the front of the house.
(Page 157, Class 5).
NB: Metal palisade or other security fencing is not exempt.
Yes. Provided that the ground level not be altered by more than 1 metre above or below the level of adjoining ground. Alteration of ground level to front of house is not permitted other than for landscaping.
(Page 158, Class 6)
Planning permission has no impact on the need for a Disability Access Certificate. If the works began on a building (other than dwellings houses) on or after January 1st 2010, then the Disability Access Certificate is required.
Yes. The height of the antenna shall be no more than 6m above the roof.
Note: These notes are for guidance only. The relevant Planning Regulations should always be consulted where doubt exists.
Yes provided that:
- Only 1 per house.
- Max. Diameter 1 metre.
- Not to be erected on, or forward to the front wall of the house.
- Not to be erected on the front roof slope or higher than the highest part of the roof.
(see page 157, Class 4, 1 - 4).
Yes, subject to a maximum height of 2m.
(Page 157 Class 5, page159 Class 9)
Yes. From 28/02/2007 these are exempted under new Class 2 to exempted regulations, subject to limitations.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2007 give effect to exempted development provisions in respect of renewable energies for dwellings and refer to the installation or erection of a solar panel on or within the curtilage of a house, or on any buildings within the curtilage of a house is exempt subject to compliance with the following conditions and limitations:
Solar Panels:
The installation of solar panels on domestic properties is now exempt from planning permission . Since the 7th of October 2022, there is no longer a limit to the area of solar panels which can be installed on rooftops of homes .The 12sqm or 50% roof limit which previously applied to houses has been removed nationwide .
There are still some rules that apply .It is advisable to check with the local authority if ; .
- Your home or building is a protected structure.
- Your home or building is located in a protected area , for example in an architectural conservation area .
- Your home or building lies near an aviation site.
For more information please click Here
Wind Turbines:
The construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of a house of a wind turbine is exempt subject to the following Regulations (Class 2)
1. The turbine shall not be erected on or within the curtilage of a house of a wind attached to the house or any building or other structure within its curtilage.
2. The total height of the turbine shall not exceed 13 metres.
3. The rotor diameter shall not exceed 6 metres.
4. The minimum clearance between the lower tip of the rotor and ground level shall not be less than 3 metres.
5. The supporting tower shall be a distance of not less than the total structure height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus one metre from any party boundary.
6. Noise levels must not exceed 43db(A) during normal operation, or in excess of 5db(A) above the background noise, whichever is greater, as measured from the nearest neighbouring inhabited dwelling.
7. No more than one turbine shall be erected within the curtilage of a house.
8. No such structure shall be constructed, erected or placed forward of the front wall of a house.
9. All turbine components shall have a matt, non-reflective finish and the blade shall be made of material that does not deflect telecommunication signals.
10. No sign, advertisement or object, not required for the functioning or safety of the turbine shall be attached to or exhibited on the wind turbine.
FYI - The Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (SI 256 of 2008) give effect to exempted development provisions in respect of renewable energies for industrial buildings, business premises and agricultural holdings.
Please refer to Regulations for further information.
Yes, subject to maximum area of 2sqm, max height is 2m above the centre of the road opposite, and it is not lit.
No.
The extension shall not reduce the "Private Open Space" of the back garden to less than 25 sq. m. Hard surface areas to the rear of a house are exempted development, providing they are used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house and not used for the parking of cars.
N.B. Existing or proposed garden shed/s are not reckoned as private open space.
Yes. To the front or side for not more than 2 cars.
(Page 157, Class 6, Part B(ii))
NB. The widening of vehicular entrances is not exempt. (3.5 meters max with permission)
Yes, not exempted development.
Yes, unless the number of children, including carers is not more than 6 and caring is in carers own house.
No, provided not situated with 10m of the curtilage of any dwelling house save with the consent in writing of the owner/occupier.
(Page 167, Class 31 (c)).
Generally, No. Refer to exempted development regulations for limitations.
(Page 163).
No, not in the normal way, but, is subject to the consultation procedures contained in Part VIII of the 2001 Planning Regulations as amended.
Yes. But only if the structure was previously used as a single dwelling. e.g. a house which was used as a single dwelling when built, later converted to flats can convert back to single dwelling use under this exemption.
No, subject to:max area of 0.6sqm in case of a house/letting max area 1.2sqm in case of any other structure/land.
Not more than 1 sign. Remove not later than 7 days after sale/letting.
Strictly speaking, yes, to the rear. However, the provision of lighting and fencing over 2m would not be exempted. The 1 metre raising/lowering of ground levels also applies.
(Page 158, Class 6 & Page 159, Class 11)
Yes, except for a mural and providing the house is not a Protected Structure.
(Page 159, Class 12)
Normally no. However, if work involves dormer windows, permission is needed. If velux windows proposed to the rear, it is exempt. If velux windows proposed to the side/front elevation it is not exempt.
Yes, subject to:
Not more than 1 caravan / campervan or boat;
No commercial / advertising use;
Not used as a dwelling while stored;
Storage not greater than 9 months in any year.
(Page 158, Class 8)