Exempted Development
Exempted development is development that does not require planning permission, the purpose of which is to facilitate developments of a minor nature. However, the development must fall within the exemption thresholds. If the development exceeds the thresholds, the development requires planning permission. Categories of exempted development and thresholds are set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations (as amended).
The most recent updates to the Regulations which become effective on the 27th July 2026 provide for certain exemptions for Houses. There are seven Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations, which amend the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (Regulations of 2001) to provide for:
- The existing exemption for extension of the principal dwelling will be increased from 40 square metres to 45 square metres.
- A new exemption will provide for extension via the addition of dormer roof boxes to the side or rear of the house and roof lights on the front roof plane of the dwelling.
- A new exemption for sub-division of the principal dwelling will allow for the creation of up to 1 additional self-contained unit within the existing building envelope, with a minimum floor area for each subdivided unit of 32 square metres.
- A new exemption for an auxiliary habitable dwelling will allow for the addition of a detached auxiliary dwelling to the rear of the principal house, linked to the services of the principal house, which may be between 32 square metres and 45 square metres.
- A new exemption will allow for the provision of insulation on external walls of a dwelling, in line with existing SEAI grant provision.
- The exemption for a heat pump will be expanded so that it is not restricted to the rear of the property.
- A new exemption will provide for cycle or bin storage at both the front and back of the property, with enough space to hold either 3-4 adult size bicycles, 2 cargo bikes or 3 wheelie bins.
- The existing exemption for a structure in the back garden (such as a shed, store, home office or gym) will be increased from 25 square metres to 30 square metres.
- A new exemption will provide for the removal of a chimney from a house.
Exemptions contain certain conditions and limitations. If a development does not comply with the terms of conditions and limitations, it cannot be considered an exempted development. There are also further restrictions on development listed under Article 9 of the Regulations.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Class 1A and Class 3A require the submission of notification form to the Planning Authority 14 days prior to commencement of works.
CLASS 1A - (Subdivision of a house) Notification Form.docx (size 51.6 KB)
CLASS 3A - Detached Auxiliary Dwelling Notification Form.docx (size 48.6 KB)
Further details are available via the following link Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026