Planning Exemptions

Do I need planning permission?

It is not always needed for example;

  • If your total extension is under 40m² (including any existing extensions).

 If your extension is smaller than 40m², you’re usually fine if it:

  • Goes at the back of your house

  • Isn’t taller than your house

  • The first floor, stays at least 2 metres from the boundary

First floor extensions:

For first floor extensions you can build the following without planning:

  • Terraced/semi-detached: 12m²

  • Detached: 20m²

Front Porches are exempt from planning if they are:

  • Up to 2m² in size

  • At least 2m away from any road or footpath

  • Roof height:

    • Pitched tiled/slated roof: max 4m

    • Other roofs: max 3m

Tip: The total floor area of 40m² counts both your new extension and any previous ones, even those that had permission.

Note; some other conditions

Keep at least 25m² of open space at the back for your garden or outdoor area.

As every house is different, it’s always worth checking before you build for example there are certain restrictions in conservation areas or for protected structures.

 Check citizens information on planning for the latest: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/planning-permission/

Apply for a Section 5 Declaration which is a formal request to your local planning authority asking: “Is this project exempted development?”