Do I Need Planning Permission? A Quick Guide for Irish Homeowners

If you’re planning to extend, renovate or change your home, one question always comes first: Do I need planning permission in Ireland? This guide is designed specifically for Irish homeowners and explains, in clear practical terms, when planning permission is required, what qualifies as exempted development, and how to avoid delays, fines and costly redesigns. At PrePlanning.ie, we help homeowners get fast clarity before committing to builders or design fees saving time, money and stress.

Planning permission is approval from your local authority confirming that proposed works comply with: - Irish planning laws - Local Development Plans - Environmental and zoning policies - National Planning Framework guidelines Not all developments require permission. Some fall under exempted development, but only if they strictly meet regulations under the Planning and Development Act.

In most cases, you will need planning permission if you are:

• Building a new house
• Constructing a large home extension beyond 40sqm
• Converting a garage to habitable space
• Building a detached structure over size limits
• Changing the use of a property (house to office or business)
• Altering roof height or external appearance
• Developing within a protected structure or ACA

If your home is listed as a Protected Structure or located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), permission is almost always required even for minor works.

Exempted development refers to works that may be carried out without planning permission, provided all criteria are met.

✅ Home Extensions (Up to 40sqm)

Exempt if: - Total extension does not exceed 40 square metres - Minimum 25sqm private open space remains - Boundary and height regulations are met

✅ Attic Conversions

Typically exempt if: - No change to roof profile - Dormer windows comply with size limits - No overlooking neighbouring properties

✅ Garden Rooms & Sheds

May be exempt if: - Under 25sqm - Not used for commercial activity - Positioned correctly within curtilage

✅ Solar Panels

Most domestic solar panel installations are exempt subject to location and size thresholds.

Even small projects may require approval if:

• You are in a housing estate with restrictive planning conditions
• The property lies in a sensitive planning zone
• Works affect drainage, sightlines or vehicular access
• Your development impacts neighbours or streetscape

Each site is assessed individually — which is why professional pre-planning advice is essential.

Risks of Unauthorised Development

Getting it wrong can result in:

• Enforcement notices from your council
• Legal proceedings
• Retrospective planning applications
• Delays during property sales
• Increased project costs

The safest option is always to confirm first.

How PrePlanning.ie Helps You Decide Faster

PrePlanning.ie provides automated, expert-backed pre-planning reports for homeowners across Ireland. Our reports help you:

• Confirm if planning permission is required
• Identify planning risks early
• Avoid costly design changes
• Strengthen future planning applications

Get your instant Pre-Planning Report now and know where you stand before building.