New Planning Exemptions Ireland

New planning exemption regulations came into effect on 27 July 2026 in Ireland. They are intended to reduce red tape for homeowners, free up planning authorities to focus on more complex projects, and make it easier for people to adapt or expand their homes without needing planning permission in certain cases.

Key changes that may matter to self-builders and homeowners include:

  • Auxiliary habitable dwelling: A new exemption allows a detached habitable unit linked to the main house’s services, with a floor area of 32–45 sq m.
  • Subdivision of a home: A principal dwelling may be subdivided to create one additional self-contained unit within the existing building, provided each unit is at least 32 sq m.
  • House extensions: The existing exemption for extending a principal dwelling increases from 40 sq m to 45 sq m.
  • Dormer roof boxes and roof lights: New exemptions allow some roof alterations such as dormers and roof lights on the main dwelling.
  • Garden structures: The exemption for rear garden structures such as sheds, home offices, gyms or garden pavilions increases from 25 sq m to 30 sq m.
  • External insulation: A new exemption supports adding external wall insulation, aligned with SEAI grant provision.
  • Heat pumps: The exemption for heat pumps is expanded so they are no longer limited to the rear of the property.
  • Cycle and bin storage: New exemptions allow storage at the front and rear of a property for bikes, cargo bikes or wheelie bins.

Read the full details here.

These changes give self-builders more flexibility to extend, adapt, subdivide or add small residential structures without entering the full planning process, subject to the stated limits and conditions. It is a welcome addition to the amendments of N. Ireland’s Class D regulations from earlier this year.

2020 Architects pride themselves on quality design and these new planning exemptions allow us to maximise the potential of your home or garden. Our Remote Design service allows you to access our award-winning architecture from anywhere in Ireland. Get in touch and we can ensure your design complies with these exemptions to save you time and money on your house extension or garden pavilions.