Planning FAQs

Note: These notes are for guidance only. The relevant planning regulations should always be consulted.

If you have a query regarding Planning, please

email [email protected]

Or phone

01 222 2222 – General queries.

01 222 2149 – Lodging applications, viewing applications and validation queries.

01 222 2288 - Decisions and Third party observation queries.

Or make an appointment

For the safety of customers and staff alike, visitors to the Civic Offices must make an appointment in advance. This will ensure that queries can be resolved whilst adhering to Government guidelines on social distancing. To arrange an appointment please email the above address or phone 01 222 2149.

You can view a planning application by using our online service. Application details are currently available online within 24 hours of receipt and the associated documents within 10 working days of receipt. You can search online at http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning/find-planning-application.

If the documentation you require is not available online, you can request an appointment to view the planning file at our public counter. To arrange an appointment, please email [email protected]  or phone 01 222 2149.

To ensure we respond promptly to your request, we ask that you provide the following information regarding the files you wish to view:

  • the planning reference number and/or exact address,
  • any specific documents that you require to view;
  • your contact details (phone and email).

 

In order to make a valid planning application you must submit the following: 

  • Completed Application Form.
  • Correct Fee
  • Site Notice
  • Newspaper Notice
  • Site Location Map (6 copies)
  • Plans/ Drawings (6 copies)
  • Approved Newspaper notice

The quickest way to make an observation is online on our website.

In order to make an observation online you will need to register and create an account using this link: Online Login/Register.

You will be able to use this account for any observations you wish to submit. You can pay the statutory fee of €20.00 online. You will receive confirmation of payment and an automatic acknowledgment receipt. Please retain this receipt, as you will need it should you wish to make an appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

Observations can also be submitted by post to Dublin City Council, Planning Registry Section, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 or alternatively by using the drop box facility in the Civic Offices. 

Under Article 29 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, anyone can make a submission or observation (called a Third Party Observation) on a planning application providing:

  • It is made within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the planning application.
  • It states the name and address of the person making the submission.
  • The statutory fee of €20.00 is paid.

All observations / submissions, (including your name and address) are published on our website and are available in hard copy on the planning file. However, phone numbers and email addresses are redacted.  It is important to be careful not to include excessive or superfluous personal information about yourself or others. This is an open and public process and all parties have a right to view observations/submissions and personal information therein.

If you experience any difficulties making an online observation /submission or planning application please email    [email protected].  and a representative from Dublin City Council will contact you as soon as possible.

Broadly speaking, the construction of an extension or conservatory does not require planning permission when it’s 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 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.

The following should only be seen 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 28sm & second 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 the extension must be less than 40 metres. This exemption also allows for extensions above ground floor level, but the area above  ground floor cannot exceed 20 sm. One could therefore have a ground floor extension of 20 sm., and second floor of 20 sm. 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 sm. - including extensions which needed permission, e.g. to side of house.

No. The extension shall not reduce the "Private Open Space" of the back garden to less than 25 sm. 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.

  • 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.

Yes, provided the following guidelines are applied;

  • 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.
  • Detached Houses: Where the dwelling is detached and the floor area of the above ground floor extension is greater than 12sqm, windows shall not be less than 11m from the boundary they face.

 

 

Normally no. However, if the work involves dormer windows, permission is needed. If Velux windows are proposed to the rear, it is exempt. If Velux windows are proposed to the side/front elevation it is not exempt.

No.

Yes. Subject to the provisions of Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule to the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 However, the Garage must be attached to the dwelling.

Planning permission is required for the erection of  a log cabin or a similar structure  in the garden of an existing dwelling for  use as a self-contained residential unit.

Any application received for a log cabin will be assessed in accordance with the relevant policy (Paragraph 16.10 .14- Ancillary Family Accommodation) which is set out in the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022.

Favourable consideration may be given to the provision of “ancillary family accommodation” where

(1)  it can be demonstrated that the cabin will provide accommodation for an immediate family member for a temporary period only (e.g. elderly parent)

(2) It is directly connected to the main dwelling, i.e. it is not a separate detached dwelling unit and has a direct connection to the main family dwelling,

(3) it can be integrated back into the original family house when no longer occupied by a member of the family.

Other factors that will be taken into consideration when assessing a planning application will be the potential impact of the proposed development on the amenities of any adjoining dwellings  including overshadowing, overlooking and visual impact.

No – this is specifically  excluded from exemption regulations.

Yes, provided that:

  • It is not forward of the front wall of the house;
  • It is not greater than 25sqm (or the number no. of sheds aggregated);
  • 25sqm of garden space is left;
  • The 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).

Yes, provided the porch is:

  • Not less than 2 metres from the roadway;
  • Not more than 2sqm in Height: 3m max for a Flat Roof, 4m max Pitched Roof.

No. This is not exempted development. However, an existing garage to the side may be converted.

No. This is not exempted development. Only the porch is considered exempt.

 

Yes. The capacity of oil tanks shall not exceed 3,500 litres  

Yes. The height of the antenna shall be no more than 6m above the roof.

Yes*. Provided that:

  • There is only one per house.
  • The Maximum diameter is one metre.
  • It must not be erected on, or forward to the front wall of the house.
  • It must not be erected on the front roof slope or higher than the highest part of the roof.

*This may not apply to protected structures

Yes* Providing that the wall is not:

  • 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.

*This may not apply to protected structures

NB: Metal palisade or other security fencing is not exempt.

Yes, subject to a  maximum height of 2 meters.

Yes, but only if the structure was previously used as a single dwelling. For example, a house which was used as a single dwelling when  built and later converted to flats, can convert back to single dwelling use under this exemption.

No, subject to a maximum area of 0.6sqm for a house and 1.2sqm for any other structure / land. There must be one  sign only and it must be removed no later than 7 days after the sale / letting.

Yes. provided that the ground level is not altered by more than 1 one metre above or below the level of the adjoining ground. Alteration of the ground level to front of house is not permitted other than for landscaping.

Yes, except for a mural and providing the house is not a Protected Structure.

Yes, provided that:

  • there is no more than one caravan / campervan or boat;
  • there is no commercial / advertising used;
  • the caravan/campervan is not used as a dwelling while stored;
  • the caravan/ campervan is not stored in the garden for more than 9 months in any year.

Yes. The Planning and Development (Amended) Regulations 2007, state that the installation of a solar panel on a house or a building within the curtilage of the house, is exempt subject to the following conditions: 

Solar Panels:

The total aperture area of any such panel taken together with any such panels previously placed on or within the curtilage of a house shall not exceed 12 sq m or 50% of the total roof area, which ever is the lesser;

  1. The distance between the plane of the wall or a pitched roof and the panel shall not exceed 15 cm;
  2. The distance between the plan of a flat roof and the panel shall not exceed 50cm;
  3. The solar panels shall be a minimum of 50cm from any edge of the wall or roof on which it is to be mounted;
  4. The height of a free standing solar array shall not exceed 2 metres at its highest point, above ground level;
  5. A free standing solar array shall not be placed on or forward of the front wall of the house;
  6. The erection of any free-standing solar array shall not reduce the area of private open space to the rear or side of the house to less than 25 sq m.

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, attached to the house or any building/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 the Regulations for further information.

No. Most works to a Protected Structure are not exempted. A declaration of what is / is not exempted is needed to clarify issues.

Yes, Bus shelters are not considered exempted development.

Yes, unless the child-care is provided in the carer’s own home, and the combined number of children and child minders is no more than six.

No, provided the kiosk is not situated within 10m of the curtilage of any dwelling house, apart from save with the written  consent of the owner/occupier.

Generally, No. Refer to exempted development regulations for limitations.

No,  but Local Authorities are subject to the consultation procedures contained in Part VIII of the Planning Regulations 2001 as amended.

Generally six months. An additional three months can be granted where agreed.

They cannot lodge submissions/observations to additional information unless the Further Information submitted is considered significant and requires new public notices (newspaper & site notice). If this occurs, in accordance with Article 35 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, third parties will be notified that they have two weeks from the receipt of the revised notice by the planning authority, to make further observations/submissions on the revised application only. This period is extended to five weeks for applications accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report. No further fee is required. Other persons wishing to make a submission or observation will be required to pay the prescribed fee.

No, but providing it is not a protected structure you can demolish part of a habitable home to provide a domestic extension.

All development of land or property requires Planning Permission, unless it is classed as exempt.

Exempted development is development for which planning permission is not required. Categories of exempted development are set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended. They usually refer to developments of a minor nature, such as small extensions to houses, garden walls and so on. However, if your property is in an Architectural Conservation Area, Special Amenity Area Order, or is a Protected Structure/Listed Building these exemptions do not apply.

In accordance with Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended any person may request a declaration as to whether development is exempt. An application should be made in writing to the planning authority, to determine whether a proposal requires permission or is considered exempted development.  The application should be accompanied by all relevant site maps and include t fee of €80.   The planner will then assess the application and make a decision within four weeks. The applicant can appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanala, accompanied by a fee (€210).

Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended allows for the owner or occupier of a protected structure to apply to the planning authority for a declaration as to the type of works which it considers would or would not materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure. The declaration will clarify which works would be considered exempted development.

Application forms for Section 5 and Section 57 declarations can be found at   http://www.dublincity.ie/i-want/apply-it#Planning 

The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 75 of 2022) amends Article 10 of Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. 6000 of 2001) until the 31/12/25 by permitting change of use to residential use from Class 1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 of Part 4 to Schedule 1 i.e. providing the structure was completed prior to the Regulations 2022, was used at some stage for the purpose of its current Class 1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 and has been vacant for 2 years or more immediately prior to commencement of the proposed development then the proposed development and related works shall be exempted development subject to conditions and limitations set out in S.I. 75 of 2022. The onus is on the developer to comply with S.I. 75 of 2022 and to ensure compliance with the building control regulations.

SI30 Notification Form can be found at S.I. 75 Notification

Photocopies of maps on applications registered before 11th March 2002 cannot be issued to members of the public.  Photocopies of maps registered after this date may  be purchased. The photocopy must be individually date stamped and a declaration signed by the purchaser under Section 74(4) of the copyright and related Acts, 2000.

The newspapers listed below are approved newspapers in respect of all planning applications in the Dublin City functional area.

  • Dublin Gazette
  • Southside People (for addresses in area circulated)
  • Irish Daily Mail
  • Sunday Business Post
  • Irish Daily Mirror
  • Sunday Independent
  • Irish Examiner
  • Sunday Times
  • Irish Independent
  • Sunday World
  • Irish Mail on Sunday
  • The Echo Group (for addresses in area circulated)
  • Irish People
  • The Herald
  • Irish Sunday Mirror
  • The Irish Sun
  • Irish Times
  • The Star
  • Local News South, North & West (for addresses in area circulated)
  • Northside People East & West editions (for addresses in area circulated)

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the selected newspaper is circulated within the area to which the application relates.

No because the planning process is an open and transparent one. Telephone numbers and email addresses will be redacted under GDPR but otherwise all observations/submissions are made available for public inspection at the Council’s offices and on the Council’s website under Section 38 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended.  This information is processed in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended and is made available to An Bord Pleánala in the case of an appeal under Section 127 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended.

Please be mindful of the public nature of all information submitted.

Part B of the planning application form contains the applicant’s personal details and is not made available for public inspection. All other planning application documentation is made available for public inspection at the Council’s offices and on the Council’s website under Section 38 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended.  This information is processed in accordance with Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended and is made available to An Bord Pleánala in the case of an appeal under Section 127 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended.

Please be mindful of the public nature of all information submitted.

Contact Details

Planning Department

Telephone Number