Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) Regulations 2026

The most recent updates to the Regulations which become effective on the 27th July 2026 provide for certain exemptions for Houses.   The changes now being introduced are based around two core policy principles:

1. Administrative expediency, lifting a regulatory burden on the citizen while also enabling planning authorities to focus limited technical resources on more complex cases that merit greater examination.

2. Maximising the efficient use of existing residential accommodation through enhancements, expansion, or adaptation over the different stages of the life cycle. 

    

The seven Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000) Regulations, 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 and roof lights on the principal 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. 

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.

Two of the above new exemptions Class 1A (Sub-division of Principal Dwelling) and Class 3A (Detached House in Rear Garden of a Principal House) require notification to the Planning Authority at least 14 days before the development takes place.  Both Regulations (Class 1A and Class 3A) are time-bound and the related exemption provisions will expire on 31 December 2030.   In all cases, any relevant Building and Fire Regulations, including those for habitable dwellings where applicable, will continue to apply.