Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?
Many garden rooms in Ireland don't need planning permission if they're no more than 25 square metres, stay behind the front of the house, leave at least 25 square metres of garden and stay within height limits. They can't be used as a separate home.
- Up to 25m² can be exempt
- Height limits apply
- At least 25m² of garden must remain
- Can't be used to live in
When a garden room can be exempt
Broadly, a garden room, shed or similar structure can be exempt when:
- The total floor area of such structures is no more than 25 square metres
- It's behind the front building line of the house
- At least 25 square metres of private garden remains
- Height stays within the limits, which are lower for flat roofs than pitched roofs
- It's used for purposes connected to enjoying the house, not as a separate home
What you can use it for
Home offices, gyms, studios and playrooms are generally fine. Using it as sleeping accommodation, a separate home or a business with customers visiting usually needs planning permission.
Costs
A garden room in Dublin typically costs €20,000–€50,000, depending on size and finish. See garden room installation.
Frequently asked questions
How big can a garden room be without planning permission?
Broadly, up to 25 square metres, provided the other conditions are met.
Can I sleep in a garden room?
Not without planning permission. Exempt garden rooms can't be used as living or sleeping accommodation.
Can I use a garden room as an office?
Generally, yes, for your own use connected to the house.
Does a garden room need Building Regulations approval?
Building Regulations can still apply, especially for electrics and structure. Check with your installer.
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By area:
- Dublin 15: Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart, Ongar, Hansfield, Ashtown
- West Dublin & Leixlip: Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Lucan, Leixlip, Adamstown, Clondalkin
- Dublin North Coast: Raheny, Baldoyle, Donaghmede, Howth, Sutton, Portmarnock, Malahide
- North Dublin City: Artane, Cabra, Clontarf, Coolock, Drumcondra, East Wall, Fairview, Glasnevin, Phibsborough, Stoneybatter
- South Dublin City: Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Sandymount, Ranelagh, Rathgar, Harold's Cross, Churchtown, Dundrum
- Dún Laoghaire & South Coast: Blackrock, Booterstown, Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney
- Stillorgan, Sandyford & Foxrock: Mount Merrion, Stillorgan, Goatstown, Sandyford, Cherrywood, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Deansgrange
- North County Dublin: Swords, Lusk, Rush, Skerries
- South West Dublin: Tallaght, Citywest, Firhouse, Knocklyon, Ballyboden, Templeogue, Walkinstown, Kimmage, Rathfarnham, Terenure
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