One of the first questions we hear from customers across Ireland is simple: "Do I need planning permission for a garden room?" The good news is that in many cases, you don't — as long as your structure stays within the exempted development rules.
The 25 m² Exemption
Under Irish exempted development regulations, you can generally build a garden structure at the side or rear of your house without planning permission if:
- Total area: The combined floor area of all garden structures does not exceed 25 m².
- Garden space: At least 25 m² of open private garden space remains after the build.
- Height: The structure stays under 3 m (flat roof) or 4 m (pitched roof).
- Use: The room is not used as a separate dwelling — home offices, studios, gyms and hobby rooms are fine.
When You Do Need Permission
If you plan to sleep in the cabin permanently, rent it out as accommodation, or exceed the size limits, a planning application is required. Our team has guided dozens of Irish customers through this process — see our planning and regulations guide for the full step-by-step breakdown.
Start with the Right Model
Many of our compact studio cabins are designed with the exemption limits in mind. If you want a larger family unit, we'll help you prepare the drawings and documents your County Council needs.
Not sure which route applies to your site? Contact us for a free consultation — we'll assess your garden and tell you exactly where you stand.