• The height and roof profile of an extension
• Where the windows are placed in an extension.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

What are the rules regarding the height and roof of an extension?

• Any extension cannot exceed the height of the existing house
• if the rear wall of the house does not include a
  gable, the height of the walls of the extension must
  not exceed the height of the rear wall of the house;
• if the rear wall of the existing house has a gable, the
  walls of the extension (excluding any gable being
  built as part of the extension) shall not be higher
  than the side walls of the house;
• in the case of a flat roofed extension, the height of
  the highest part of the roof may not exceed the
  height of the eaves or parapet. In any other case, no
  part of the new roof may exceed the highest part of
  the roof of the house.
• any windows proposed at ground floor level as part
  of an extension should not be less than 1 metre
  from the boundary they face;
   any windows proposed at above ground level should
  be not less than 11 metres from the boundary they
  face;
• The roof of any such extension should not be used
  as a balcony or roof garden.

What are the rules regarding new windows?

• Any windows proposed at ground floor level as part
  of an extension should not be less than 1 metre
  from the boundary they face;
• Any windows proposed at above ground level should
  be not less than 11 metres from the boundary they
  face.

Can I install a solar panel? 

• Yes. Recently, the governmnet passed planning legislation which allows for the installation of solar without planning permission. 

Can I build a front porch?

• You can build a porch without planning permission, as
  long as it does not exceed 2 square metres in area and is
  more than 2 metres from any public road or footpath.
  Where the porch has a tiled or slated pitched roof, it must
  not exceed 4 metres in height, of 3 metres for any other
  roof type. A front porch within these limits is the only
  type of development allowed to extend beyond the front
  wall of the building (the building line) and still remain
  exempted.

What about walls, fences and gates?

• Capped walls made of brick, stone or block with a
  decorative finish, railings and wooden fences, but not a
  metal palisade or security fences, can be erected without planning permission as long
  as they do not exceed 1.2 metres in height in front of your
  house or 2 metres at the side or rear. If the wall is made
  of plain blocks or mass concrete, it must be rendered or
  plastered. Gates and gateways may be built or replaced
  providing they do not exceed 2 metres in height. You will
  need planning permission if you wish to make a new or
  wider vehicular access to the public road. 

It is extremely important to check if you need planning permission before you start building an extension. If you do not get planning permission when it is needed, you may have to pay a large fine.

Our team of designers are fully trained up on irish planning law and will ensure your plans meet all mandatory regulatory requirenments.