All development requires planning permission unless it is an exempted development. Exempted developments are listed in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). Most of the exemptions contain certain conditions and limitations. If the terms of conditions and limitations cannot be complied with, the development cannot be considered an exempted development. There are also further restrictions on development listed under Article 9 of those Regulations. (click here to view Planning and Development Regulations 2001)

Section 5 Declaration

• If a question arises as to whether or not a development is or is not exempted development, a person may apply to the planning authority for a declaration on the question. This is known as a "Section 5 Declaration".
• In order to apply for a Section 5 referral it is necessary for the applicant to submit; application form, location map, drawings of the proposed development in question, full details and description of the proposed development, and the fee of €80.00
• The planning authority shall issue the declaration, within 4 weeks of the receipt of the request.
• The planning authority may require further information to be submitted to enable the authority to issue the declaration. In this regard, a declaration shall issue within three weeks of the receipt of this further information.
• Declaration Under Section 5 Application Form