The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018 - S.I. No. 30 of 2018 - which came into operation on 8 February 2018, provided for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises, including vacant areas above ground floor premises, to residential use. The regulations are primarily aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply.
The Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 75 of 2022) extends to 31 December 2025 the exemption given by SI 30 of 2018
In order to avail of the exemptions being provided for, the structure, or part of the structure, which is the subject of the change of use must have been vacant for at least 2 years immediately prior to the commencement of the relevant works, with such works being required to be completed by 31 December 2025.
A planning authority must be notified in writing of the details of the development at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the proposed change of use, and related works, and the notification must include information on the location and details of residential units being developed. For more information please see the relevant regulations.
Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018.pdf (size 46.7 KB)
2018 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2019 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2020 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2021 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
