Exempted Development
Exempted development is development for which planning permission is not required and is generally of a minor nature.
Details of exempted developments, including conditions and limitations are contained in Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
Should you have any doubt regarding compliance with the relevant class of exemption, or require formal clarification from the Planning Authority on whether a development is considered exempt from the requirement for planning permission, then it is advised to make an application for a Section 5 Declaration to the Planning Authority.
In order to make an application under Section 5 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), you must complete the appropriate Application Form linked below. In addition, you are required to include a Site Location Map, Site Layout Plan, Floor and Elevation Plans (sufficiently detailed and scaled) to illustrate the proposed development.
When you have completed the appropriate Application Form and prepared the required maps and plans, the completed application, together with the statutory fee of €80, should be returned as follows to:
The Planning Section, Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow, R93E7R7.
Unless further information is sought by the Planning Authority, a decision will be issued within 4 weeks of receipt of the application. You can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
If you wish to appeal a decision made by Carlow Planning Authority on an Application for a Section 5 Declaration, the appeal is made directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP), the national independent statutory body for determining planning appeals.
For the definitive and most up‑to‑date guidance (who can appeal, time limits, fees, and how to submit, including online), please see Welcome to An Coimisiún Pleanála | An Coimisiún Pleanála