Whether or not a specific project will require special permits depends on both the nature of the project and on its location. Renovations or restorations of historical or heritage properties will always require special permits. So will projects with particular site access needs such as temporary road closures or traffic rerouting. Prospective builds in places of outstanding beauty, or projects that will require rezoning, will also need special permission.
As a general rule, non-inhabitable, free-standing buildings such as garden sheds won’t need any planning permission up to 25 square metres. The same holds true for extensions to existing structures up to 40 square metres as long as they haven’t been extended before. However, building regulations do change. It is important to always check with your local planning regulations office before breaking ground or even ordering those imported marble slabs you’ve had your eye on.
Prior to starting, a commencement notice will be required. This document informs the Building Control Authority that work or material change will be undertaken that is subject to building regulations. A commencement notice must be sent out between 14 and 28 days before the start of any construction. Most architectural projects will also need a Fire Safety certificate. Without these documents, you will be unable to take out insurance or mortgages against the property or even legally inhabit it.