Planning Exemption Certificate

Laois Planning Authority may issue certificates of exemption for developments that do not need planning permission.

Exempted development

Exempt development is development for which planning permission is not required and is generally of a minor nature. 

Details of exempt development including conditions and limitations is contained in Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

In order to be certain that a minor development is exempt from the requirement for planning permission you are advised to make an application to Laois Planning Authority to establish if there is a requirement to obtain planning permission for your proposal under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Acts. 

Is your Development Exempt?

Some minor developments are exempted development, and do not need planning permission.

The following guides to planning permission give more details on whether planning permission is needed:

Doing work around the house (leaflet) 
Agriculture and farm development(leaflet)
Planning and the business person (leaflet) 

Remember, if your property is in an Architectural Conservation Area, Special Amenity Area Order, or is a Protected Structure/Listed Building these exemptions do not apply.

How do I apply?

In order to make an application you must 

  • complete the application form
  • provide a Location Plan, Site Plan, Floor and Elevation Plans (sufficiently detailed and scaled) to illustrate the proposed development
  • enclose a fee of €80 

When you have completed the form and plans, the application together with a fee of €80 should be returned as follows to the Planning Section, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois or email to planning@laoiscoco.ie 

How long does the process take?

Unless further information is sought by the Planning Authority a decision will be issued within four weeks of receipt of the application. 

How can I make an appeal?

You can appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála

Further information

Should you have any further queries, please contact the Planning Department by email on planning@laoiscoco.ie or telephone 057 866 4039