Exempt Change of Use Notifications
Change of Use Exemption from Commercial to Residential
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 2025 (S.I. 648 of 2025) extends to 31 December 2028 the exemption given by SI 30 of 2018 and SI 75 of 2022.
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 2028.
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)
SI No 648 of 2025 Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) Regulations 2025
Notification Form - Exempt Change of Use to Residential
Register of Notifications
2018 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2019 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2020 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2021 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2022 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
2023 Exempt Change of Use Notifications
- Make a Submission on a Planning Application
- Planning Compliance
- Large-scale Residential Developments (LRD)
- Exempted Development Applications
- Exempt Change of Use Notifications
- Development Contributions
- Taking in Charge of Residential Development
- Pre-Planning Consultations
- Make a Planning Application
- Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026