Exempted development is development for which planning permission is not required. Categories of exempted development are set out in planning law and usually refer to developments of a minor nature.
In accordance with Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended any person may request a declaration as to whether development is exempt from the requirement for planning permission.
An application should be made in writing to the planning authority, to determine whether a proposal requires permission or is considered exempted development. The application should be accompanied by all relevant site maps, adequate information to enable assessment and include a fee of €80.
The planning authority will then assess the application and make a decision within four weeks. The applicant can appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála, accompanied by a fee (€220).