Garden Rooms Without Planning Permission: Planning-Exempt Builds Up to 30m²
Since 27 July 2026, Irish homeowners can build a standalone garden room of up to 30m² without a planning application, under the new planning exemptions (S.I. No. 340 of 2026). Garden Office Solutions designs and builds architectural-grade, planning-exempt garden rooms across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and the wider Leinster area. Every build is designed around your garden, your budget and the new rules, with no planning paperwork, no waiting and no uncertainty.
What the 30m² Exemption Covers
The updated exemption applies to standalone garden structures used as part of your home. That includes:
- Garden offices for remote and hybrid working
- Home gyms and fitness studios
- Art and music studios
- Family rooms and playrooms
- Therapy and treatment rooms
- High-quality garden sheds and storage builds
To qualify, your build must meet the standard conditions: it must sit within height limits, respect boundary setbacks, and leave a minimum amount of open private garden space. We check all of this at the design stage, before you commit to anything, so you know from day one that your garden room is fully exempt.
Why 30m² Changes | What Is Possible
The old 25m² limit forced compromises. The new 30m² allowance is the difference between a compact office and a genuinely multi-purpose space. At 30m² you can comfortably fit a full home office with a separate meeting or client area, a gym with changing space and a WC, or a studio with proper storage. Have a look at our projects to see what different footprints deliver in real gardens.
Built Properly: SIP Construction, Not Timber Frame
Planning exemption does not exempt you from building regulations, and this is where garden room providers differ enormously. Garden Office Solutions builds with structural insulated panels (SIPs) rather than basic timber frame. That means:
- A-rated energy performance for year-round use and low running costs
- Superior insulation and airtightness
- Triple glazing and long-life roofing options
- A structure designed to last 40 to 50 years
Your garden room is built on site in around five days, with minimal disruption to your home and garden.
Fixed, Transparent Pricing
No estimates that drift. Our garden rooms are priced fixed by size:
- Garden Room 12.5m² – €19,950
- Garden Room 17.6m² – €26,400
- Garden Room 25m² – €37,500
- Garden Room 26.4m² – €43,600
Larger planning-exempt builds up to 30m² are priced on design. See the full cost breakdown or make an enquiry for a tailored quote.
Need More Than 30m²? The 32 to 45m² Dwelling Exemption
The 2026 regulations also introduced a separate exemption (Class 3A) for self-contained detached dwellings of 32 to 45m², aimed at independent living space for a family member. The conditions are stricter and site-specific, covering access, boundaries and how the unit is used. If this is what you are exploring, talk to us first. We will assess your site honestly and tell you whether it qualifies before you spend anything. You can read a full explanation of the new rules on our blog: The New Garden Room Planning Rules Explained.
Why Homeowners Choose Garden Office Solutions
We are a specialist builder, not a kit reseller. Every garden room is designed for its site, engineered to building regulations, and installed by our own team. From first enquiry to finished room, you deal with the people who design and build your space, and our reviews and gallery show the standard we hold ourselves to on every project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, up to 30m², provided the standard conditions on height, boundaries and garden space are met. We confirm your site qualifies before we build.
Around five days on site, thanks to SIP panel construction manufactured off site.
Yes. Offices, gyms, studios, family rooms and sheds are all covered as standard uses.
They always apply, exemption or not. Our builds meet them as standard. That is the difference between a garden room and a glorified shed.
Start Your Planning-Exempt Garden Room
Get a free site assessment and a fixed quote for your planning-exempt garden room. Call us on 083 811 9134.