Notifying your council about a Class 3A garden home

What the notification is

The July 2026 regulations created two new exemptions that need notification: Class 1A (splitting a house into two units) and Class 3A (a detached garden home). Councils publish one combined form for both. You fill in the Class 3A parts.

The notification lets the council know the work is happening and record it. It doesn't replace any condition. If the build doesn't meet every Class 3A condition, it isn't exempt, whether or not you notified.

When to send it

• At least 14 days before work starts. To be safe, allow 14 full days after the council receives it, and allow extra time for post.
• Before any work on site, including clearing the ground or digging foundations.
• In time to finish by 31 December 2030, when the exemption ends for work not completed.

What to include

Forms vary slightly by council. Expect to give:

• Your name and contact details
• The address and Eircode of the property
• Which exemption you're using (Class 3A)
• The reason for the garden home, for example for a family member
• The size of the garden home and any existing sheds or garden rooms
• The date you plan to start work

Download the form from your own council's planning page and follow its instructions for sending it. Keep a copy, with proof of the date it was sent.

Building control

A Class 3A garden home is a home, so the Building Regulations apply in full, including fire safety. The Department of Housing has published an information note on how the Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations apply to these auxiliary dwellings. Contact your council's building control section before you start to confirm which building control notices and documents you need.

After you send it

1. Wait at least 14 full days after the council receives it.
2. Start work, keeping to the plan you described.
3. Get the electrics, drainage and other works certified as you go.
4. Finish by 31 December 2030.