Do you need planning permission for electrical work?

What the planning rules cover

Planning permission in Ireland is governed by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations. The exemptions that apply to most home electrical works are set out in Schedule 2 of the regulations, which lists classes of development that are exempt from planning permission.

Internal electrical works, such as rewiring, fuse board replacements, new circuits, or socket additions, are entirely internal to the structure of a dwelling. They do not alter the external appearance of a building or its use. Planning permission is not required for these works.

Common works: planning status

EV charger installation: planning exemption conditions

Under SI 461 of 2022, domestic EV charger installation (EVSE) on a dwelling is exempt from planning permission provided all of the following conditions are met:

• The charger is installed on the wall of the dwelling or on a standalone post in the curtilage (garden or driveway)
• No more than one charger is installed per dwelling
• The charger does not project more than 0.2m from the wall surface (for wall-mounted units)
• The installation does not involve excavation in a public road
• The charger is for use by the occupants of the dwelling, not for commercial resale of electricity

Even under the exemption, the installation itself is restricted electrical work and must be carried out by a RECI-registered contractor who will issue a completion certificate. Without the cert, your SEAI Home EV Charger Grant claim will be rejected.

Solar PV panels: planning exemption conditions

Solar PV panels on a dwelling are exempt from planning permission under SI 461 of 2022, subject to the following conditions:

• The total area of panels does not exceed 50% of the total roof area
• Panels on the front roof face must not project more than 150mm above the roof surface
• Panels do not extend beyond the roof ridge line
• The installation does not affect the structure of the roof
• The property is not a protected structure or in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)

For protected structures or properties within an Architectural Conservation Area, you must apply to your local authority for planning permission before installing panels. Contact your local authority planning department to confirm the status of your property.

The electrical connection of solar panels to your home's wiring is restricted electrical work. A RECI-registered contractor must carry out this element and issue a completion certificate for the electrical installation.

Works that may require planning permission

While most domestic electrical works are exempt, the following situations may require planning permission and you should check with your local authority:

• Solar or wind installations on protected structures or in ACAs
• Large commercial solar or wind installations
• Substations or significant electrical infrastructure on commercial sites
• External cables or equipment that materially alters the appearance of a building
• Works that form part of a larger development requiring permission

Planning exemption does not mean you can skip the cert

Planning permission and electrical certification are two entirely separate requirements. A work being exempt from planning permission has no bearing on whether a completion certificate is required.

Restricted electrical works, which include fuse board replacements, new circuits, rewires, EV charger connections, and solar PV connections, always require a completion certificate from a RECI-registered contractor regardless of planning status.