How Ignoring Planning Rules Could Affect Your Home Insurance
Quote Devil reveals the hidden home improvement rules in Ireland that could land homeowners with hefty fines.
Homeowners in Ireland could face a minimum fine of €10,000 for unauthorised renovations.
Home improvements such as building porches or fences, may require planning permission if certain rules are not met.
Failing to remove construction debris properly or using a skip without a permit can lead to fines starting at €1,500 and one year imprisonment.
Ignoring planning regulations could also affect home insurance coverage.
Many homeowners will look to tackle improvements to their property during spring and summer months, but strict rules and regulations must be followed to avoid costly consequences. To help them steer clear of unexpected fines, Quote Devil has highlighted lesser-known projects that require planning permission or approvals and provided expert advice on ensuring renovations remain legally compliant.
Not adhering to planning permission could mean a fine of €5,000 and six months imprisonment
Some building renovations need planning permission, but if you fail to gain this ahead of carrying out the changes, you could face penalties under the Planning and Development Act.
If these rules aren’t followed and permission isn’t obtained, homeowners could face penalties up to €10,000,000, with minor violations causing a fine of up to €5,000, and up to 6 months in prison. Homeowners could even receive an enforcement notice requiring them to undo the work.
Here are some lesser-known home improvements that require planning permission:
Building a porch less than 2 metres from the road, or bigger than 2 square metres in size
If a porch is planned within two metres of a public road or exceeds two square metres in size, planning permission is required. Additionally, the porch height must not exceed four metres (if it has a pitched roof) or three metres (for other roof types).
Building a fence at the front of a property higher than 2 metres
If you build or modify a gate, fence, or wall, it must meet strict conditions:
Front fences and gates must not exceed 2 metres in height.
Side and rear fences must not exceed 2 metres.
Concrete walls visible from public areas must be rendered.
Metal palisades and security fences are not permitted.
Constructing paths, drains or ponds that are more than 1 metre above or below the level of the adjoining ground
If you raise or lower the ground level of their property by more than one metre, planning permission is needed. This applies to any form of landscaping, including building raised patios, steps, or garden ponds.
Failing to remove construction debris could incur €1,500 fine
According to Waste Management Act, 1996, is is illegal to dispose of construction waste without a proper license. Those caught dumping or collecting waste without the necessary permissions could face a fine of up to €1,500 for a summary conviction – or, in severe cases, fines of up to €10,000,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
If you turn to a skip to help avoid the above fines, be cautious of your council's rules. Most councils have specific rules requiring skip permits, so it's important to review your councils guidelines to ensure you remain compliant.
In Dublin, for example, if placing a skip on a public road a permit is required – especially in areas with parking restrictions, such as clearways or paid parking zones. Skips must also meet visibility and safety regulations, including:
Reflective markings at least 150mm high on all sides.
Not being overloaded beyond one metre above the upper edge.
Being removed within 24 hours of filling.
If a permit is not gained, and the relevant markers not in place, you could be risking a fine of up to €1,000.
Ian O'Reilly at Quote Devil shares top tips on how homeowners can avoid being caught out when making changes to their home: "Many homeowners are unaware that even minor home improvements can carry serious legal consequences if planning rules aren’t followed. Something as simple as building a porch too close to the road, putting up a tall fence, or improperly using a skip can result in fines or even jail time.
“To avoid costly penalties, always check with your local planning authority before making structural changes to your home or any building. A quick consultation can save you thousands and ensure your project is compliant with the law.
“Failing to follow planning regulations doesn’t just result in fines, it can also affect your home insurance. Many insurers require homeowners to meet all legal requirements when making property changes. If unauthorised work leads to damage or legal issues, your insurance provider may refuse to cover claims, leaving you to pay out of pocket. Always notify your insurer before making modifications to ensure you remain fully protected.”
