Smaller units, fewer windows, less shared space – how new regulations will shape apartments
Around 50,000 apartment units in developments that already have planning permission but are not yet started will be allowed to be altered to meet the new standards without having to get fresh permission.
The changes were announced by Minister for Housing James Browne who said they would boost apartment building by cutting construction costs by between €50-100,000 per unit.
Under the changes, the minimum size of a studio apartment reduces from 37 square metres (sqm) to 32 sqm.
The size of a one-bedroom (two person) remains the same at 45sqm.
No change has been made to the two-bedroom, three-person apartment or the two-bedroom, four-person apartment which remain at 63sqm and 73sqm respectively.
However, the 63sqm apartment, which previously could only make up 10pc of units in a development, now faces no such restriction.
The existing three-bedroom, five-person configuration remains the same size at 90sqm.
A new apartment configuration is introduced which will allow three bedrooms for four people.
It will be a minimum of 76sqm and there will be no restriction on how many there are in a development.
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A rule that required 50pc of apartments in a development to be somewhat bigger than the minimum is now reduced to 25pc.
Another rule that required 50pc of apartments in suburban developments and 33pc of apartments in urban developments to be 'dual aspect' - having openable windows on at least two walls – is now reduced to 25pc in all settings.
That may be reduced further on a case-by-case basis for infill developments in urban settings.
A requirement to provide private amenity space by way of gardens, patios or balconies has been reduced to 50pc of apartments but that may be lowered on a case by case basis for infill developments in urban settings.
Requirements for communal outdoor space have not been changed but the regulation that stipulated that indoor space must be set aside for 'communal, community and cultural facilities' has been dropped.
There is also now no restriction on the number of apartments that may be clustered around any one stairwell or lift although fire regulations will still influence this.
Requirements that developments have a mix of apartment sizes and types are dropped so in theory a development could consist solely of one apartment type.
The regulations take effect immediately, with potential implications for developments currently being designed or going through the planning process as developers may wish to amend them.
Developments that already have permission but are not commenced will be able to have amendments signed off without having to start afresh with a new planning application.
A legislative amendment to the Planning and Development Act required for this to happen is to be passed shortly.
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