How to obtain French planning permission

If you are eyeing a ruin that could be your dream home after a bit of restoration, then you will most likely need planning permission. Here are ten key planning points set by David Fuller:

1. Any work that will change the exterior look of your property in France or its use, needs planning permission (Certificate d’urbanism). You have to obtain a Certificate d’urbanism (CU) prior to applying for the Permis de construire (full planning permission) which will be required before you can actually start work on a building especially for an extensive restoration. For minimal work, less than 20 square metres, where there is no change to the property’s exterior or use, your notaire can arrange suitable permission at the time of purchase. Also, you don’t need a CU for open air swimming pools.

2. Make sure that you have the suitable get out clauses (conditions suspensives) included in your purchasing contract (Compromis de Vente) before buying a property that requires extensive work.

3. Be sure that it is clear who exactly is requesting the primary planning permission for you and that they are 100 per cent sure what it is you are looking for. Most notaries carry out this task but land surveyors (Geometre) can also make the applications for CU.

4. The Notarie or Geometre will file your application at the local Town Hall (Mairie) for consideration by the mayor and the town council. If your property is not ‘protected’ or situated in a ‘protected village’, and will not affect other nearby properties such as block the sunlight in their garden, then your application may get the mayor’s approval. But if your property is closeby to a listed historical monument, there could be further complications.

5. When the application is approved, the mayor will submit this for further approval to the departmental planning office (Direction Departmentale de l’Equpement). When further approved, you can be granted the Certificate d’urbanism.

6. The CU is valid for one year from the date of issue and can be renewed for another year if you apply before the expiry. You should apply within 24 months from the certificate’s issuance if you need a Permis de construire to continue with work.

7. You have to submit complete drawings of the work you plan to accomplish when you apply for a Permis de construire. A professional architect must furnish blueprints for you if the work covers an area of more than 170 square metres. But if its less than this, you may submit the drawings yourself. A professional is advisable unless you are completely sure of what you are doing.

8. Lodge these plans with the marie again which will take at least three months to process. Be sure you receive a written confirmation of reception.

9. When granted permission, you usually have two years to carry out any work but it is possible to get an extension for up to 12 months normally.

10. After obtaining a planning permission, you can just relax while the builders work on your property.

Posted on: France

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How to obtain French planning permission

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