5. Do I Need Planning Permission in France?

1. 5.1. Planning Permission or Works Declaration?
2. 5.2. Works to Main Property
3. 5.3. New/External Building Works
4. 5.4. Creating Openings in Buildings

5.3. New/External Building Works to a Property in France

In relation to external works, the main rules in relation to planning consent are as follows:

5.3.1. Garage/Outbuilding

A planning application is required if the external surface area is greater than 20m², although in urban areas if it is attached to the house you may be entitled to up to 40m² before a planning application is required. Otherwise a works declaration is all that is necessary. Be aware, however, that if the building is being constructed near the boundary of your property, you may not be able to do so, due to controls on 'overlooking'.

5.3.2. Conservatory

A planning application is required where the conservatory is greater than 20m², although in urban areas if it is attached to the property you may be entitled to up to 40m² before a planning application is required. Otherwise it is a works declaration. The rule above regarding building at the perimeter of your property applies as much to conservatories to other buildings and extensions.

5.3.3. External Swimming Pool

If the pool exceeds 10m², but under 100m², then a works declaration is required. If the pool is over 100m² or has a cover above ground that exceeds 1.80m in height, then a planning application is required. Below 10m² surface and 1.80m height no consent at all is required. Above ground pools do not need any consent, unless they are greater than 10m² or higher than 1.80m, and they are installed for a period in excess of three months. Once again, as above, be aware of constraints on constructing near the perimeter of your property.

5.3.4. Caravan/Mobile Home

If you are proposing to live in a caravan/mobile home in the grounds of the property whilst you undertake renovation works, then you are likely to need planning consent if you propose to live in it longer than three months. If the mairie deem no planning consent is required, you would be wise to get written dispensation. A caravan parked in the grounds only for occasional holiday use needs no consent of any kind.

You can read more in our comprehensive guide to Mobile Homes in France.

5.3.5. Boundary Walls/Fences

The local council have discretion to decide whether they wish to adopt a control procedure. If they have not done so then, provided the new wall/fence is under 2 metres in height, no procedure is required. Above 2 metres in height then a works declaration is normally required.

5.3.6. Leisure/Camping/Caravan Sites

If you wish to establish a camping site or leisure facility, then you will need to submit a rather particular type of planning application called a Permis d'Aménager.

5.3.7. Wood Cabins/Log Houses

If you wish to construct an informal wooden building in your grounds, then you will need to submit a works declaration if under 20m² surface area, or a planning application if greater than this amount. The planning laws are silent of the rules governing 'tree houses', presumably because the rules are only applicable to the control and occupation of land. You would be best to discuss with your local council.

5.3.8. Solar Panels

The rules concerning the installation of solar panels depend on where they are installed, their capacity and whether or not it is in a conservation area.

Within a conservation area the installation of solar panels on the roof requires a planning application; the same applies if they are installed on the ground with a power capacity equal to or greater than 3KW.

Outside of a conservation area you are required to submit a works declaration for their installation on the roof; the same applies to their installation on the ground if they have a height greater than 1.80m and a power capacity less than 3KW.

If they are less than 1.80m in height, but with a power capacity greater than 3KW, then a works declaration is also necessary.

If the installation is less than 3KW power capacity and a height less than 1.80m, then any installation on the ground requires no consent, unless it is located within a conservation area.