Building Permit in France vs Déclaration Préalable: Which Planning Permission Do You Need?

If you’re planning to build, extend, or renovate a property in France, understanding which planning permission applies — a Building Permit (Permis de Construire) or a Prior Declaration (Déclaration Préalable) — is essential to ensure your project is approved smoothly.

Understanding Planning Permissions in France

In France, two main types of planning permissions regulate construction projects:

·       Permis de construire (Building Permit)

·       Déclaration préalable de travaux (Prior Declaration of Works)

Both types of planning permission are part of the French urban planning regulations (Code de l’Urbanisme).

The Building Permit requires a more extensive application and involves longer processing times — typically two months for a private house — whereas the Prior Declaration of Works is processed within one month.

The Building Permit in France (Permis de construire)

A Building Permit, often abbreviated as PC, is required when the project creates or increases the building footprint (emprise au sol) or the floor area (surface de plancher).

The Prior Declaration of Works (Déclaration préalable)

The Prior Declaration, or DP, applies to most other cases, such as smaller extensions, exterior modifications, or changes in façade materials.

How to Know Which Planning Permission Applies

The exact rules defining which authorization is required are set out in the French Urban Planning Code (Code de l’Urbanisme). You can consult the official government website service-public.fr for clear, up-to-date information on these procedures.

However, in many cases the distinction is not immediately obvious. That’s why it is always advisable to present your project to the local planning department before submitting your application. This step not only helps confirm which type of authorization you need, but also gives you valuable preliminary feedback from the municipality — often preventing unnecessary delays or refusals later on.

How DN Architectes Can Help

At DN Architectes, we always follow this approach to ensure that each application is well-prepared and aligned with local planning requirements, especially  in the South of France, in areas such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, or Antibes.

If you need assistance with your Prior Declaration of Works or Building Permit in France, DN Architectes is the right partner to guide you through every stage of the process.

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