How Can I Find Out Which Planning Regulations Apply to My Land in France?

Knowing the exact planning regulations applicable to a property in France is essential — and can even determine whether a purchase is worth pursuing. But where can you find this information quickly and reliably?

Below, DN Architectes explains the two most efficient ways to identify which planning rules apply to a specific plot of land.

1. The Planning Certificate (Certificat d’Urbanisme)

The simplest and most reliable method is to request a Planning Certificate, known in France as a Certificat d’Urbanisme (CU). This document informs you of:

·       the planning regulations applicable to your land,

·       the taxes and contributions you may be required to pay,

·       any existing easements (servitudes).

A CU can be requested whether you already own the land or are still considering its purchase.

Where to apply

Your application must be submitted to the Urban Planning and Building Permit Department of the municipality (Service des Autorisations d’Urbanisme).

Each city may have its own preferred method for receiving CU applications. For example, the city of Nice offers three options:

·       Online, via e-permis.fr

·       By registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt

·       By appointment at the town hall

The two types of Planning Certificates

There are two versions of a CU:

·       Informational CU (CU d’information)Choose this if you do not yet have a construction project.

·       Operational CU (CU opérationnel)Choose this if you do have a project in mind. This CU specifies whether your project is, in principle, feasible on the plot.

Documents required

The documentation varies slightly depending on the type:

For an informational CU

·       The appropriate cerfa form (available on service-public.fr)

·       A cadastral plan highlighting your parcel

For an operational CU

All of the above, plus:

·       A short description of your intended project

·       A site plan showing any existing buildings on the land

Processing time

You will receive your certificate within one month of submitting the application.

But what if you don’t have a month to wait?What if you need the information immediately?

2. Geoportail Urbanisme: the quickest way to check planning rules

As we explained in our article How to Obtain a Building Permit in France: Step-by-Step Guide, larger municipalities are usually covered by a PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme — local planning regulations), while smaller villages can fall under the RNU (Règlement National d’Urbanisme — national planning regulations).

To instantly check which one applies to your land, visit the government website:

👉 https://www.geoportail-urbanisme.gouv.fr/

Simply:

1.     Enter the address of your property

2.     Select your cadastral parcel

3.     View the list of all regulations applicable to that site

You will then be able to download and read each relevant document.

However, note that some municipalities have not yet uploaded their planning documents to this platform. As a result, Geoportail Urbanisme does not cover 100% of parcels nationwide. If no documents appear for your property, you will need to contact your city hall directly to obtain the correct regulations.

RNU: National Planning Regulations

If your property is governed by the RNU, the process is quite straightforward.The RNU applies nationwide, so once you read its articles, you will have a clear overview of what is permitted on your plot.

PLU: Local Planning Regulations

If your municipality uses a PLU, the rules become more specific and tailored to each parcel.

⚠️ Important: A PLU consists of many documents. You must consult all of them, because each may apply different constraints to your land.

Examples include:

·       Flood risk prevention plan (PPRI)

·       Technological risk prevention plan (PPRT)

·       Noise exposure zone plan

·       Soil movement and landslide risk plan

·       Forest fire risk map

·       Clay swelling map

·       Safeguarded heritage sector regulations

·       Urban pre-emption rights

·       Zoning map…and many others.

For each category:

1.     Start with the graphic documents to check whether your parcel is affected

2.     Then read the written regulations associated with each constraint

This will give you a complete and accurate picture of what can or cannot be built on your land.

Need help understanding the planning regulations in France?

At DN Architectes, we regularly guide international clients through the complexities of French planning rules — especially in the most sought-after areas of the French Riviera.

If you need assistance analysing your parcel, assessing the feasibility of a project, or preparing a Planning Certificate request, we're here to help.

Contact Us