Administration Intermediate

Building Permit in France: How to Apply Step by Step

12 min read

The Building Permit — A Mandatory Step

For any new house construction, a building permit is mandatory. It officially authorises your project. Without it, you cannot lay the first stone.

Required Documents

THE 8 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 1 SITE PLAN 2 BLOCK PLAN 3 CROSS SECTION 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 5 ELEVATIONS & ROOF 6 LANDSCAPE INSERTION 7 CLOSE-UP PHOTO 8 WIDE-ANGLE PHOTO

Your building permit application typically includes:

Document Description
Site plan Location of the plot on a map
Block plan Layout of the building on the plot
Cross-section Cut-through showing terrain and building levels
Project description Written overview of the project
Elevation plans All facades and roof views
Landscape insertion Visual showing how the building fits in
Close-up photo Photo of the immediate surroundings
Wide-angle photo Photo showing the broader context

💡 Tip — Use a professional architect or draughtsman for the plans. A well-presented file is far more likely to be approved without requests for additional information.

BUILDING PERMIT TIMELINE 1 Submit application to council Application form + required documents 1 to 8 2 Review period — 2 months 3 months if heritage area 2-3 MONTHS 3 Permit granted Approved — or request for additional documents 4 Display on site — 2 months Regulation sign visible from the public road 2 MONTHS 5 Third-party appeal period expired ⚠️ NEVER start works before this date ✓ Construction can begin! Declare start of works to the council Total ≈ 4-5 months

Timelines

  • Submission: at the town hall or online
  • Review period: typically 2 months for a house
  • Display: the permit must be displayed on site for 2 months after approval
  • Validity: 3 years (extendable twice by 1 year)

⚠️ Warning — Never start work before the third-party appeal period (2 months after display) has expired. A neighbour can challenge your permit during this time.

After Approval

  • Display the permit on site (regulation sign)
  • Declare the start of works
  • Comply with all permit conditions
  • Declare completion of works at the end