Applying for Planning Permission

[Sue]

I own a maison secondaire with approx 6 acres of land in the Lot region and would like to build a new house on part of that land. I know that I'll need to obtain planning permission but have no idea what's involved or even who I should apply to. Can anyone offer any advice or explain the process for me? I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone who has been through the process themselves & can suggest any do's & don'ts.  It doesn't help that my French is not good ('O' level but rusty) and the local maire doesn't speak English.

 

[Cassis]

First of all consult the Mairie where they will have the plan cadastral showing whether the land you own has a certificat d'urbanisme allowing you to build on it.

You then need to apply for a permis de construire at the Mairie and submit it together with detailed plans and specifications of what is proposed.  If your French is not very good then you will need help from someone to complete the form.  PLenty of peole have been through the process - if you type 'permis de construire' in the search box then you should find loads of information on the ins and outs and what to expect if you read through the results.

Good luck with your project! [:)]

[Albert the InfoGipsy]

First question: How is the land zoned? (in English terms, is it green belt, etc?) In France pretty well all land is in one of a number of zones that, for your purposes can be divided into 'constructible' and 'non-constructible'. In constructible zones you can expect to be allowed to build, assuming you obey all the more detailed rules.

If it's a recent purchase then try asking the agent or the notaire about it.

The map (cadastre) that should have formed part of the purchase deed may show the status of the land. In my case part of the land is constructible and the rest isn't and although it isn't shown on the cadastre it is referred to as "partiellement constructible" in the deed.

Assuming that there is some constructible land then usually there is a percentage value assigned in the local "development plan" (UK term used) which for rural areas might be around the 20-30% mark.

Although you may have a bit of constructible land it may still not get permission if it is too far from things like water and electricity mains or for other reasons.

Once you've found out if you have any land that is potentially constructible then come back for more.

As far as dealing with all this is concerned you have to either improve your French massively or hire a translator/interpreter to help you through it all.

If you get past these hurdles then next stop: Certificat d'Urbanism (outline planning permission).