Strategic planning/zoning in France is governed by a combination of national and local regulations. The national regulations are contained in the French planning code (Code de l'urbanisme). The local regulations are mainly prescribed by the municipalities and are contained in local development plans (plans locaux d’urbanisme) or municipal map (carte communale). Typical restrictions include those on height, location, parking spaces, exterior aspects, green areas etc.
The Bioclimatic Local Urban Plan (PLU Bioclimatique), approved on 20 November 2024, introduces stricter environmental regulations for urban development in Paris. It notably mandates greener construction, residential integration in office projects, and building permits linked to positive environmental contributions. This plan marks a major shift toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient city.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Planning permission is normally required before any new building is erected. Refurbishment works on existing buildings can also require planning permission, particularly if:
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Planning law controls the design and appearance of new buildings. The method of construction is governed by building regulations. Public law controls whether a landowner may construct a new building or refurbish an existing building by means of prior planning authorisation, usually a building permit.
Other types of authorisations may be required, depending on factors such as the location of the building, its future intended use and the extent of any contemplated works. These can include a declaration of works, an authorisation to create commercial space, an authorisation for high-rise buildings, authorisations in relation to premises open to the public, a declaration for a change from a residential use to another use (mandatory in certain cities), and an authorisation to create resorts in the mountains.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Legal restrictions concerning the use of the land are contained in the local development plans. A planning permission is required before the use of an existing building can be changed. Changing the designated use of a building is more difficult if said building is originally used for dwelling purposes.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Responsibility for regulating development and designated use of individual parcels of land in France largely lies with local authorities. The mayor of the municipality is responsible for issuing building permits except in certain areas or projects where the person responsible for issuing building permits can be the Prefect.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
This depends on the nature of the development and can only be determined on case-by-case basis but may include various environmental licences and permits.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
The process involves the submission of a planning application form to the mayor of the municipality where the land is located. The mayor then refers the application and the information accompanying it to a range of consultees (including the public, for important projects). The mayor (or the Prefect when competent) either grants or refuses the permission.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Planning permissions can be challenged by third parties (such as neighbours), either within one month from the proper display of the permission on site, in front of the administrative authority who issued the decision (recours gracieux), or within two months in front of the administrative courts (tribunaux administratifs), provided they can evidence an interest to act. If the permission is not displayed, it may be challenged within six months from the achievement of the permitted works.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Planning permissions delivered by the mayor are referred by the municipalities to the Préfets who are the representatives of the French State at the level of each Département.
Planning permissions can be challenged by the Préfet within a two-month period as from their notification to the Préfet. Specific modalities however apply in case of tacit permissions. In this case, the Préfet can ask the mayor/the court to withdraw or cancel a permission on the grounds that it is not legal (mainly because it does not comply with the provisions of the local development plan).
Third parties can also apply to the mayor or the court to withdraw or cancel the permission, sometimes also to the Préfet (ie when the planning permission has been delivered by the mayor on behalf of the State).
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This depends on the subject matter of the application and on the location of the land.
The usual time period is one month for the declarations of work, two months for the demolition permits and building permits related to individual houses, and three months for the other building permits (such time period can be extended depending of specificities of the project).
Once the application has been submitted, the local services specify the effective instruction delay to the applicant within one month. This delay may however be extended in specific circumstances which could not be known in the first month from submission.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
There is a right of appeal against a relevant authority's decision to refuse planning permission. During a period of one month from the receipt of the refusal, the applicant may apply to the mayor to withdraw it and therefore to be granted the permission. The applicant may also request the administrative court, within a period of two months from the receipt of the refusal, to cancel it.
Contrary to what happened previously, challenging a refusal before the mayor does no more suspend the delay of two months to challenge it before court.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Some forms of development will require that the developer and the municipality enter into an agreement under which the developer undertakes in particular to pay for some public facilities that are necessary for the project.
For instance, for construction projects located in a Zone d’Aménagement Concertée area, it is often necessary to purchase construction rights in addition to the land.
The owner (maître d'ouvrage) may have to make a financial contribution to the infrastructure to support new development.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Planning permissions valid as of or granted as from 7 January 2016 are valid for a period of three years. This means that the works must have started during this period although extensions of time may be granted by the authorities. In addition, the works must not be interrupted for more than a year.
It is possible to apply for an extension for an additional year (twice). Any such extension must be applied for no later than two months prior the end of the three-year period.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Local planning authorities have power to serve enforcement notices requiring the cessation of the works carried out without planning permission or in breach of permission.
There are also criminal law sanctions (fines and, in some cases, imprisonment) for non-compliance and a court injunction may be obtained against the owner of the relevant land to enforce compliance (these measures can include a demolition order, a prohibition on reconstructing the building in the event of destruction, or a prohibition on obtaining new planning permissions on the site).
Last modified 17 Mar 2026
Which other statutory permit regimes must be considered in relation to planning/zoning and development?
This depends on the nature of the development and can only be determined on case-by-case basis but may include various environmental licences and permits.
Last modified 17 Mar 2026