Any new build, extension or major alteration requires a permit issued by the commune, after examination by a committee bringing together the urban planning agency, the civil protection service and the utility operators.
The file must be drawn up by an architect registered with the Order, accompanied where necessary by a structural engineer and a surveyor. The starting point is not the plans, but the planning certificate: it is what tells you what the land actually allows.
Documents required
- Title deedOr a recent certificate of ownership issued by the ANCFCC
- Planning certificateSets the rules applying to the land: height, footprint, use
- Architectural plansSigned by an architect registered with the Order
- Topographical surveyDrawn up by an approved surveyor
- Structural calculation noteFor buildings that require one
- CNIE of the applicantOr a power of attorney if the owner is not present
The procedure, step by step
- Obtain the planning certificate
Before anything else, and ideally before buying the land: it determines what can be built.
- Have the file drawn up by an architect
Using an architect registered with the Order is a legal obligation, not an option.
- Submit it to the commune
The file goes to the technical committee for examination.
- Respond to the comments
Requests for changes are the rule rather than the exception; answering them quickly shortens the processing time appreciably.
- Collect the permit and open the site
It must be displayed on the land for the whole duration of the works.
- Apply for the occupancy permit
At the end of the works, once compliance has been confirmed. Without it, there is no final utility connection and no untroubled sale.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Buying land without a planning certificate: the plot ratio or the permitted use may make the project impossible.
- Building before the permit has been granted, which risks the site being shut down and the building demolished.
- Neglecting the occupancy permit at the end of the works: it holds up the final utility connection and any resale.
- Running a building site from abroad with no project manager and no power of attorney - this is the situation in which costs run away.
Frequently asked questions
Is an architect compulsory?
Yes, for drawing up the permit file. The law reserves that task for architects registered with the National Order.
How much does a permit cost?
The commune taxes depend on the floor area and the nature of the project. The main item remains the professionals’ fees - architect, surveyor, engineer.
Can the file be followed from abroad?
With a power of attorney given to the architect or to a representative, yes. For an actual building site, a project manager on the ground remains essential: supervising from a distance is the main source of cost overruns.
Last updated: January 2026 · Indicative estimate - check with the relevant administration.