Certificat d’Urbanisme (CU)

If you own (or are buying) a plot of land and wish to build upon it, the first stage is to apply for a 'certificat d’Urbanisme'. This equates roughly to outline planning permission in the UK.

The principle here is to obtain approval to use land for construction (whether for houses, factories, shops, etc). If you are buying land with the intention of building on it, your Notaire will normally ensure the purchase contract includes a clause allowing you to withdraw from the purchase if a CU is not granted. If you have already bought land and have no such certificate, we can deal with the application for you.

Similarly, if you have bought land with existing buildings - a barn perhaps - and wish to ensure that you have outline permission to convert the barn to living accommodation, we can handle this on your behalf.

Permis de Construire (PC)

Within this category there are several types of application for detailed planning consent - new build, conversion, renovation, etc. Other application formats cover building a swimming pool, erecting a greenhouse or a wind-generator.

Because the requirements and accompanying documentation needed for each application vary, we will deal with the appropriate paperwork for you, ensuring the minimum of delay before you can begin your project.

Déclaration Préalable (DP)

Minor alterations to a property's exterior appearance, or small extensions, can often be dealt with under a simplified application called a 'déclaration préalable'. Things like fitting Velux windows, creating new door & window openings, erecting a small garden shed, etc., all fall under this heading. We can prepare the dossier for you, again ensuring the minimum of delay.

Etude de sol

For properties not connected to mains drainage, a private system is required. Planning applications now require details of all existing or proposed private systems (septic tanks, etc.) to be submitted before permission can be granted. As part of our planning application service we can arrange a soil test and certificate of conformity to be carried out on your behalf by a local expert.

Thermal Regulations (RT2012)

Since 2013 many building projects now require conformity with thermal insulation regulations, known in France as « RT2012 ». We can ensure your project includes an appropriate level of insulation and that the application contains all the necessary reports.