With warmer days fast approaching, do you want to transform your terrace into a living space from morning to night by installing a pergola? You probably have many questions, including this one: “Do I need authorization to install a pergola on my terrace?” You are right to ask this question, and our experts will answer it in this article.
What the law says
Even if a pergola will beautify your outdoor space, it is still subject to certain regulations that you must respect. First, you will need to consult the Local Urban Plan (PLU).
This document is very important for municipalities because it precisely divides the sectors of cities or a community of municipalities. In addition to this segmentation, this document also frames urban projects, including the installation of your future pergola. It is also thanks to this document that municipalities and their residents are aware of classified and/or historic sites, as well as zones classified as natural biological reserves.
The Local Urban Plan (PLU) does not concern all types of pergolas and only focuses on a few:
- The lean-to bipod pergola: With only 2 feet on a base plate, the rest of the structure rests on the exterior facade of your home.
- The freestanding pergola: With its four feet on base plates, it can be installed anywhere on your terrace, depending on its dimensions.
- The bioclimatic pergola: Based on the same structure as the freestanding pergola, this one is equipped with a roof of adjustable louvers (manually or by remote control) to manage heat and light.
What do I need to do to have my pergola built?
If my pergola is less than 20m²
If the pergola you plan to install in your garden is less than 20m², you will need to go to the town hall to submit a prior declaration of works (because your project falls under the category of “Creation of floor area or ground footprint“).
Before you start, remember to consult the Local Urban Plan to avoid the unpleasant surprise of a prior declaration being refused due to a condition not met.
If my pergola is more than 20m²
If the pergola you dream of installing on your garden terrace is more than 20m², you will then need to apply for a building permit. As with pergolas under 20m², consult the PLU to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Where should I go to consult?
The Local Urban Plan (PLU)
To consult the Local Urban Plan, two solutions are available to you:
- Go directly to the urban planning department of your town hall and meet with an assistant or the person in charge.
- Consult your city’s website in the urban planning section (if it has one) and access the PLU for your city or community of municipalities freely.
The prior declaration of works
Once the PLU has been consulted, you can contact your town hall to submit a request using a paper form or electronically through the urban planning authorization request assistance.
The building permit application
The building permit application can be submitted through several channels. As with the prior declaration, you can go to your local town hall to complete a paper form. It is also possible to complete it electronically with the urban planning authorization request assistance.
For building permits, if you reside within Paris city limits, you benefit from special processing. You must submit your application to the User Welcome and Service Office (BASU) electronically.
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