What authorization should I give to make a terrace?

Verified 14 February 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Want to build a terrace? In some cases, you need to request a city planning authorization. We're presenting the regulations.

To know which city planning authorization to deposit, you need to know whether or not you are in an urban area of a commune covered by a MORE: titleContent or a Land Use Plan (SOP). You should also check if your land is located in a protected area.

You can get this information from your city hall.

Who shall I contact

The sectors protected are:

  • Remarkable heritage sites
  • Historical monuments approaches
  • Site that is ranked or pending ranking
  • Natural reserves
  • Areas to be classified in the heart of a future national park
  • Heart of the national parks
General case

The choice of authorization depends on the type of terrace and/or its surface area.

Terrace on one level

You don't needno city planning authorization to build a ground-level terrace, i.e. non-elevated or very slightly elevated.

Warning  

Your project must comply with the MORE: titleContent, even if it is not subject to authorization. Before starting your work, you must consult the PLU or the city planning document in lieu in town hall.

Elevated terrace

The choice of city planning authorization depends on the situation of your land and the surface of your building.

In an urban area of a municipality covered by a PLU or equivalent document

You can create up to 40 m² terrace with a preliminary declaration of works.

If the area of your terrace is more than 40 m², you have to ask for a building permit.

In a municipality not covered by a local city planning plan

If the surface of your terrace is more than 5 m² and that she is less than or equal to 20 m², you must file a preliminary declaration of works.

If the surface of your terrace is more than 20 m², you must file a building permit.

Protected area

Terrace on one level

One preliminary declaration of works is mandatory for a single-story terrace regardless of its surface.

Elevated terrace

The choice of city planning authorization depends on the situation of your land and the surface of your building.

In an urban area of a municipality covered by a PLU or equivalent document

You can create up to 40 m² terrace with a preliminary declaration of works.

If the surface of your terrace is more than 40 m², you have to ask for a building permit.

In a municipality not covered by a local city planning plan

The surface of your terrace is more than 5 m² and she's less than or equal to 20 m², you must file a preliminary declaration of works.

If the surface of your terrace is more than 20 m², you must file a building permit.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For information on city planning regulations and administrative procedures

    Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service

    The informants who answer you belong to the ministry in charge of housing and city planning.

    Cost: free service

    Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.

    The service is available at the following times:

    • Monday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
    • Tuesday: 8:30 to 12:15
    • Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
    • Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
    • Friday: 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m
    • Lundi : de 08h30 à 17h30
    • Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
    • Mercredi : de 08h30 à 12h15
    • Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
    • Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15

    Request a call

  • For information on your local city planning plan or advance declaration file

    Town Hall