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Can you rebuild an “identical” building after it has been destroyed or demolished?

Verified 23 February 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

A building can be rebuilt "identically" in a 10 years after destruction or demolition even if its reconstruction is against the city planning rules in force.

This only applies to legally constructed buildings. You must prove that the construction was authorized by a building permit or that it was prior to June 15, 1943.

The new building must be strictly identical to the one who has been destroyed or demolished.

However, this reconstruction can be refused if the MORE, the municipal map or the PNPRP: titleContent contain special provisions which preclude this.

Warning  

If the reconstructed building is not identical, your application for authorization will be processed according to the city planning regulations in force.

Even if you are rebuilding a building "identically", you must request a building permit or file a preliminary declaration of works in town hall.

Who shall I contact

This authorization depends on the surface area of the building.

Detached house of more than 20 m²

If you are building a detached house of more than 20 m² of floor area orground right-of-way, you must file a building permit in town hall.

You can take your steps on the internet or on a building permit form.

On the Internet

You should check with your city council or its website to find out if it has an online service to complete your application online.

Who shall I contact

Municipalities with more than 3,500 inhabitants have a specific online service for the seizure and deposit of city planning authorizations.

If your municipality has not set it up, you can use an Internet-based support service that guides you through each step of compiling your file.

You can complete and print the DP file using this assistance even if your municipality is not connected to it. From the beginning of the seizure, you will be informed if your municipality is connected.

Support for your city planning authorization request

Other building of more than 20 m²

If you build a building of more than 20 m² of floor area orground right-of-way, you must file a building permit in town hall.

You can take your steps on the Internet or using a form.

On the Internet

You should check with your city council or its website to find out if it has an online service to complete your application online.

Who shall I contact

Municipalities with more than 3,500 inhabitants have a specific online service for the seizure and deposit of city planning authorizations.

If your municipality has not set it up, you can use an Internet-based support service that guides you through each step of compiling your file.

You can complete and print the DP file using this assistance even if your municipality is not connected to it. From the beginning of the seizure, you will be informed if your municipality is connected.

Support for your city planning authorization request

Detached house of less than 20 m²

If you are building a detached house of less than 20 m² of floor area orground right-of-way, you must file a preliminary declaration of works (DP) in town hall.

You can completing your RFP on the Internet or using a form.

On the Internet

You should check with your city council or its website to find out if it has an online service to complete your application online.

Who shall I contact

Municipalities with more than 3,500 inhabitants have a specific online service for the seizure and deposit of city planning authorizations.

If your municipality has not set up an online service, you can use an Internet-based support service that guides you through each step of building your file. You can complete and print the DP file using this assistance even if your municipality is not connected to it. From the beginning of the seizure, you will be informed if your municipality is connected.

Support for your city planning authorization request

Other building of less than 20 m²

If you are building a building of less than 20 m² of floor area orground right-of-way, you must file a preliminary declaration of works (DP) in town hall.

You can completing your RFP on the Internet or using a form.

On the Internet

You should check with your city council or its website to find out if it has an online service to complete your application online.

Who shall I contact

Municipalities with more than 3,500 inhabitants have a specific online service for the seizure and deposit of city planning authorizations.

If your municipality has not set up an online service, you can use an Internet-based support service that guides you through each step of building your file. You can complete and print the DP file using this assistance even if your municipality is not connected to it. From the beginning of the seizure, you will be informed if your municipality is connected.

Support for your city planning authorization request

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

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

    Town Hall