Can we build on agricultural land?

Verified 30 March 2022 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister), Ministry of city planning

In principle, agricultural land cannot be built because it is protected because of its agronomic, biological or economic value. However, there are exceptions.

The rules vary according to the situation of your municipality.

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Municipality with a local city planning plan (PLU)

The PLU delimits the territory of the municipality into different zones: urban zone (U), urbanization zone (AU), natural zone (N), agricultural zone (A).

It lays down the rules applicable within each of these zones.

In zone A, construction is prohibited. However, without this being an obligation, the PLU may authorize the following projects:

  • Extension of the residential building
  • Construction of an annex near an existing building
  • Buildings for the use of dwellings for farmers whose permanent presence on the holding is strictly essential for the exercise of his activity
  • Constructions required for the maintenance of agricultural equipment by agricultural equipment cooperatives
  • Buildings and installations necessary for farming or storage (barns, silos, sheds, stables, chicken coops, stables...)
  • Constructions and installations necessary for the processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural products, extension of the production process
  • Buildings and installations necessary for collective equipment (wind turbines, power line...)

Some buildings designated by the PLU may be subject to a change of destination.

Buildings and changes of destination must be compatible with the exercise of an agricultural, pastoral or forestry activity on the ground and safeguard natural spaces or landscapes.

Municipality with a municipal map

The municipal map is a simplified city planning document. It delineates the constructible and non-constructible sectors. The change of destination of a building is possible.

In the non-constructible sectors, constructions are, in principle, not allowed. However, the following actions may be possible:

  • Adaptation, rehabilitation, extension of existing constructions
  • Construction of an annex near an existing building
  • Buildings and installations necessary for public facilities (wind turbines, water tower, etc.)
  • Constructions and installations necessary for the agricultural holding, the processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural products, extension of the production process
  • Buildings and facilities required for natural resource development
  • Constructions and facilities necessary for the storage and maintenance of agricultural equipment of agricultural equipment use cooperatives

Buildings and changes of destination must be compatible with the exercise of an agricultural, pastoral or forestry activity on the ground and safeguard natural spaces or landscapes.

Municipality without PLU or municipal map

Only the land included in the urbanized areas at the time of application for city planning authorization may be built. These are the existing towns or hamlets and the parcels adjacent to these towns and hamlets.

Outside the urbanized parts of the municipality, construction is prohibited. However, the following actions may be possible:

  • Construction of a new building for residential use within the perimeter grouping the buildings of a former agricultural holding, in compliance with local architectural traditions
  • Buildings and installations necessary for the agricultural holding
  • Constructions and installations necessary for the processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural products, where these activities constitute an extension of the act of production
  • Adaptation, change of destination, rehabilitation, extension of existing constructions
  • Communal facilities
  • Creation of reception areas or passing grounds for travelers
  • Buildings and facilities required for natural resource development

Buildings and changes of destination must be compatible with the exercise of an agricultural, pastoral or forestry activity on the ground and safeguard natural spaces or landscapes.

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