Submit your building permit application online

As of January 1, 2024, you can submit your building permit application online, which offers significant time savings and increased efficiency for both individuals and the relevant agencies.
 

For a long time, submitting a building permit application involved filling out a paper form in multiple copies and then delivering it in person or by certified mail with return receipt requested to the appropriate department at your city hall. Today, while this method is still an option, you can also submit your application online.
 

All municipalities must now establish a procedure allowing for the online submission of building permit applications. This can be done via a dedicated email address, a contact form, or an online service. In addition, municipalities with more than 3,500 residents are required to have a “specific online procedure enabling them to receive and process planning permit applications electronically,” in accordance with Article L.423-3 of the Urban Planning Code, which stems from Article 62 of the ELAN Act.
 

Processing times remain unchanged
Processing times for building permit applications remain the same, regardless of the submission method chosen:
• If your application is incomplete, the city hall has 1 month to request the missing documents from you.
• If the application is complete, the city has 2 months to review it. At the end of this period, if you have not received a response, you have tacit approval from the city.
• A building permit is valid for 3 years and may be extended twice for 1 year each upon request to the appropriate authorities.
 

Mandatory Signage
Don't forget to post a building permit sign on your property—it's mandatory. This sign must be visible from the public right-of-way and include key project details, such as the nature of the work, the floor area, and the contact information for the permit holder.
 

You must obtain a building permit if you are building a single-family home larger than 20 square meters. Certain types of work—such as additions, excavation, or renovations (e.g., converting an attic)—may also require a building permit. Consult the Local Urban Planning Plan (PLU) for the municipality where the property is located, and if in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the relevant town hall departments.
For new construction or additions with a total floor area exceeding 150 square meters, hiring an architect is mandatory. This requirement ensures that projects comply with current building and zoning codes.
 

The shift to online building permit applications represents a significant step forward in streamlining administrative procedures. It saves individuals time and allows municipal departments to process applications more efficiently. For more information, contact your local city hall or visit your municipality’s official website.