Pergola and planning permission: is planning permission required?

Installing a pergola in your garden or on your terrace seems trivial, and yet, depending on the case, it may require an administrative procedure. It all depends on the surface, the type of pergola (lean-to or freestanding), and its impact on the appearance of the building. 

There are two main types of pergola:

• Lean-to pergola: attached to the front of the house.
• Free-standing pergola (or island, or freestanding): resting on four posts, set up in the garden or on a terrace.

The steps to be taken then depend on the structure's footprint:

• Less than 5 m²: no formalities.
• Between 5 m² and 20 m²: declaration préalable de travaux.
• More than 20 m²: permis de construire obligatoire.

If your commune is dotted with a PLU, the building permit threshold can be pushed back to 40 m² for lean-to constructions, provided that the total surface area after work remains below 150 m². Beyond that, the involvement of an architect becomes mandatory. 

Other factors to consider:

• The bioclimatic pergola, even if open, is considered a permanent structure. If it is motorized or equipped with adjustable slats, it is generally treated as a built addition.
• In protected areas, specific rules apply (approaches to historic monuments, listed sites, etc.).

In all cases, it's advisable to consult the urban planning department at your local town hall before undertaking any work.

Once you've identified the authorization required for your pergola project, you'll need to put together a complete file, to be submitted to the town hall. Good preparation avoids refusals and delays.

For a declaration préalable de travaux 
It concerns pergolas from 5 to 20 m² (or up to 40 m² in certain cases in PLU zones). The dossier includes:

• The Cerfa form n°13703*08,
• A plan de masse and a plan de situation,
• A graphic representation of the pergola,
• photos of the surroundings.

The instruction period is approximately 1 month. The absence of a response constitutes tacit acceptance. However, in protected areas, timescales may be extended.

For a building permit 
This is required if your pergola exceeds 20 or 40 m² (depending on the commune) or if you reach a total threshold of 150 m² of built floor area after work. The dossier will include:

• The form Cerfa n°13406*12,
• Detailed plans (facades, sections, roofs),
• Graphic elements to assess visual impact,
• Optionally a thermal study if the pergola is enclosed or habitable.

Application time is generally 2 to 3 months. 
Think about posting the authorization on your property as soon as it's granted, to inform the neighborhood and comply with the legislation.

By entrusting your project to a professional, you ensure:

• A complete and compliant dossier assembly,
• A aesthetic and technical optimization (shapes, colors, options),
• A realization that respects local norms and rules.

Even if a pergola seems straightforward to install, there are several points to bear in mind to avoid administrative blockages or disputes with neighbors. Here are the right reflexes to adopt. 

Consult the PLU: Each commune sets its own rules concerning construction. Some impose colors, maximum heights or distances to be respected in relation to separating boundaries.

Respect legal distances: A lean-to pergola can't be installed closer than 3 meters from the property line in certain urban zones. Check the rules applicable to your plot.

Check subdivision or condominium rules: Specific bylaws may restrict the installation of structures visible from the outside.

Take orientation and shading into account: A poorly oriented pergola can annoy your neighbors or create thermal discomfort. Choose devices with adjustable slats or retractable covers.

Taxation: If your pergola is enclosed or transforms space into living space, it may count towards the development tax.

Durability and aesthetics: Opt for aluminum structures to guarantee long-lasting, maintenance-free performance. With their slim, modern lines, they enhance the entire facade.

Choosing a partner installer from a manufacturer like Installux combines:

• Administrative compliance,
• Design quality,
• Material durability,
• Architectural harmony with your existing home.