What are the administrative procedures for a pergola?
Before considering installing a wooden or aluminum pergola on your property, it is important to find out about the different regulations related to its installation . Should it be declared ? What authorization to request ? We give you all the advice you will need to use to arrange and choose your pergola legally.
3 scenarios depending on the surface area of your pergola
In France, according to article L.421-1 of the town planning code , the construction of a pergola requires the presentation of a building authorization or a structural declaration depending on the size of the areas envisaged.
To comply with the rules, it is therefore necessary to first determine the type and size reserved for accommodating the pergola.
| Pergola surface | Steps to take | Taxation | Documents and specifics to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 5m² | No special steps to take, except in the case of specific rules in the municipality | No taxation | Local urban planning plan (PLU) Classified sector? Maximum height of the pergola: 12 meters |
| Between 5m² and 20m² | Prior declaration for a detached house and/or its annexes (DPMI) | No taxation if open | Prior declaration form (Cerfa 13703*10) |
| More than 20m² | Building permit application for a detached house and/or its annexes (PCMI) | No taxation if open | Building permit application form (Cerfa 13406*11) |
Floor area less than 5 m²
No action to be taken theoretically. However, if you are near a classified area , or your pergola is more than 12 meters high , a declaration may be requested.
Last point, make sure that your PLU (plan) does not contain contraindications or specificities as found in certain municipalities (respect for certain colors, materials for example). If you have any doubts about the local town planning plan, contact your town hall.
Floor area from 5 to 20 m²: prior declaration of work
When your pergola occupies a floor area of 5 to 20 m² , then submit a declaration of work . The rules that you will have to apply are the same for self-supporting or lean-to structures.
In the case of the self-supporting pergola, the space occupied by the 4 fixing posts is included in this surface area.
For the lean-to pergola, however, the location of the pillars and the width often exceed this indicated area.
In general, self-supporting or independent shelters with a surface area of 5 to 20 m² find their place everywhere: in the middle of the garden, near a swimming pool or above a spa for example.
Surface area greater than 20 m²: building permit
For pergolas covering an area above 20 m², the law requires a building permit to be filed with your municipality. Two possibilities to carry out this process:
- Online : since January 1, 2022, you can complete your request online. RaContact your town hall to find out the terms and conditions for the electronic route.
- Paper form to submit (you can fill out the pdf online then print it)
You have a question ?
Usually, lean-to pergola models take into account the footprint area, that is to say the total advancement of the posts with the width.
At this time, the pergola is defined as a true extension of the house, like the case of a veranda.
Download your permit application
To get help with your procedures
If you wish to be supported with your planning permission application, assistance has been put in place by the public services.
This takes place in 5 steps:
- You describe your project.
- The service selects the information you must provide.
- The service gives you the list of documents that you must attach to your file, with the expected characteristics for each of them.
- You can view and download the finalized online form.
- If your municipality is connected, you can upload the file.
Pergola: How to make your preliminary declaration of works (DP)?
You must go to the town hall to make the work declaration. You have the choice of going directly there or downloading it online, from the official website of your city.
Please note that the form dedicated to this operation is named “ Cerfa 13703*10 ”.
Prior declaration: Cerfa 13703*10 or Cerfa 13404*10?
13703*10 concerns individual houses. In contrast, 13404*10 concerns all other cases: co-ownership, industrial building, etc.
The duly completed and signed files must be submitted one month before the installation of the pergola . If the application is accepted, the applicant will receive a certificate or planning permission.
This means that construction can begin.
You have a question ?
However, other cases may arise: the 1-month investigation period has surely passed and the prefecture does not provide any feedback following your deposit.
In this case, the applicant obtains the green light to arrange his pergola. He may also consider returning to town hall to see if adding other files would be necessary. The maximum validity of this work declaration is 3 years.
I realize my custom pergola quote
Pergola: How to submit your building permit?
The building permit application for pergolas with a minimum surface area of 20 m² requires an official form called “Cerfa 13406*11”.
It can be downloaded online or collected at the town hall reception.
In addition to the regulatory document, other supporting documents must constitute your file, for example:
- Building plan
- Diagram drawn up by an architect of the location of the land within the commune, with scale and orientation in relation to the north
- Graphical representation which shows the exterior volume of constructions and their location in relation to the profile of the land
- 3D reproduction or a graphic of your land
- Photos of the area where the pergola will be installed as well as the immediate environment
The list indicated is not exhaustive, take the time to read the permit application in its entirety.
The complete file must be submitted to your municipality or sent by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. The processing time is two months . It is extended to three months in case the pergola is built near historic buildings or near a famous heritage site (listed area).
The applicant obtains a tacit permit if your municipality provides no response after this investigation period. The duration of validation of the building permit is three years.
Frequently asked questions about pergolas
What is the difference between footprint and floor space?
Definition of the footprint (according to article 420-1)
Article R. 420-1 of the town planning code: “The footprint within the meaning of this book is the vertical projection of the volume of the construction, all overhangs and overhangs included. However, ornaments such as molding elements and canopies are excluded, as are roof overhangs when they are not supported by posts or corbels. ".
Definition of floor area ( service-public.fr )
The floor area corresponds to the sum of the areas of all built levels, enclosed and covered , whose ceiling height is greater than 1.80 m , calculated from the interior bare (measured from the plinths).
What are the risks in the event of non-compliance with the law?
It is advisable to respect the law when installing a pergola in order to benefit from a practical and innovative solution. In the event of non-compliance, article L480-4 of the Town Planning Code applies: the individual then faces a fine of between 1,200 and 6,000 euros per m².
If my pergola is removable, am I affected?
As long as your pergola is installed less than 3 months per year, you do not need to take any action. This is the simplest case for installing one without authorization.
Is a pergola taxable?
You will not pay additional tax because it is an open installation, like a terrace. According to the law, only arrangements enclosed by four walls and whose dimensions exceed 5 m² x 1.80 m in height are subject to the development tax .
This nevertheless means that you could pay the development tax if 3 conditions are met:
- You decide to equip your pergola with blinds on all 4 sides
- Its height is at least 1.80 m
- Floor space greater than 5 m²
This ultimately amounts to entering into the same tax framework as a veranda.
Does a pergola increase property taxes?
No, this does not impact your property tax, unlike a swimming pool. Obviously, it must remain open so as not to enter into the rental value of the house.
At the administrative level, how is a pergola considered?
They fall into the category of permanent and new construction. We also find the term permanent annex or exterior annex.
This is opposed to a removable installation such as an arbor or an above-ground swimming pool which are not intended to be installed permanently.
Normal or bioclimatic, a difference?
The installation or not of adjustable blades does not change the formalities to be carried out. A bioclimatic pergola is a plus for your comfort and sun protection. In the same way, whether your project is oriented towards a back-to-back or self-supporting configuration, this has no impact on your administrative situation.
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