Before you start building your house, you have to get building permission. This procedure can last up to six months.

I. Making up the file :

• The applicant’s identity,
• he identity and quality of the author of the project (for ex, architect),
• The size and location of the land to be built on,
• The identity of the landowner if he is not the applicant,
• The type, projected use, and density of building.
  

• A general plan of the building land,
• A ground-plan of the projected building,
• The plans of the facade,
• One or several plans of the building profile showing how it will be integrated with the natural ground,
• At least two photographs showing the building land in its surroundings – both up close and distant,
• A document showing the integration of the project in its environment (for example a drawing of the building in a photograph),
• A description of the visual impact of the project (an « impact study » when necessary)

II.The examination duration:

If the case file is complete, the consulted Department will send you a letter called « lettre de notification des délais » which tells you :

• The serial number given to your request
• The authority that will give the final decision
• The start date of the procedure
• The maximum timescale of the case
• The date before which the decision is due

The normal duration of the examination is two months, but it might be extended to three months if the administration has to consult one or more services from other administrative services.

This duration might even be extended to five months if the project is subject to public enquiry.

III.The decision:

• The decision is either delivered (rejected, agreed, postponed decision) , or implicit.
• The delivered decision, a decree, is sent to you by registered mail.
• The implicit decision happens when : The date before which the decision is due has come, Your request for a decision has not been answered for two months.