Do I need a building permit for a bioclimatic pergola ?
As summer approaches, outdoor landscaping projects are on the rise. Among these outdoor installations, the bioclimatic pergola is becoming increasingly popular. The benefits of installing this type of pergola in your garden are undeniable. But what about the administrative procedures required to obtain the necessary authorizations for installation? Building permits, prior declaration of works... whether you are located in a major city like Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille, or a smaller city like Niort, Reims, or Narbonne, let's look at the regulations.
Building permit and bioclimatic pergola : the ground footprint in question
Just like many other constructions, the distinction between applying for a building permit and submitting a prior declaration of works depends on the dimensions of the ground footprint of your bioclimatic pergola :
- Whether it is attached to your house or standalone (freestanding), if the ground footprint of your pergola is up to 5 m2, no request or prior declaration will be necessary. An exception: if the area where you plan to install it is protected, then a request will be required.
- If your pergola has a ground footprint between 5 m2 and 20 m2: a request for work authorization from your town hall will be necessary. Once the request is accepted, the town hall will then issue you with a planning permission. Please note that this means that local planning regulations apply and may therefore constrain you on certain aspects of the pergola (height, colors, etc.). An exception: if the municipality has a Local Urban Plan (PLU), the limit increases from 20 to 40 m2.
- If your pergola will have a ground footprint of more than 20 m2: in this case, you will need to apply for a building permit from your town hall (except in the case of a PLU mentioned above).
Get assistance from
a competent installer
These different rules and procedures are obviously part of the daily routine of professional installers who will be able to accompany and advise you on the requests to be made. They may even involve and work with the Buildings of France if you are in a regulated area (near a historic building, for example). Likewise, the ten-year warranty they will offer you, especially in the case of an attached pergola, will be of great help in case of problems.
Another important point not to be overlooked: remember to declare your pergola to your insurance company to cover what it shelters.
Do you still have questions ? We will put you in touch with the nearest professional so that they can answer all your questions. Need to visualize ? Our online 3D pergola configurator will convince you.