Do I need to declare a pergola to the town hall and how do I do it ?
The benefits of installing a bioclimatic pergola in your garden are widely recognized. However, what are the administrative procedures to follow to obtain the required authorizations for installation ?
Whether for a building permit or a prior declaration of works, whether you reside in a metropolis such as Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille, or in a smaller city like Niort, Reims, or Narbonne, let's examine the regulations in force.
The ground footprint in question
Just like many other structures, the differentiation between applying for a building permit and submitting a prior declaration of works will be determined by the dimensions of the ground footprint of your bioclimatic pergola :
- Whether your pergola is attached to your house or freestanding, if its ground surface does not exceed 5 m2, no request or prior declaration will be required, unless it is planned in a protected area, in which case a request will be necessary.
- 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.
Any violation of this rule is subject to criminal and material sanctions. You may be fined up to €6000 per square meter and be required to demolish your construction.
The application file for works declaration
To make the works declaration, you must download and fill out the Cerfa form. You will need to provide documents such as plans of your land (frontages and roofs, section of the land and of the construction, mass and location plan), photos of the surrounding landscape, a representation of the appearance of your pergola, as well as a notice detailing your pergola installation project (for land located in a protected area).
The processing time is one month. After receiving your declaration, you have two years to start the works. However, the file may be rejected for various reasons. In this case, it will be necessary to provide new elements and arguments by registered letter to the town hall of your municipality.
How to simplify the administrative formalities
for the installation of a pergola ?
The request for prior authorization, and more particularly the request for a building permit, can cause concern and stress. However, it is possible to receive assistance. You can request help from the urban planning department of your town hall, which will guide you in preparing the necessary documents.
Also, seek the assistance of an architect from the CAUE (Council of Architecture, Urbanism and Environment). You will find this council in each department. Architects can provide you with free advice.
Opt for the assistance of a qualified installer
These various regulations and procedures are an integral part of the daily lives of professional installers, who are there to guide and advise you on the requests to be made. They are also able to collaborate with the Buildings of France, especially if your project is located in a regulated area, near a historic building for example.
Furthermore, they will offer you a ten-year warranty, particularly valuable in case of problems, especially in the case of an attached pergola.
An important point to consider: make sure to declare your pergola to your insurance company to protect what it shelters. If you have any outstanding questions, we will put you in touch with the nearest professional to answer all your questions.