What is a town planning certificate for?
The informative town planning certificate (a) states the rules applicable to the land; the operational certificate (b) also states whether a specific project is feasible. Both freeze the town planning rules and the taxation applicable to the land for eighteen months (article L.410-1 of the French Town Planning Code).
Two certificates for two needs
The town planning certificate is an information document issued by the town hall on request. Article L.410-1 of the French Town Planning Code distinguishes two types. The so-called informative certificate (a) states the town planning provisions applicable to the land, the administrative limitations on the right of property, and the list of taxes and contributions payable.
The so-called operational certificate (b) goes further: when the request sets out the nature, location, and intended use of a construction project, it states whether the land can be used for that operation and the state of the existing or planned public facilities that serve the land. It is the tool for securing a purchase or construction project.
The freezing effect of eighteen months
The certificate's main value lies in its freezing effect. For eighteen months from its issue, the town planning provisions, the administrative limitations on the right of property, and the regime of taxes and contributions mentioned in the certificate can no longer be called into question against an authorisation application filed within that period (article L.410-1 of the French Town Planning Code).
In other words, if new, more restrictive town planning rules come into force after the certificate is issued, they are not enforceable against a project filed within the eighteen months, subject to exceptions relating to public safety or public health. This guarantee secures the purchase of land or the structuring of an operation.
Issuing timelines and scope
The review period is one month for an informative certificate and two months for an operational certificate (article R.410-9 of the French Town Planning Code). The administration's silence on expiry of the period gives rise to a tacit town planning certificate, but that certificate has only the effects attached to an informative certificate, even where the request concerned the elements covered by point b of article L.410-1 (article R.410-12). An operational project therefore has every interest in obtaining an express answer.
The town planning certificate is not a building authorisation: it does not remove the need to then file a permit or a prior declaration. It is nonetheless a very useful document when selling building land, because it informs the buyer about buildability and freezes the rules for the duration of their reflection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between town planning certificate a and b?
Certificate a is informative: it lists the rules and taxes applicable to the land. Certificate b is operational: it also states whether a specific construction project is feasible and the state of the public facilities serving the land (article L.410-1 of the French Town Planning Code).
How long does the town planning certificate protect you?
Eighteen months. During this period, the town planning rules and the tax regime it mentions cannot be made more restrictive against an authorisation application filed within the period, except on grounds of public safety or public health (article L.410-1 of the French Town Planning Code).
Does the town planning certificate amount to a building permit?
No. It is an information and guarantee document, not a works authorisation. After a favourable certificate, you still need to file a building permit or a prior declaration depending on the nature of the project.
Read next
- Code de l'urbanisme, article L.410-1 (Légifrance)
- Code de l'urbanisme, article R.410-9 (Légifrance)
- Code de l'urbanisme, article R.410-12 (Légifrance)
- Service-Public.fr : Certificat d'urbanisme
A question about your plans?
Realistic price, order of the steps, agency fees on a sale. Book a video call with a BRIVEO adviser, free and with no commitment.
Talk to a property adviser