Obtaining permission to carry out renovation work is a complex subject. It is therefore essential that before starting (or even planning) any renovation work, you check the procedures that apply in your commune. In all cases, you should go first to your local mairie and ask for the service d'urbanisme. In a large or medium-size town, this may be a separate department manned by an architect who is familiar with the buildings in the town. In a small town or village, the maire himself and his assistant may deal with everything and will act as your link with the Direction Départementale de l'Equipment (DDE), which is responsible for approving all planning applications.

Failure to apply for planning permission can result in the demolition of renovation work and even of the whole building (within a short time) and the payment of a penalty, followed by endless, costly and often agonising negotiations with French administration. Planning applications, however, are not something to be afraid of. In most cases, reasonable requests for permission are sympathetically received and, unless your plans are outrageous or your property is listed, are unlikely to be rejected, although certain modifications may be required. In fact, any modifications are likely to be in your interest and you're likely to receive helpful advice as to the best way to carry out your renovation, which will save you both money and time, as well as ensuring that the result is in keeping with local style and tradition.