Is it necessary to register a pergola with the town hall?
Installing a pergola or carport requires compliance with specific administrative procedures. This article guides you through these procedures to ensure that your project complies with current regulations. Failure to comply with these rules may result in substantial fines, or even the deconstruction of the structure.
Whether you're planning a freestanding or lean-to pergola, or a carport, it's essential to be aware of the necessary permits, which vary according to the size and type of construction. In this article, we'll review the different types of installation and the applicable regulations, to help you prepare your project with peace of mind.

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- Definitions and types Presentation of pergolas (bioclimatic, fixed roof, freestanding, lean-to) and carports.
- Temporary vs. permanent installation Differences in administrative procedures depending on the nature of the installation.
- Necessary authorizations Prior declaration or building permit, depending on surface area (under 5 m², 5-20 m², over 20 m²).
- Protected areas Specific rules for protected areas (heritage sites, surroundings of historic monuments, nature reserves).
- Freestanding vs. lean-to pergola Differences in terms of administrative procedures.
- Role of the PLU Impact of the Local Urban Development Plan on necessary authorizations.
- Authorization procedures How to submit a preliminary declaration or a request for a building permit.
- Practical advice For more information, contact your local planning office or a professional.
What are pergolas and carports?
Definition and types
Pergola :
- A pergola is an outdoor structure that creates a shaded area. There are several types of pergola:
- Bioclimatic The new, innovative design features adjustable louvers to regulate light and ventilation.
- Fixed roof with a rigid roof offering permanent protection against the elements.
- Ride-on This free-standing structure, supported by four posts, can be installed anywhere in the garden.
- Backed Fixed to the front of the house, with two posts, it is ideal for extending an existing space such as a terrace.
Carport :
- A carport is a structure designed to shelter a vehicle from the elements. It is often open on the sides, and can be free-standing or attached to the house. The carport protects your car from the sun, rain or hail, while remaining an aesthetic and practical solution.
To better understand the differences between these structures, visuals can be used to illustrate each type.

Differences between temporary and permanent installations
Temporary vs. permanent installation
Temporary and permanent installations have different administrative requirements.
Temporary installation :
- For example, an arbour, a trampoline or a removable garden greenhouse.
- If the structure can be dismantled and used for less than 3 months of the year, no authorization is required.
- In the protected sector, the duration is limited to 15 days per year without authorization.
Permanent installation :
- Permanent structures, such as a pergola or garden shed, require administrative approval if they exceed 5 m² in surface area or 12 m in height.
- Authorizations depend on the duration and size of the installation.
Common examples: A dismountable arbour for a temporary event does not require authorization, whereas a fixed pergola, installed for permanent use, may need to be declared in advance. In case of doubt, we recommend that you contact your local town hall for precise information on the procedures to be followed.

Necessary planning authorizations
Prior declaration or building permit?
The permits required depend on the surface area of the pergola or carport:
- Surface area less than 5 m² No authorization is required, except in protected areas.
- Surface area between 5 m² and 20 m² A prior declaration of work is required.
- Surface area greater than 20 m² : Planning permission is required.
Surface | Authorization required |
---|---|
Less than 5 m² | No authorization required (except in protected area) |
Between 5 m² and 20 m² | Prior declaration |
More than 20 m² | Building permits |
These thresholds ensure that the project complies with the local town planning regulations, particularly with regard to aesthetics and safety. A declaration préalable is generally simpler and quicker to obtain, with a processing time of around one month, whereas a building permit is more complex and takes around two months to process.
Special features of protected areas
Regulations for protected areas
In protected areas, regulations are stricter to preserve heritage and the environment.
Protected areas :
- Remarkable heritage sites : All modifications require authorization to preserve historical integrity.
- Historic monument surroundings : Authorization is required, whatever the size of the structure.
- Nature reserves Special restrictions apply to protect flora and fauna.
These rules are designed to ensure that any construction fits harmoniously into the environment and does not harm protected features. It's important to be well informed before starting your project, as even a small structure may require authorization if it's located in a protected area.

Example: In a listed village, even a small pergola may need to be authorized in order not to alter the aesthetics of the site. Please consult your local planning office for details of any restrictions that may apply.
Freestanding pergola vs. lean-to pergola
Differences and impact on authorizations
Freestanding pergola :
- It's a free-standing structure on four legs.
- Less than 5 sq.m. No authorization required, except in protected areas.
- Between 5 and 20 m² Prior declaration required.
- More than 20 m² Planning permission required.
Lean-to pergola :
- Attached to the front of the house, it is sometimes considered an extension.
- Urban zone with PLU : A prior declaration is required for a surface area of less than 40 m². For larger areas, planning permission is required.
Freestanding and lean-to pergolas have different implications in terms of administrative authorizations, depending on their size and location. For example, a lean-to pergola of less than 40 m² in an urban zone with a PLU can be installed with a simple prior declaration, whereas a freestanding pergola requires planning permission for more than 20 m².
Diagrams can be used to show the differences between a freestanding and a lean-to pergola, as well as the implications in terms of administrative procedures. These diagrams will enable readers to easily visualize the characteristics of each type of pergola and the authorizations required.
The Local Town Planning Scheme (PLU)
The role of the PLU and its impact on your project
The Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) is a document that lays down the rules for construction and urban planning in a commune. It determines the zones that can be built on, architectural restrictions and specific obligations for each type of project.
Impact on pergola and carport projects :
- In some communes, the PLU allows the surface area threshold requiring planning permission to be raised from 20 m² to 40 m². This means that small pergolas can be installed with a simple prior declaration, simplifying the process.
To find out about the rules specific to your commune, it's best to consult the PLU, either at the town hall or on the commune's website. The PLU may include specific information on materials to be used, maximum authorized heights, or even the colors of structures to ensure visual harmony in the area concerned.
How to apply for authorization
Declaration of work
To make a prior declaration of work, follow the steps below:
- Cerfa form Fill in the Cerfa n°13404*07 form.
- Information to be provided Identity, contact details, plot address, nature of project, floor area.
- Documents to enclose :
- Site plan
- Floor plan
- Facade and roof plan
- Sectional drawing
- Document showing the appearance of the pergola
- Photos of the surrounding landscape
- Project description
This takes one month. If there is no response from the town hall, you will be issued with a "non-opposition aux travaux" decision. This procedure is relatively straightforward, and allows you to formalize your project's compliance with local planning regulations.
Building permit application
For a building permit application, the steps are similar to those for a prior declaration, with a few additions:
- Cerfa form Fill in the Cerfa n°13406*07 form.
- Further information Legal status of the plot, detailed project specifications, architect's plans.
- Documents to enclose In addition to the documents included in the preliminary declaration, provide impact studies if necessary.
Approval takes two months. If the total surface area exceeds 150 m², an architect must be involved. Planning permission is a more complex procedure, but is necessary for large-scale projects to ensure their integration into the urban environment.
Practical advice
Get the facts before you start
Before starting any project, it's essential to check with your local town hall's planning department. This will help you to understand the rules specific to your commune and avoid costly mistakes.

Prepare a solid file by gathering all the necessary documents and ensuring that your project complies with local regulations. Don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify requirements and make sure you're following the right steps.
Assistance and support
It can be useful to enlist the help of professionals, such as those at Lorenove or Akena, who are well versed in administrative procedures. These experts can guide you through the entire process, from preparing the documents to submitting the file to the town hall. Their expertise can help you save time and avoid mistakes that could delay your project.
Conclusion
Summary of milestones and regulations
The installation of a pergola or carport requires compliance with certain stages and regulations. Depending on the size and location of your project, you may need to submit a preliminary declaration or apply for planning permission.

It's essential to find out all you need to know beforehand, and to prepare a complete file to avoid delays or refusals. Don't forget to contact your local council if you have any specific questions, and to seek professional advice if necessary. If you take the right steps, you'll be able to enjoy your new pergola or carport with complete peace of mind.