Do I need a city planning permit to build an attic?

Verified 05 December 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The city planning authorization is different if the attic of construction already constitute floor area or if work is required to create or add floor area.

Warning  

For any changing the appearance of the exterior of your building (for example, laying a roof window), you need to lay a advance notification (RFP) whatever the surface of your project.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Attic with already existing floor area

The attic of the building has the following characteristics:

  • Ceiling height of more than1.80 m
  • Floor (or slab) resistant to the load of a human activity (residential, professional, artisanal, industrial, commercial)
  • Frame that does not clutter the space.

In this case, there is no authorization to request, because the floor area already exists.

However, if the dwelling is within the protective perimeter of a backup and enhancement plan, a RFP must be dropped off. To find out if the accommodation is within this type of perimeter, you must contact theUDAP: titleContent.

Who shall I contact

Attic with floor surface to create

The attic of the building has the following characteristics:

  • Floor (or slab) that does not withstand the load of a human activity (residential, professional, artisanal, industrial, commercial)
  • Frame that clutters the space.

The existing surface is considered non-developable and does not constitute floor area. If these characteristics are modified, the existing surface is transformed into a floor surface. In this case, a RFP must be dropped off at city hall.

The means of compiling the DP file differs depending on whether the project is located in Paris or in another municipality:

General case

The DP file must be submitted to the town hall:

  • By dematerialized means according to the arrangements made by your municipality (find out more on the website of the town hall or on site)
  • Per letter
  • Hand-held
On the internet

The RFP application file can be completed on the Internet.

You must inquire with the town hall or on its website to know if it provides online service to complete the file.

Who shall I contact

Assistance for your planning permission application

Form

You can complete your RFP application using a form:

Prior declaration of constructions and works not subject to building permits

In Paris

The file must be filed at Basu: titleContent only by dematerialization:

Reception and user service office (Basu) in Paris: one-stop shop

FYI  

Your project can affect your property taxes. For more information, you can contact your departmental property tax center.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For information on city planning regulation and administrative procedures

    Administrative information by phone - Allô Service Public

    • accès

      For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.

      Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.

    • Request a call

      coût Service free
    • service

      The informants who answer you belong to the ministry in charge of housing and city planning.

  • For information on the local urban plan or on your advance declaration file

    Town Hall