What city planning authorization to deposit to change a garage into a living room?

Verified 21 November 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

To transform a garage enclosed and covered with a surface greater than 5 m² in a living room (for example, in a bedroom, a kitchen, a living room or a laundry room), you must deposit a advance notification (RFP). However, up to 5 m², you are exempt from formality. We present the regulations to you.

Warning  

For any changing the appearance of the exterior (for example, installing a window or replacing a garage door with a bay window), you must file an RFP whatever the surface of your project.

In any case, you must consult the MORE: titleContent of your municipality which may provide for special rules, in particular on the creation of parking areas. Indeed, by transforming your garage, you remove a parking space. The town hall may ask you to set up another place on your land. To find out about these particular rules, contact the city planning department of your town hall.

Who shall I contact

In addition, if creating an opening leads to a view in your neighbor, you must also respect distance rules in relation to the limits of his property.

You must file a RFP or not depending on the surface of your garage:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Conversion of a garage area up to 5 m²

The transformation of up to 5 m² of enclosed and covered garage area into a living room (for example, a laundry room, shed, closet or toilet) is exempt from city planning formality.

Conversion of a garage area of more than 5 m²

The transformation of more than 5 m² of enclosed and covered garage area into a living room is always subject to RFP, without surface ceiling.

Depending on whether your project is located in Paris or in another municipality, the application must be submitted:

  • By dematerialized means according to the arrangements made by the commune (consult the website of the town hall or inquire on the spot)
  • By letter RAR: titleContent
  • In person against receipt signed by the town hall.
Who shall I contact
General case

You must complete and submit your RFP file by dematerialized means according to the arrangements made by your municipality or on a paper form. Ask on the website of the town hall or on site.

Who shall I contact
On the internet

You can complete and submit your RFP application file on the Internet:

Assistance with your planning permission application

Form

You can complete your RFP application using a form:

Prior declaration of construction and works not subject to building permits

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Reception and User Service Office (Basu: titleContent) only by dematerialization:

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

FYI  

Transforming your garage 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.

    • horaires
      • Lundi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
      • Mercredi : de 08h30 à 12h15Horaires exceptionnels le mercredi 31 décembre de 08h30 à 11h30
      • Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15

    • 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 your RFP or CP file

    Town Hall

  • For information on the local urban plan or on your DP or PC file in Paris

    Paris: Reception and user service office (Basu)

  • For information on property taxes

    Departmental Center for Property Taxes (CDIF)

FAQ

Fact sheets by life event