Posting up planning permission notice in France

Once you have permission, you must put up a sign, which remains in place for two months, as soon as possible.

It must follow set rules and if it does not, the two months period does not start to run. These relate to details listed on it, size and positioning.

If a neighbour later contests the work, you may need to provide proof of proper display for two months. Not fulfilling the obligations can lead to fines, suspension of work or even a demolition order.

The best way to legally prove conformity is to hire a huissier (bailiff) to check, preferably at the start, middle and end of the display period: huissier-justice.fr, under annuaire.

It will cost €350-€1,000, depending on the practice and where you live. The huissier will not put the sign up for you. You can obtain one in DIY stores.

Cheaper options (preferable to doing nothing) include: asking police if they will take a procès-verbal note of the sign-age; taking photos holding up a newspaper; sending copies to yourself recorded delivery, then leaving the letter sealed; using internet services such as SnapActe (€50) or Attestis (€89) that provide proof of the validity of your own photos – Attestis also geolocalises your sign; asking your architect; posting photos on social media; or asking friends for written attestations and a copy of their ID.

Question answered by Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats

Tel: 05 61 57 90 86 -www.brightavocats.com - contact@brightavocats.com