What are the rules for changing your front door in France?

Changing your front door - whether a fresh coat of paint or something new entirely - can help to instantly update your home’s appearance, but before you start, beware: France has some rules on the subject.

Do I need planning permission?

You may need to get planning permission to change your front door, depending on the extent of the change.

For example, you need planning permission (a prior declaration to the local mairie, or building permit; a déclaration préalable or permis de construire) for:

• Work that changes the exterior appearance of a building

For a front door specifically, this includes:

• A colour change

• A material change (e.g. from wood to PVC)

• The addition of a glazed element that was not there before

• The installation of a different frame, e.g. sliding frame instead of normal opening

• The installation of significant hardware changes on the door

To obtain planning permission, the best place to start is at your local mairie. They can direct you to the necessary forms (and supporting documents) needed to lodge a request. 

A planning permission request file will require documents including:

• A CERFA administrative form (Centre d'enregistrement et de révision des formulaires administratifs). For changing the facade of a building, the form is No. 13703.

• Plans of the building and land area

• Photos of the existing building/facade and images of the proposed changes and end result

• Details of the project

Depending on the complexity of your project, a decision may take a few weeks to a few months.

Read also: Not respecting planning permission can cost you (a lot) in France 

Can I choose any colour for my front door?

If you are wanting to change the colour of your front door, in most cases (subject to planning permission as outlined above), you will be able to choose the colour you want. The only exception is if there are local rules in place (e.g. in your commune) that limit the colours allowed. 

These are known as the local urban planning regulations (plan local d’urbanisme, PLU), and their main purpose is to protect and maintain the “architectural harmony” of the neighbourhood. 

They may impose aesthetic rules that you will have to follow, e.g. only some colours allowed for front doors. 

For example, this may apply in historical villages or those in which the mairie wants to keep the appearance of the village/town more uniform or historically-sensitive. In this case, it is best to check with the local mairie before opting for a drastic change.

There may also be extra rules if you live somewhere with a housing management company.

Similarly, while you may be able to choose any colour you like legally, there is of course no guarantee that all of your neighbours will be happy with a major change (e.g. from black to lime green), so this is also something you may want to bear in mind.

When do I not need planning permission?

No planning permission is required if the work will not alter the external appearance of the façade.

This means:

• Changes that are not visible from the street

• Replacing your front door with another door of the exact same colour, dimensions and construction material. 

What other permission do I need?

You may need extra permission if: 

• You live in a co-owned property. You will also need the written agreement of all co-owners if your proposed change will affect the building’s facade or exterior doors. In the same way as with planning permission, you will not need permission from other co-owners if you are updating your existing door with a new-but-identical version.

• Your property is near any historic monuments. Any work that will alter the external appearance of a building will require authorisation from the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (according to Article L621-32 of the heritage code, le Code du patrimoine). 

Is there any financial assistance available for changing my front door? 

If you are changing your front door for energy-saving and eco-friendly reasons (e.g. improved insulation), you may be eligible for: 

• A reduced VAT rate of 5.5%

• A zero-interest loan (prêt à taux zéro, PTZ) 

A PTZ covers the thermal insulation of windows and doors leading to the outside. You can check your eligibility and apply for a PTZ at a participating bank. 

Read also: What is France Rénov’ aid scheme – can I use it to renovate my house? 

In contrast, replacing a front door - even for environmental reasons - is not eligible for the MaPrimeRénov energy fund.