Who can I complain to about ugly, illegal advertising boards?

LAWS came in as of July 13, 2015, which restrict use of préenseignes publicitaires. This relates to signs advertising a nearby business, as opposed to an actual sign on the premises of the business itself. The rule derives from a 2010 law (that came from 2007’s Grenelle de l’Environnement summit), which gave businesses five years to conform.

The law relates to signs outside built-up areas such as signs at the outskirts of towns. They are also banned completely in communes with less than 10,000 residents (unless deemed part of the wider urban area of a nearby city). Banned signs include those for hotels, restaurants, service stations, supermarkets, garages etc. though there are exceptions, for firms making or selling local specialities, for cultural activities and historic monuments.

Even in these cases, such signs are subject to approval and must not be more than 1m high by 1.5m wide and no more than 2.2m high above the ground.

A committee member for Paysages de France, which campaigns against ‘eyesores’, said if you are certain a sign is breaking the law, you may report it to the gendarmerie. However, usually the best action is a written complaint. She said you should write to the mairie in areas which have an official local plan on advertising (Règlement local de publicité– RLP) – ask them if unsure – or otherwise the departmental préfecture (address your letter directly to the mayor or prefect).

The association, which has a small membership fee, may be able to act on your behalf (see paysagesdefrance.org).

The committee member said there is no guarantee they will take action, however. “You make an official request for action, saying that the law is being broken and wait for a reply. If you don’t hear you write again. The last option is to apply to the administrative courts.”