Building permit validity period: what you need to know

Building permit validity period.

Construction sites on Reunion Island are prone to hazards, which can cause delays in the construction schedule. These delays can have an impact on the validity of the building permit you have been granted. It's not uncommon for a building permit to expire before a project is completed. To avoid disappointment, find out how long your building permit is valid.

How long is a building permit valid?

Planning permission is valid for three years from the date of issue, whether it's a preliminary declaration of works, a building permit or a demolition permit.

The French Urban Planning Code (article R.424-17) stipulates that work must begin within this period. There is no legal deadline for completion. Construction is deemed to have started as soon as masonry work begins.

However, for the validity period of the building permit to remain in force, work must not be interrupted for one year. Otherwise, the building permit will be invalidated. Invoices from craftsmen can be used as proof.

Please note: in the event of an appeal by a third party against the building permit, the time limit ceases to run until the court decision.

Is there a minimum period before work begins?

While there is no maximum time limit for finishing work, there is one for starting work. This is set at two months, and corresponds to the time limit for appealing against a building permit.

Once you've obtained your authorization and your building permit application has been validated, you'll be required to display the building permit sign in front of the plot.

You'll also need to submit a “déclaration d'ouverture de chantier” (DOC), either at the town hall or online. This is a document notifying the commune that work has begun. This must be done once the appeal period has expired.

Can I extend the validity of my building permit?

The period of validity of a building permit can be extended twice, by one year each time, bringing the total period of validity to five years. However, if planning regulations change in the meantime, this may affect your request for an extension.

You must apply to the town hall two months before the expiry date of your building permit. The request must be made by post, in the form of a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. Alternatively, you can submit the application to the town hall in duplicate.

If you have not received a reply from the town hall within two months of the date on which you submitted your application (or of receipt of your registered letter), this constitutes tacit approval.

Planning permission: what to do if the deadline has expired?

If the above-mentioned deadlines and conditions have not been met, and your building permit has expired, you will need to submit a new application. However, your administrative documents in Reunion must be correctly drafted.

If regulations have changed in the meantime, you'll need to modify your construction project, which may involve additional costs. In fact, to apply for a new building permit, it's advisable to call in a freelance architect or draughtsman to draw up the file and plans (site plan, ground plan, etc.).

In all cases, choose to enlist the help of a professional to obtain a building permit quickly and easily, and avoid having to regularize a permit that doesn't comply with town-planning regulations.