The families of documents usually expected
Six families, found in most municipalities. They cover drawings, forms and certificates.
The application form specific to the municipality.
Identification of the land, by cadastral extract and location plan.
The drawings of the project, plans, sections and elevations, and for an alteration, existing and proposed states.
A description of the works, setting out nature, purpose and materials.
Evidence of compliance, notably calculation of the ratios and observance of setbacks and heights.
The attestations and certificates required according to the nature of the building, including those on energy performance.
Photographs of the existing situation are frequently required, particularly for alterations or in protected areas.
| Family of documents | Content | Prepared by |
|---|---|---|
| Forms | Application signed by the client | Client |
| Drawings | Location, siting, plans, sections, elevations | Qualified professional |
| Technical documents | Statements and calculations as required | Professional and consultants |
| Certificates | Qualification and authorisation of participants | Participants concerned |
Why no list is universal
Three reasons.
The content of the file is determined by each municipality's building regulation, which makes it vary.
The nature of the project changes the requirements, new build, alteration and demolition not calling for the same documents.
Location adds requirements, notably in protected areas or near elements subject to protection.
The only binding list is the one supplied by the municipality concerned, and it should be requested before assembling the file rather than after.
The most frequently forgotten items
Four omissions, all generating requests for further documents. They extend processing by several weeks.
Evidence of the ratio calculations, often replaced by a bare assertion of compliance.
The plan of surroundings and water management, although the building regulation frequently requires it.
Evidence of parking, whose numerical requirement must be demonstrated rather than asserted.
Documents relating to parallel permits, where the project calls for others.
Each of these omissions triggers a request for documents, and the corresponding delay.
What makes a file genuinely complete
A point of method distinguishing an accepted file from one that drags. Completeness is checked with the municipality before filing.
A complete file is one that allows compliance to be checked without further question.
Every applicable provision must find in the file the means of being verified. A ratio must be calculated and the calculation legible; a setback must be dimensioned; a parking requirement must be satisfied on the drawing.
Asserting compliance is not demonstrating it, and this is the primary cause of back and forth.
Preparing to lodge
Four points, before lodging.
Obtain the list of documents from the municipality, and treat it as a minimum.
Check consistency between documents, discrepancies between drawings and description being picked up during processing.
Anticipate external opinions by supplying from the outset the material they will call for.
Keep the lodging receipt, which establishes the date of referral.
What this means for a professional
Four rules.
Request the municipal list before assembling, rather than starting from a template.
Demonstrate each point of compliance by a document, with calculation, dimension or drawing.
Check the internal consistency of the file before lodging.
Warn the client that an incomplete file does not set time running usefully, which shifts the timetable accordingly.
This article reflects the regulatory framework at the date of checking and serves professional orientation. It does not replace consultation of the municipality or legal advice.