What is process for building work near a site listed as historic monument in France?

Reader Question: I want to renovate my property but I live near a historic site. Apparently, I have to get approval from the Architectes des Bâtiments de France. What does this involve and how long does it take?

The Architectes des Bâtiments de France (ABF) are responsible for maintaining the character of French architecture, particularly that of historic sites and properties within a 500m perimeter of them.

The group falls under France’s Ministry of Culture but is organised on a departmental level, with the contact point being the Unité départementale de l'architecture et du patrimoine (UDAP).

In France ‘listed’ sites are referred to as monument historiques, and these may be either classés (deemed of national significance) or inscrits (considered of interest regionally).

What is the ABF?

The ABF is responsible for applying various legal codes relating to maintaining the heritage, the environment and the architectural style of historic sites.

You have to submit any building work you plan on the outside of your property to the ABF if it is:

• located in the vicinity of a historic monument, i.e. within 500m of its field of visibility or within the designated perimeter of its surroundings

• Your property itself is listed, or pending listing

• located in an site patrimonial remarquable (outstanding heritage site - certain towns, villages and districts are designated as such)

If you do not live in one of these areas, you can still consult the ABF on renovations to your property, however this is not mandatory.

You can find contact details for your local Unité Départementale de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (UDAP) on the ABF website here by entering your postcode.

They can inform you whether your home is near a protected site. In most cases, the presence of a listed building or historic site should already be clear to property owners, however, you can also check this status on the Ministry of Culture website here.

It is possible to seek the advice of the ABF for a property located in an unprotected zone, but this is not an obligation.

It is advisable to contact your local UDAP prior to planning any building work in protected areas. They will advise you free of charge.

Read more: What are the rules for solar panels near historic French monuments?

What the ABF consider

If you live in an area under their remit, the ABF will want to look at your planning application, once you have submitted it to the mairie.

The ABF is not concerned with internal renovations, but rather changes that affect the outside of a property, such as facade restoration or changes to windows and roofs.

In particular, the ABF will consider:

• materials used, including the types of roof tiles or the material planned for windows

• proportions and dimensions, including the height and width of windows

• planned colours 

• building techniques

They use documentary evidence - including historic photos - to assess applications.

Note that if you live in an unprotected zone and are consulting them to inform your planning choices, the ABF will not reject your application.

Read more: Row over mobile phone mast near listed French chateau

How long does an ABF decision take?

Once you have submitted your application, the ABF must make a decision in :

• 1 or 2 months for applications requiring only prior declaration of the works, depending on the protection status of the property

• 2 months for planning permission