Do you need a city planning authorization to install solar panels on the ground?

Verified 08 October 2024 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister), Ministry of city planning

Yes, you need a city planning permit from the city hall for most of the facilities photovoltaic on the ground (more commonly known as solar panels). The power, the height relative to the ground and depending on whether the project is located on a protected site determine the type of authorization. We're presenting the regulations.

The authorization to be deposited is different in protected sites. These are the remarkable heritage sites, historic monument approaches, classified sites, nature reserves and national parks.

To find out if your land is in one of these areas, contact your local council.

Who shall I contact
General case

The city planning authorization to be deposited in town hall varies according to the power and height of your installation.

Less than 3 KW and height less than 1,80 m

The installation of solar panels with a power of less than 3 KW and a maximum height above the ground limited to 1,80 m shall be exempt from formality.

Less than 3 KW and height greater than 1,80 m

The installation of solar panels with a power of less than 3 KW and a height above the ground exceeding 1,80 m shall be subject to Advance Work Statement (AD).

​The way to build your PNR file differs depending on whether you are in Paris or another municipality​

General case

You must complete your RFP file by paperless means according to the arrangements made by your municipality or on a paper form. Inquire on the website of the city hall or on site.

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete your RFP application file on the Internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (Basu: titleContent) by dematerialized means only:

Office Accueil et Service à l'User (Basu) de Paris: one-stop-shop

Up to 1,000 KW

You must file a Advance Work Statement (AD).

​The way to build your PNR file differs depending on whether you are in Paris or another municipality​

General case

You must complete your RFP file by paperless means according to the arrangements made by your municipality or on a paper form. Inquire on the website of the city hall or on site.

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete your RFP application file on the Internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (Basu: titleContent) by dematerialized means only:

Office Accueil et Service à l'User (Basu) de Paris: one-stop-shop

Above 1 000 kW

You must file a building permit (PC).

​The way to build your PC file differs depending on whether you are in Paris or in another municipality​

General case

You must complete your PC file by paperless means according to the arrangements made by your municipality or on a paper form. Inquire on the website of the city hall or on site.

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete your PC application file on the internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (Basu: titleContent) by dematerialized means only:

Office Accueil et Service à l'User (Basu) de Paris: one-stop-shop

Protected area

Less than 3 kW

You must file a Advance Work Statement (AD).

​The way to build your PNR file differs depending on whether you are in Paris or another municipality​

General case

You must complete your RFP file by paperless means according to the arrangements made by your municipality or on a paper form. Inquire on the website of the city hall or on site.

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete your RFP application file on the Internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (Basu: titleContent) by dematerialized means only:

Office Accueil et Service à l'User (Basu) de Paris: one-stop-shop

From 3 kW

You must file a building permit (PC).

​The way to build your PC file differs depending on whether you are in Paris or in another municipality​

General case

You must complete your PC file by paperless means according to the arrangements made by your municipality or on a paper form. Inquire on the website of the city hall or on site.

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete your PC application file on the internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (Basu: titleContent) by dematerialized means only:

Office Accueil et Service à l'User (Basu) de Paris: one-stop-shop

Please note

The installation of solar panels on the ground is subject to development tax. Their standard value is €10 per square meter.

For more information, you can contact your departmental property tax center.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For information on city planning regulations and administrative procedures

    Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service

    • accès

      For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.

      Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their status.

    • horaires
      • Lundi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
      • Mercredi : de 08h30 à 12h15
      • Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15

    • Request a call

      coût Service free
    • service

      The informants who answer you belong to the ministry in charge of housing and city planning.

  • For information about protected sites or your file

    Town Hall

  • For information about protected sites or your file in Paris

    Paris: Reception and service desk (Basu)

  • For information on the development tax

    Departmental Property Tax Center (CDIF)