What city planning authorization is required to settle a roof window?

Verified 23 January 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

An Advance Work Declaration (AD) is required if you are settling one or more roof windows or changing them to a different model. This installation may or may not be accompanied by a fitting-out of your attic. However, you must apply for a building permit (PC) if your installation is accompanied by a change of destination all or part of the building (for example, if you convert a business or barn into a dwelling).

Please note

You must respect a distance between the roof window and the boundary of the nearby land of 1.9 meters if the opening leads to a view of it without leaning, and 0.6 meters by leaning. However, if you get your neighbor's written consent, you may decide not to follow these rules.

The city planning authorization is different if you settle a roof window alone or if you accompany it with a fit-up of your attic or a change of destination:

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Roof window installation only

In creating an opening on your roof or by changing your roof windows to a different model, you change the exterior appearance of the building. You must file a DP.

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

General case

You must complete and submit 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 the spot:

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete and submit your PNR application file on the Internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

Form

You can complete your RFP application using a form:

Prior declaration of construction and works not subject to a building permit

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (BasuBasu : Welcome desk and service to the user) by dematerialized means only:

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

Installation of roof windows and attic fixtures

If the opening creation or changing your roof windows comes with a fitting out your attic, you must file a DP. Indeed, you create floor area.

General case

You must complete and submit 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 and submit your PNR application file on the Internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

Form

You can complete your RFP application using a form:

Prior declaration of construction and works not subject to a building permit

In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (BasuBasu : Welcome desk and service to the user) by dematerialized means only:

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

Installation of roof windows and change of destination

If your opening creation or your change of roof window changes the roof of the building and you change its destination, you must file a (PC).

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

General case

You must complete and send 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 the spot:

Who shall I contact
On the Internet

You can complete and submit your PC application file on the Internet:

Support for your city planning authorization request

Form

The form differs depending on whether your project is a detached house or another type of building.

Detached house
Other type of building
In Paris

You must submit your file to the Office Accueil et service à l'user (BasuBasu : Welcome desk and service to the user) by dematerialized means only:

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

Installation of roof windows accompanied by a attic fittings, a enlargement or a change of destination may affect your property taxes. For more information, you can contact your departmental property tax office:

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