What permissions to renovate my property?

 (Photo: © Shutterstock)

JUNE 14, 2019

Build an extension, dig a pool, remake the roof ... Realizing renovation work on the structure of a house or its land requires a whole range of administrative authorizations. Building permit, approval of the Ministry of the Environment, compliance with the General Development Plan (PAG) ... What are the necessary authorizations in Luxembourg to be able to carry out your renovations according to the law?

Build, renovate, enlarge: the communal premium regulation

In Luxembourg, a building permit is required for all construction work. It is also mandatory for the renovation, transformation or demolition of a building.

Each Luxembourg municipality sets its own rules. So inquire directly in the town where the property is to be renovated.

Is the use of an architect obligatory?

Works requiring a building permit must be made on the basis of plans drawn up by an architect . However, some exceptions exist:

> Amount: if the work does not exceed 6,197.34    € excluding VAT, owners who carry out a construction site of type garage, annex or shelter of garden on a ground which belongs to them are not obliged to call the services of an architect.

> The type: if the works do not affect the load-bearing walls, the supporting structure of the building, the roof or the facade, the same derogation applies.

When to apply for a building permit?

An application to the municipality must be made in the following cases   :

>  The construction of a building.

> Expansion of an existing building.

> Changing the type of housing   : creation of apartments in a single-family house, transformation of a house into a business ...

>  Partial or total demolition of the building.

>  Advertising display if it is visible from the outside.

In all cases, this work must meet the requirements set out in the general development plan and the special development plan.

Good to know : the validity of a building permit is 12 months. Under certain conditions, however, it may be extended for another year.

PAP AND PAG: the differences

The special development plan (PAP) and the general development plan (PAG) are two complementary documents.

> The PAG (General Development Plan) lists the rules applicable throughout the municipal territory in terms of land use. It contains the different functions that can have the land   : green area, habitable, commercial ..., but also the limits of the constructions allowed:  building surface, number of lots ...

Did you know ? You can request a modification of the PAG by writing to the College of Echevinal.

> The PAP (Special Planning Plan) provides details on the MAP. For the non-urbanized areas, we speak of PAP "new district", whereas for the already urbanized zones, one speaks of PAP "existing district". Since 2011, all urbanized and urbanized areas must have a PAP.

Your steps to obtain a building permit

> The constitution of the file   : the documents required to submit a work permit application vary from one municipality to another. Ask yours for a list of documents to attach to your file.

> File submission   : forward your complete file to the mayor of the municipality where the building for which authorization is requested is located.

In addition to the work permit, other documents may be required. This is most often the authorization required to carry out  road works or renovation work on a listed building.

Important to know: Your land is home to a specific fauna or flora?  In this case, there is a risk for the ecosystem, and it is up to the Ministry of the Environment to analyze the situation and make a decision.

Whatever your project, experts can help you in your steps and renovation or construction work   : municipal administrations, architects, consulting engineers, promoters ...

     Find a professional with Editus    

  READ ALSO  

> Quotation request works: the pitfalls to avoid

> Avoid worries during a complete renovation project

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