Sites and landscapes
The 1930 law on sites allows to protect spaces of a great diversity: parks and gardens, natural spaces, countries and terroirs marked by the human footprint, landscape settings of monument. As an actor of the quality of the landscape, the Architect of Buildings of France has the mission to watch over the spaces listed or classified under the sites. He gives his opinion on the work to be done. He participates, with the Inspector of the Sites, in the assembly of the files of registration or classification.
In classified sites and protected areas (according to Title III of the Law), which are, a priori, inconstructible, with very rare exceptions, declarations of works are the responsibility of the Prefect, on the advice of the Architect of Buildings of France. Building or demolition permits are subject to the authorization of the Minister responsible for the environment, after review by the Departmental Commission of nature, landscapes and CDNPS sites).
Development may be permitted as long as it fits seamlessly into the site. The files, examined by the Directorates of Environment, Planning and Housing (DEAL), are submitted to the opinion of the Architect of Buildings of France and presented before the departmental commission of nature, landscape and sites. Advertising is prohibited in classified sites, and the installation of signs must be the subject of a favorable opinion of the Architect of Buildings of France,
In the listed sites, the Architect of Buildings of France must be consulted for any modification project, with the exception of operations and routine maintenance work. Requests for authorization to destroy are subject to express notice. Modifications or constructions are the subject of a simple notice, but the Architect of Buildings of France may suggest to the minister to resort to emergency measures or to launch procedures of classification if he considers that an intervention threatens the coherence of the site. In registered sites, advertising is prohibited and signs must be authorised by the STAP.
In Martinique the sites are mainly concentrated on coastal areas (both land and sea), capes, Mount Pelee, valleys of the center of the island.