Complete work at a remarkable heritage site
The Remarkable Heritage Sites Classification defines a perimeter within which the conservation, restoration, rehabilitation or development of buildings is of public interest. Work at a remarkable heritage site requires prior authorization.
Within the perimeter of a remarkable heritage site, work likely to modify:
- the condition of the exterior parts of the buildings;
- the condition of buildings not built (such as a yard or garden);
- elements of architecture and decoration.
As soon as a protection and development plan has been prepared, work likely to alter the condition of the interior parts of the building is also subject to prior authorization.
Such prior authorizations shall be subject to the agreement of the architect of the buildings of France (ABF).
As part of the examination of applications for authorization of works, the ABF ensures respect for the heritage, architecture, natural or urban landscape, the quality of the buildings and their harmonious integration into the surrounding environment, as well as compliance with the rules of the management plan applicable to the remarkable heritage site.
TheWork in Notable Heritage Sites and works in the vicinity of historical monuments fall under the same scheme authorizing work.
The procedures and time limits for the appraisal of work authorizations were harmonized by the law of 7 July 2016 on the freedom of creation, architecture and heritage.
Any request for authorization of works must be submitted to the town hall of the municipality where the works are planned. The maximum processing times for work authorization applications are:
- two months for prior declarations;
- three months for demolition permits and building permits for a single house;
- four months for other building permits and development permits.
The time available to the AFB to agree is one month for advance declarations and two months for all permits.
The AFB agreement may include requirements to ensure that the project does not affect the conservation or development of the Remarkable Heritage Site.
If the AFB does not agree, the request for a work authorization cannot be granted.
An appeal against the refusal of the ABF may be made by the applicants or the competent authority responsible for issuing the work authorisation (usually joint or inter-communal).
While the architect of the buildings of France participates in the appraisal of applications for authorization of works, he also plays a leading role upstream of the realization of the projects. It can be consulted on a draft project and provide comments that will allow applicants to adapt their project to heritage issues.
