The planning information note: how to request and read it
The document that says what can be built on a plot. How to get it and read it before buying or applying for a permit.
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The planning information note (note de renseignements d’urbanisme) sets out the planning rules that apply to a plot: the development plan zone, permitted uses, height, footprint, setbacks, public easements. It is requested before buying land or designing a project, and it is part of the building permit file. It is check no. 4 in choosing buildable land.
What it contains
| Section | What you learn |
|---|---|
| Zone | Residential, villas, apartment blocks, business, no-build zone |
| Permitted uses | Housing, commerce, facilities |
| Maximum height | Number of levels allowed |
| Footprint and ratios | Ground and total buildable area |
| Setbacks | Distances from the street and boundaries |
| Easements and reserved sites | Planned roads, public facilities |
Where and how to request it
- Identify the plot: land reference, location plan.
- Send the request to the urban agency or the municipality depending on local organisation, increasingly via online platforms.
- Attach the required documents (location plan, ownership certificate or proof of rights).
- Collect the dated note and keep it with your documents.
How to use it
- Before buying: check the project is feasible and adjust the price if the rules are restrictive.
- For design: the architect starts from the note to draw a compliant project.
- For the permit application: it is one of the documents in the file; see the building permit.
Case study
A buyer is torn between two plots of the same size in the same area. The first one’s note allows a ground floor plus two storeys; the second, in a villa zone, a ground floor plus one storey with a lower ratio. For a small rental block, the first is worth considerably more. Without the notes, the two would have looked equivalent.
The note’s limits
It reflects the planning documents at its date. A development plan can be revised; ask for a recent note before signing and before filing your application. See the development plan.
Key points
- The note says what can be built on a plot.
- Request it before buying land.
- The architect bases the design on it.
- A recent note is best before any application.
For the whole project, see building your house and our land for sale pages.
Example reading
| Entry | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Villa zone | Detached housing, low density |
| Height G+1 | Ground floor plus one storey |
| Street setback 5 m | No building in the first 5 metres |
| Reserved site | Part of the plot may be allocated to a facility |
Next, see G+1, G+2 and Rokhas.
Practical tips
- Request the note as soon as a plot interests you, before negotiating.
- Ask your architect to read it with you and translate it into living area.
- Keep the dated note with the purchase file.
FAQ
Is there a fee for the planning information note?
Depending on the municipality and urban agency, fees may apply; ask locally.
How long is it valid?
It reflects the rules at its date; for a decision or an application, use a recent note.
Must the seller provide it?
It is not a legal obligation, but a serious seller will provide it willingly; otherwise request it yourself.
Does the note say whether the land is titled?
No, it covers planning; land status is checked with the ownership certificate.
Official sources
- Ministry of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy: urban agencies
- Rokhas platform
- Ministry of Justice: law 12-90
The rules and amounts quoted come from these official texts and websites. They change with finance laws: check the version in force before deciding.
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