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Preliminary Declaration or Building Permit: Which Procedure Applies in the Alpes-Maritimes?
In the Alpes-Maritimes (06) and the Var (83), any construction or change to a building’s exterior appearance requires planning authorisation. A preliminary declaration (DP) is required for minor works: creating floor area under 20 m² (or 40 m² in urban zones), altering a façade, changing a building’s use, or installing a pool under 100 m². Larger projects require a full building permit. In Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice or Toulon, local planning rules (PLU) can add further constraints.
Common Cases Requiring a Preliminary Declaration in the 06 and 83
Here are the most frequent situations where a DP is required:
- Building an extension under 20 m² (or 40 m² in urban zones);
- Building an uncovered pool under 100 m²;
- Installing a fence or gate;
- Changing windows or roofing materials;
- Installing ground-mounted solar panels;
- Renovating a façade or altering the exterior appearance.
In the Var, coastal areas (Loi Littoral) and listed sites often require extra paperwork. In Toulon, for example, the harbour surroundings are subject to strict rules.
Deadlines and Review: What the 2026 Regulations Say
As of August 2026, review deadlines remain one month for a DP, unless the project is in a protected area (listed site, vicinity of a historic monument), where the deadline can extend to two months. Administrative silence implies approval, but it’s wise to request a certificate of non-opposition. In Nice, the planning department is often in high demand; we recommend filing online via the digital portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the 06 and 83
Property owners frequently make errors that lead to refusals or appeals:
- Forgetting to state the exact floor area (calculation error);
- Failing to include site photos or cross-section plans;
- Ignoring PLU rules (height, siting, materials);
- Filing a DP when a full permit is actually required (risk of nullity);
- Not respecting distances from boundary lines.
An expert surveyor can help you produce a precise boundary plan, essential to avoid neighbour disputes, particularly in Grasse or Cannes.
Why Use a Building Expert for Your Preliminary Declaration?
Cassini Expertise, based in the Alpes-Maritimes, works throughout the 06 department and the Var (83). We carry out topographic surveys and site plans, and check your project’s compliance with planning rules. Our expertise guarantees a complete, compliant file, reducing the risk of refusal or third-party appeals. We operate in Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice, Toulon and all surrounding communes.
Conclusion: Tailored Support for Your Projects on the French Riviera
Whether you’re a homeowner in Nice or an investor in Toulon, the preliminary declaration is a key step. With Cassini Expertise, benefit from quality technical support: surveys, plans, planning advice. We help you build a solid file that meets local requirements. Call us at 04 22 46 06 04 for a free quote covering the 06 and 83 departments. Our team responds quickly across the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var.
📅 Updated 25/07/2026 – By Cassini Expertise, independent building expert 06 & 83. Free quote: 04 22 46 06 04.
Further reading:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a preliminary declaration mandatory in the Alpes-Maritimes?
A preliminary declaration is required for minor works, such as façade changes, roofing changes, or constructions under 20 m² of ground coverage. In protected zones or where the PLU requires it, this threshold can be lower. Always check your commune’s PLU.
What documents are needed for a preliminary declaration in the Alpes-Maritimes?
Form cerfa n°13703*07 must be completed, along with photos of the site and its surroundings, a location plan, a site plan, and a descriptive notice. If the project is near a historic monument or in a protected zone, additional documents may be required.
What is the review period for a preliminary declaration in the Alpes-Maritimes?
The standard period is one month from receipt of a complete file. However, this can extend to two months if the project is in a protected area or requires consultations. If there is no response within this period, the project is deemed tacitly approved.
Survey carried out by Frédéric Faucouneau, independent building expert – Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83), Bouches-du-Rhône (13). Find out more
📅 Last updated 02/11/2026 - Cassini Expertise, independent building expert – departments 06, 83 and 13.