Can you build or expand a house on agricultural land ?

Do you have a construction or expansion project on an agricultural area ? Would you like to know more about the Town Planning Code that applies to your farm ?

No worries ! This article will allow you to know all the different steps to follow in order to better situate yourself through the different regulations.

Consult the Local Urban Plan (PLU) of your agricultural land

This document allows you to know the classification of the plot on which you plan to build.
However, in the absence of this document, the national town planning regulations apply. Indeed, Articles L 111-1-2 and L 151-11 of the Town Planning Code authorize in agricultural zones :

• The constructions and installations necessary for farming
   
• Adaptation, extension of existing buildings or the development of new buildings used as housing within the perimeter grouping together buildings from a former rural farm
   
• Collective equipment as long as it is not incompatible with the exercise of an agricultural activity
   
• The buildings and installations necessary for the processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural products, in the event that these activities constitute an extension of the act of products, from the moment when they are not incompatible with the exercise of '' an agricultural activity

Prove the necessity of the farm

Buildings, such as farms or houses in agricultural areas for example, are mainly reserved for farmers.

Thus, in order to obtain permission to build a house, being a farmer, you will have to demonstrate the need for a close and permanent presence to be built on agricultural land. You should know that the size and nature of the operation will also be taken into account by the instructing services, and that it must prove that it does not undermine the protection of natural spaces and landscapes.

Extend your home to an agricultural area

Buildings not attached to a house, but located on the same plot and whose use and operation are linked to it (for example a garage, a garden shed, a swimming pool, etc.) are considered to be annexes.

In addition, the elevations or the enlargement of one and the same built envelope of an existing building are considered as extensions.

This work is therefore authorized but must comply with certain standards, which is why you will need to know the conditions for setting up these extensions by first consulting the town planning documents of your municipality.
 

Converting an agricultural property into a home

This change requires obtaining a building permit and is subject to the same obligations as for the construction of a new house. In addition, you must obtain a favorable opinion from the Departmental Commission for the Preservation of Natural Agricultural and Forest Areas (CDPENAF) which can significantly lengthen the administrative procedures.

What you need to remember!

Yes, you are welcome to buy or build or expand your home on agricultural land, as long as you are aware of regulations and protect agricultural areas. However, before any purchase, do not forget to consult the town planning documents of your municipality.

After reading this article, do you want to invest in agricultural land? Would you like to have some additional information to help you with this investment?
Once you have found your dream land on ma-propriete.fr, do not hesitate to contact the expert in charge of this property. He will be able to answer all your questions so that you can use your land properly!