Play all audios:
OUR FLAT HAS A LARGE BALCONY AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCLOSE IT WITH A LOGGIA TO MAKE AN ‘OUTSIDE ROOM’ – WHAT ARE THE RULES? F.M. You need parallel approvals – from the _copropriété_ (owners’
group which runs the building,) and from the _mairie’s_ town planning. Both are essential: do not start with one and not the other. Balconies are regarded as private space in most modern
flat rules but structural changes, like your loggia, need _copropriété_ approval, via a majority vote of owners at a general meeting. If other flats already have loggias then chances of
approval are probably high – but if you are the first, it may be an uphill battle, especially if some owners think a loggia will harm the block’s look and exclusiveness, or spoil their own
views. The _mairie _approval will follow departmental guidelines, as well as local by-laws on colours, materials, cleaning etc. In most areas, loggias of 5m² - 20m² need only a simple
declaration of intent to do work, _déclaration préalable de travaux_, which will be either approved or not. If larger, you must apply for full planning permission, and a _permis de
construire_. Again, if you are the first you may have a problem, if you are following others and in a similar style, it is easier. Once built, you must tell the tax office, as a loggia will
likely increase the _taxe foncière_. It might also mean higher heating charges, if heating is communal. _Question answered by Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats_ _Tel: 05 61 57 90 86 -
www.brightavocats.com__ [email protected]_ _If you have a legal query send it to [email protected]_