Guide · Planning
Padel courts: which planning permissions?
Prior declaration or building permit? Here is what the rules say, and what to check with your local council.
Good to know
Planning applications are the landowner’s responsibility. This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your council’s planning department or a legal professional.
General rules
- Prior declaration: for a new structure over 5 m², no more than 12 m high, with a footprint and floor area of 20 m² or less (article R421-9 of the French Planning Code).
- Building permit: above 20 m². An architect is mandatory above 150 m² of floor area, and always for a legal entity.
- These thresholds apply differently in protected heritage areas, near historic monuments and in listed sites.
Uncovered court
No rule specifically targets padel. Depending on the source and the council, an uncovered court falls under a prior declaration or a building permit, depending on wall height and context. Check the local plan (PLU) and your council’s planning department before committing.
Covered court
A canopy is far above 20 m² of footprint, so it generally needs a building permit.
Noise, lighting, public venues
- Noise: the French Public Health Code limits noise emergence to 5 dB by day and 3 dB at night. The FFT recommends an acoustic impact study near homes.
- Lighting: the decree of 27 December 2018 regulates light pollution from outdoor lighting.
- Public venues: a club open to the public is classed as an ERP (type X indoors, PA outdoors) and must meet safety and accessibility rules.
Planning a padel court?
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