24 April 2026
The planning classification of business premises does not depend solely on whether clients visit them. Following the French housing ministry’s technical guidance update of 30 March 2026, consultancy activities that are not, as a rule, open to the general public fall within the “Office” subcategory.
Which activities are covered?
This approach notably concerns premises used by lawyers, notaries, architects and, more generally, consultants who work by appointment or serve a defined client base. These premises fall within the planning category for other primary, secondary or tertiary-sector activities, under the “Office” subcategory.
How does this differ from customer-facing services?
The subcategory for services welcoming customers is aimed more specifically at commercial activities offered to the general public, where the purpose is the direct sale or supply of a service to passing customers. Merely receiving clients is therefore no longer sufficient, by itself, to place premises in that subcategory.
Why does the classification matter?
A property’s planning category and subcategory may affect whether planning permission is required, how the local development plan applies and whether a change in the premises’ use is permitted. The particular property and local rules should be checked before occupation, purchase or building work.
Further information: the ministry’s technical guidance on building-use categories and the Order of 10 November 2016 on Légifrance.
Photo: Nastuh Abootalebi — Unsplash.
Further reading : French Planning Law: Demolition of an Unlawful Structure Is a Last Resort.
The office does not contractually guarantee the accuracy or currency of this information. To assess how it applies to your circumstances, please consult one of the office’s notaries.
