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Building Permits for Shops & Restaurants (ERP): Complete Guide 2026

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Opening or renovating a business, shop, or restaurant in 2026 means navigating a strict regulatory framework. Submitting the correct permit application at the right time is an essential prerequisite for a smooth opening, ensuring customer safety, and avoiding any risk of rejection by the local council.


This guide accompanies you, step by step, in the administrative and architectural success of your ERP projects.

Works with or without authorization?

All work on a public access building (ERP), whether it involves creation, renovation, expansion or a change of activity, is potentially subject to prior authorization:

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  • Authorization required:

    • Creation, modification or extension of a business (sales area, kitchen, storage areas, terraces, sanitary facilities).

    • Modification of access points, facades, staircases or any intervention affecting safety and traffic flow.

    • Change of activity requiring new ERP compliance (e.g., shop transformed into a restaurant).

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  • Without authorization (very rare cases):

    • Routine maintenance work that does not affect the structure, safety, or public access (e.g., painting, replacing a single light fixture). Always check with the town hall beforehand.

ERP standards: safety, accessibility (PRM), fire

Public access buildings (ERP) are subject to specific regulations designed to protect the public and staff:

 

  • Fire safety: presence of emergency exits, fire-resistant materials, fire extinguishers, alarm systems…

  • Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: obligation to provide facilities for access for people with disabilities (ramps, adapted toilets, obstacle-free circulation).

  • Other standards: ventilation, smoke extraction, display of instructions, periodic checks.

 

A project approved by the town hall must prove its compliance with all these standards or face refusal or cessation of operations.

AT + DP file: steps, deadlines, documents

For any business or restaurant, the submission of a Works Authorization (AT) application, often accompanied by a Prior Declaration (DP), will be required:

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  • Required information:

    • Detailed plans of the existing and proposed site (with accessibility and safety legend).

    • A descriptive document explaining each technical and regulatory choice.

    • Photos and perspectives of the future shop/restaurant.

    • Cerfa n°13824*03 (authorization to construct, develop or modify a public establishment).

  • Time limit :

    • Town hall processing time: 1 to 3 months on average.

    • If the premises are in a protected area: an additional period of 1 month may be applied (ABF opinion).

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Our studio supports professionals at every stage: feasibility analysis, tailored design, preparation and submission of the complete file, follow-up until acceptance.

Modern Cafe

Common mistakes leading to rejection at the town hall

  1. The accessibility notice or specific plans for people with reduced mobility were omitted.

  2. No fire simulation or evacuation plan.

  3. Failure to meet administrative deadlines or incomplete file.

  4. Underestimation of the procedure (e.g., opening without authorization, undeclared work).

  5. Failure to integrate the environment (historical facades, ABF requirements…).

Turnkey retail support

Are you planning renovations or an opening?


To guarantee the acceptance of your applications at the town hall and optimal compliance with standards, benefit from tailored support:

FAQ – Authorization for works in public establishments (shops & restaurants)

1. In what cases is it necessary to request authorization for works in public establishments (ERP)?
Authorization for ERP works is mandatory if your construction project impacts safety, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, the layout of spaces, or involves a change of use of the premises (e.g., transformation of a shop into a restaurant).

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2. What is the difference between a work authorization and a building permit?
A building permit concerns large-scale works such as construction or extension, while a work authorization concerns internal modifications or improvements to existing establishments.

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3. What is the validity period of a permit for works in public buildings?
If it is not linked to a building permit, its validity period is unlimited. Otherwise (permit + authorization), it is 3 years.

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4. Why apply for authorization to carry out work in a public access building (ERP)?
This is an essential step to ensure the project complies with urban planning, fire safety, and accessibility regulations for people with reduced mobility, and to avoid any legal penalties such as fines or demolition orders.

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5. How to prepare a successful AT/DP file?
Prepare detailed plans, a safety/accessibility description, the appropriate Cerfa form, a fire simulation, and photos/visuals of the existing building and the proposed project. Consult a specialist architect to maximize your chances of approval.

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6. What are the usual processing times?
Allow an average of 1 to 3 months for processing by the town hall. If your establishment is located in a protected area or is subject to review by an Architect of the Buildings of France, allow additional time.

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