Zones de protection et reculs — France

Electricity

Power line protection zone

The protection zone of an overhead power line is measured from the outer conductors on each side and grows with voltage. Inside it, building and many works need the grid operator’s consent.

Servitude I4 sets building-restriction perimeters per line; values are planning guidance.

Electricity

Underground cable protection zone

A buried power cable has a narrow protection strip on each side. Over it, building and earthworks are restricted to keep the cable accessible and undamaged.

About 1.5 m on each side of the cable route.

Water source

Well / borehole sanitary zone

Around a drinking-water source you may not place contamination sources. The zone protects the water from septic systems, toilets, compost and chemical stores.

At least 35 m from a declared drinking-water intake (on-site sanitation rule).

Sanitation

Septic tank distances

A septic tank is placed at a distance from the house — so it does not undermine the foundation and odour does not reach the windows — and well away from any drinking-water source, since leaks can contaminate a well or borehole. A setback from the boundary is also kept so the tank stays accessible for servicing and pumping.

At least 35 m from a declared water intake (mandatory); ~5 m to the house and ~3 m to the boundary are DTU 64.1 trade practice.

Sanitation

Outdoor toilet / cesspit distances

An outdoor toilet or cesspit is placed well away from any drinking-water source so that seepage cannot reach a well or borehole, and at a distance from dwellings — your own and the neighbour’s — for sanitary reasons and to keep odour away.

At least 35 m from a declared water intake; ~5 m to the house (DTU 64.1 practice).

Sanitation

Bathhouse / shower distance

A bathhouse, sauna or outdoor shower is set back from a dwelling — because of water runoff, humidity and the fact that a stove is a fire source — and a setback from the plot boundary is kept as well. The exact distances depend on the country and the building materials.

No national bathhouse-to-house distance; the boundary follows the ≥3 m default (or on the boundary), overridden by the local PLU.

Sanitation

Compost distance

A compost heap or manure pile is placed away from any drinking-water source so that organics and seepage do not reach a well or borehole, and with a setback from the boundary so odour and moisture do not disturb the neighbour.

No dedicated compost rule. Recommended (safe): ≥8 m from a well; near a declared drinking-water intake keep 35 m as for on-site sanitation.

Setbacks

House setback from the boundary

A dwelling must stand at least the setback distance from the neighbouring boundary; you may not build the house in the strip between that line and the boundary.

National default ≥3 m (or on the boundary) under R.111-19, but the local PLU usually overrides it.

Setbacks

Outbuilding setback

Outbuildings — a shed, garage, bathhouse or greenhouse — are set back from the neighbouring boundary: you may not build in the strip right next to it. The roof slope and drainage must also stay within your own plot and not shed water or snow onto the neighbour. The exact distance depends on the country and local development rules.

Outbuildings follow the same R.111-19 default: ≥3 m or on the boundary; the local PLU usually governs.

Fire safety

Fire gap between houses

The fire gap between dwellings depends on wall and roof materials. No structures or flammable storage are allowed within the gap.

No national building-to-building fire gap — only a boundary setback applies. Recommended (safe): ≥6 m, more between timber buildings.

Planting

Tree and shrub planting distance

Tall trees are planted farthest from the boundary, shrubs closest, so crown and roots do not shade or damage the neighbour’s plot or utilities.

Civil Code: 2 m from the dividing line for plants over 2 m tall, 0.5 m for lower ones (subject to local custom).