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Are not constructions within the meaning
Droit Foncier

Are not constructions within the meaning

📅 Decision of 01 August 2026🔄 Updated on 11 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 34 views📖 1 min read

Are not constructions within the meaning of Article 84 of the Town Planning Code "hut-shaped sheds" made of interwoven poles, planted in the ground and covered with plastic sheets.

Reference decision : cc • No. 70-90.760 • 15 December 1970 • Consult the decision →

This decision sheds important light on your real estate law. Here is what it changes for you.

The situation

Are not constructions within the meaning of Article 84 of the Town Planning Code "hut-shaped sheds" made of interwoven poles, planted in the ground and covered with plastic sheets.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key takeaways

  • Strictly observe statutory time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (deeds, instruments, correspondence)
  • Anticipate: preventive advice always costs less than litigation

For an analysis of your situation: 30-minute consultation at €45 with Maître Zakine.

📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Cécile Zakine, French real estate lawyer, practises throughout France.
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Legal information

  • Number: 70-90.760
  • Court: Cour de cassation

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudencefoncier

Practical use cases

1

Erecting a Pole-and-Plastic Shelter Without a Permit

Marie, a homeowner in Dordogne, wants to build a simple 10 m² hut made of wooden poles driven into the ground and covered with heavy-duty plastic sheeting to store gardening tools, costing around €300. She fears needing a permis de construire (building permit) that could take months and cost over €1,000 in architect fees.

Practical application:

Under the 1970 Court of Cassation ruling, such a 'hut-shaped shed' is not a legal 'construction', so no building permit is required under urban planning law. Marie should still check with her local mairie (town hall) for any local regulations and ensure the structure does not violate private law rules like boundary distances or easements. Keeping a copy of this judgment can help if neighbours complain. Preventive consultation with a lawyer is cheaper than litigation.

2

Neighbour's Temporary Plastic Shed Causes Dispute

Jean, a landlord in a suburb of Nantes, is angry because his neighbour built a flimsy shelter of intertwined poles and plastic sheets right against their shared fence, blocking light to his rental property's garden. He threatens legal action, claiming it's an unlawful construction that devalues his property by at least £5,000.

Practical application:

Based on the 1970 precedent, this type of shelter is not a 'construction' requiring planning permission, so the council may not order its removal. Jean should first try mediation, as litigation could be costly and lengthy. He should gather evidence (photos, deeds) and check if it breaches any local co-ownership rules or creates a nuisance. A lawyer can advise on alternative claims, such as disturbance of enjoyment.

3

Purchasing Property with a Pole-and-Plastic Carport

Sophie, a first-time buyer in Annecy, has found a charming cottage but is concerned about a 15 m² carport the owner built three years ago using poles in the ground and a plastic roof, costing about £500. Her lender's surveyor flagged it as a potential illegal structure, delaying her mortgage approval of £250,000.

Practical application:

The Court of Cassation's decision clarifies that such a structure is not a 'construction', so it likely did not require a building permit, making it legally compliant. Sophie should present this case law to the surveyor and her notaire to confirm that no enforcement action is possible. She should also ensure the structure is still in place and not causing any damage, and check if the local PLU (Plan Local d'Urbanisme) has since changed rules. Obtaining a certificate from the mairie can provide comfort.

Maître Cécile Zakine

About the author

Maître Cécile Zakine — Lawyer at the Alpes-Maritimes Bar, Doctor of Law. Every article in this magazine is based on the analysis of a real court decision, commented and put into perspective by Maître Zakine’s team.

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Disclaimer: The analysis presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer.

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