Don't choke on your pool

Studying regulations avoids possible misery

Summer is in the land and swimming pools, patios and the like are being installed in large numbers. Order tiles and get started? It's not always that simple.

To build paved structures in the garden, an environmental permit is in principle required. Fortunately, an exemption from this permit is also possible in certain cases, although this is subject to some conditions. We list them for you.

Pavement pool.

Strictly necessary vs. not strictly necessary access

Strictly necessary access and driveways to the property are exempt from permit application. It is generally accepted that a walkway should be a maximum of 1.5 meters wide. A driveway may be a maximum of 3 meters wide. However, if you want to create additional parking in your front yard - next to the driveway - you will have to apply for a permit for this. This is because this is not a necessary access to the house.

The construction of an access that is not strictly necessary can be done without a permit if it is limited to 80 m² and provided that it is constructed in the side and/or rear garden. The already existing non-covered structures must be included in the calculation of this maximum area of 80 m². Examples of non-covered structures are terraces, ornamental ponds, swimming pools, petanque courts, and so on.

The exemption applies only to structures that:

- have no building volume,

- do not exceed 1.5 meters above ground level,

- remain at 1 meter from the plot boundary, are less than 30 meters from the house,

- are not in sensitive areas.

In principle, the intervention of an architect is mandatory when you perform works for which you need an environmental permit. However, the construction of paving, outdoor swimming pools, ornamental ponds and the like is exempt from the involvement of an architect.

Also keep in mind that each municipality may issue more stringent regulations than those described above. For example, if a project is located in a subdivision, be sure to check the subdivision regulations. You may find requirements related to paving here as well. In addition, some municipalities have made exempt operations notifiable. So informing yourself in a timely manner is important!