FAQ: 10 frequently asked questions on outdoor kitchen regulations

Planning permission, council tax, neighbours, gas: here are the short, straight answers to the most common questions about outdoor kitchen regulations. Each answer links to the relevant full guide so you can explore the topic in more detail.

Do I need to declare my outdoor kitchen to the local council?

It depends on the site footprint or the floor area created, whichever is greater. A mobile kitchen requires no formalities; a fixed structure of 5 to 20 m² requires a prior declaration; and over 20 m², planning permission is required.

For more information, see our full guide: Outdoor kitchen: do you need planning permission or a prior declaration?

From what size do you need a prior declaration?

From 5 m² of footprint or floor area for a fixed structure, up to 20 m². Below this threshold, a prior declaration is still required if the house façade is modified.

From what size do you need planning permission?

Over 20 m² of footprint or floor area. This threshold increases to 40 m² in urban areas covered by a local urban plan (PLU).

Does a mobile outdoor kitchen require authorisation?

No, as long as there is no fixing to the ground and no creation of floor area.

Will my summer kitchen increase my property tax?

Only if it is covered, enclosed, or permanently connected. A mobile installation has no impact on your property tax.

For more information, see our full guide: Solid-built summer kitchen: what it changes for your property tax

Do I need to declare my summer kitchen for tax purposes, and within what timeframe?

Yes—if it is a permanent construction—via form H1, within 90 days of the works being completed.

Is a kitchen enclosed with glass doors a conservatory?

Yes, in most cases. A full enclosure creates floor area in addition to the footprint: both criteria must then be checked, using whichever is greater to determine whether a prior declaration or planning permission is required.

For more information, see our full guide: Enclosed outdoor kitchen: from when does it become a conservatory?

Can I install my kitchen against the party wall I share with my neighbour?

Yes, under certain conditions. Article 674 of the Civil Code requires a gap between the hearth and this shared wall, and your neighbour’s agreement is recommended—or even necessary—since it is a jointly owned shared wall.

For more information, see our full guide: Neighbour nuisance: smoke, distance from the party wall, remedies

What distance should I keep from the property boundary if I don’t have a party wall?

No national law sets a minimum distance for simple cooking equipment. However, your local planning rules (PLU) may set one, often around 3 metres from the boundary of your land.

What are the risks if you don’t declare it?

If you build without authorisation, the mayor may, after an offence is recorded, order the owner to regularise the situation or demolish, with a daily penalty that can reach €1,000 per day of delay. A criminal fine is added: between €1,200 and €6,000 per m² of area built without authorisation.

At the time of resale, the notary systematically checks the property’s planning compliance. If an undeclared construction is discovered, the buyer may request the sale be cancelled or the price reduced, and may even claim damages if the seller acted in bad faith.

Should I inform my home insurer if I build an outdoor kitchen?

It is recommended, especially if the construction increases the habitable floor area, such as an enclosed kitchen in a conservatory style. If you do not declare it, cover in the event of a claim in this area may be reduced—or refused.