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Installation of an outdoor sauna: what regulations?

2023-02-11T05:15:18.690Z


The Finnish bath has many virtues against stress and muscle tension. It effectively promotes relaxation after a day's work. Are there legal rules governing the installation of an outdoor sauna?


Have you decided to take care of yourself and install a sauna in your garden or on your terrace?

Before taking full advantage of your outdoor sauna, whether you own or rent your home, here are the rules to follow.

What is an outdoor sauna?

The principle of the outdoor sauna, as indoor, is simple: it exposes the body to very hot steam to force it to regulate itself at 37 degrees through perspiration.

The dry sauna is distinguished by a high temperature, between 90 and 110 degrees, in a dry atmosphere.

Unlike the wet sauna, which creates a milder temperature, with a humidity level oscillating between 10 to 25%.

The Finnish bath is traditionally made of heat-resistant wood.

For example, Alder, Cedar, Spruce and Aspen.

There are all shapes, chalet, barrel, and all sizes.

Saunas can find their place outside, just like inside your house, but the work to be undertaken is relatively important (concrete slab, electrical connection, etc.).

The temperature rise in the cabin can be ensured in several ways:

  • By a wood, electric or gas stove that heats lava stones.

  • By infrared.

The only drawback of the outdoor sauna is its regulations.

Can I install an outdoor sauna in my garden?

The outdoor sauna is mounted directly on the ground of your garden or terrace.

Legally, it is assimilated to an external

,

permanent

annex

, just like the garden shed or the fixed barbecue.

It is opposed to temporary, removable annexes.

The regulations differ depending on the height and area of ​​the outdoor sauna.

Installation of an outdoor sauna without planning permission

You can install your outdoor sauna without

any specific authorization

when:

  • That it does not exceed 12 m in height.

And

  • That it does not exceed 5 m2 in area.

More specifically, if the dimensions of your building exceed at least one of these thresholds, you must apply for planning permission.

If your garden is located in a

protected area

, planning permission is required to install a sauna there.

Even if the latter is less than 12 m high and 5 m2 in area.

Good to know

A protected site means remarkable heritage sites, the surroundings of historical monuments, classified sites or sites awaiting classification, nature reserves, remarkable spaces and coastal environments to be preserved.

Installation of an outdoor sauna with planning permission

Depending on the dimensions of your outdoor sauna, a prior declaration of work (DP) or a building permit may be required:

  • Its area is between 5 m2 and does not exceed 20 m2: a DP is mandatory.

  • Its area exceeds 20 m2: a building permit is required.

If you live in a protected area, you must obtain the following authorization if you install a sauna in your garden:

  • Its area does not exceed 20 m2: a DP.

  • Its area exceeds 20 m2: a building permit.

Summary table of authorizations required to install a sauna in your garden

Here is a table specifying the planning permission to obtain before any installation process for your Finnish bath.

Area less than or equal to 5 m2 and not exceeding 12 m in height

Area greater than 5 m2 and less than or equal to 20 m2

Area greater than 20 m2

General case

No authorization

DP

Building permit

Protected area

DP

DP

Building permit

Check the PLU before installing the Finnish outdoor bath

Specific rules regarding the installation of an outdoor sauna may be imposed by the local urban plan (PLU) of your municipality.

Find out more from the town planning department of your town hall.

Declare your outdoor sauna to the insurer

We advise you to inform your home insurance of the installation of a sauna in your home.

In the event of an accident or malfunction, this declaration allows you better compensation.

Can I install an outdoor sauna if I rent my garden?

Tenant, you are obliged to obtain the

authorization of your landlord

before starting work to install a sauna on your terrace or in your garden.

We advise you to make your request in writing, in order to constitute proof in the event of a dispute.

If you start the work before this agreement, the owner of your home can:

  • Demand that you return the premises to the same condition as initially, and at your expense.

  • Or, at the end of your lease, keep the sauna without compensation.

Is the outdoor sauna subject to development tax?

Any construction of more than 5 m2 is subject to the

development tax

.

Conversely, that of less than 5 m2, or equal, is exempt.

Owners of saunas built outside their homes are therefore liable for this tax.

The development tax is calculated according to the surface of the building.

The bigger it is, the more tax you pay.

The calculation formula is quite complex:

Development tax = (taxable area x fixed value x municipal or intermunicipal rate) + (taxable area x fixed value x departmental rate)

A simulator helps you estimate the amount you will have to pay.

When filing the building permit or the preliminary declaration of work, you must complete an additional declaration to allow the calculation of this tax.

The amount to be paid is then sent to the beneficiary of the planning permission by simple letter no later than 6 months after the issuance of the permit (12 months if the amount is less than 1500 euros).

The deadline for payment is the 15th of the 2nd month following the date of issue.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2023-02-11

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