What is an urban planning information notice?
The urban planning information notice (note de renseignement d’urbanisme, or NRU) is an administrative document issued by the local authority that lists all the urban planning rules applicable to a plot of land. It tells the potential buyer what can, and what cannot, be done with a given property.
This document is distinct from the certificat d’urbanisme, which is more comprehensive and legally binding on the municipality. The information notice is purely informational, but it constitutes an essential first filter in any purchase process.
What does the urban planning information notice contain?
The NRU gathers several key pieces of information. The zoning within the Plan Local d’Urbanisme (PLU) indicates whether the plot is in an urban, future urban or natural zone. Public utility easements reveal constraints linked to historic monuments, utility networks, natural or technological risks. The right of pre-emption specifies whether the municipality or a public body has a priority right to purchase the property.
The notice also mentions development projects underway or planned nearby (metro extensions, urban renewal, future facilities), any heritage protections (protected sector, Site Patrimonial Remarquable) and the applicable building rules (maximum height, building coverage ratio, mandatory setbacks).
Why is this important for a purchase in Paris?
In Paris, the bioclimatic PLU adopted in 2024 modified many urban planning rules. Some areas saw their potential for upward extension expanded, while others became subject to new environmental constraints. The NRU tells you precisely which rules apply to the plot you are considering.
For a buyer planning works, whether a roof extension, an extension, or a change of use, the information notice is the indispensable starting point. It can reveal constraints that would make your project impossible or, conversely, confirm its feasibility.
How to obtain an urban planning information notice in Paris?
The request is made to the Direction de l’Urbanisme of the City of Paris, either online via the urban planning authorisations portal or by post. The form is straightforward: you simply need to provide the exact address or the cadastral reference of the property.
The delivery time is approximately one month in Paris in 2026. The document is free of charge. For a certificat d’urbanisme (more comprehensive and binding), allow one to two months.
How to read an urban planning information notice?
The NRU is a technical document that can be daunting for an uninitiated buyer. The main points to watch are the PLU zoning (which determines the authorised uses), easements (which can limit your rights), the right of pre-emption (which can block or delay a sale) and architectural prescriptions (which govern facade and roof works).
A property hunter systematically analyses this document as part of their due diligence before recommending a property. At Home Select, this check is part of our support process.
FAQ
Is the urban planning information notice mandatory when buying?
No, it is not mandatory. However, the notaire generally requests a certificat d’urbanisme as part of the sale. The NRU is a useful pre-analysis tool even before making an offer.
What is the difference between the NRU and the certificat d’urbanisme?
The NRU is informational and non-binding. The certificat d’urbanisme (CU) is binding on the municipality: the information it contains is enforceable for 18 months. The operational CU goes further by indicating whether a specific project is feasible on the plot.
Who can request an urban planning information notice?
Anyone can make the request, even without being the property owner. It is public information.
Does a property hunter check urban planning rules?
Yes. At Home Select, we systematically analyse urban planning constraints before proposing a property, particularly if you are considering works or a change of use.