Spatial planning and building permits

We assist our clients in assessing the compliance of their projects with land-use plans, in derogation procedures and in filing building-permit applications, in collaboration with architects and technical consultants.

FORI Avocat·e·s SA is particularly active in cases involving the finding of unlawful constructions and restoration orders, demanding litigation that is often sensitive in human and financial terms. We defend owners targeted by infringement proceedings opened by the competent department – constructions carried out without authorisation, non-compliance with the permit issued, unauthorised change of use – which may lead to a compliance order, a fine or even a demolition order.

In these proceedings, as in appeals against a refusal of authorisation, we systematically examine the lawfulness and proportionality of the decision – compliance with time limits and good faith, equal treatment – and represent our clients before the administrative authorities and then, where appropriate, before the courts. We also act upstream to secure a project and prevent the opening of such proceedings, as well as in defending neighbours or third parties wishing to oppose a construction project.