Urban Planning Permit Reform in Wallonia: A Long-Awaited Simplification from May 1, 2025

Jean-Marc Delcroix
6 May 2025

Good news for property owners, investors, and real estate professionals in Wallonia: from May 1, 2025, new rules will significantly simplify procedures related to urban planning permits. This reform of the Code of Territorial Development (CoDT) aims to reduce administrative burdens, speed up projects, and encourage both renovation and the energy transition. CoDT ) aims to reduce administrative burdens, speed up projects, and encourage both renovation and the energy transition.

Which works will no longer require a permit?

The list of acts and works exempt from permits is expanding considerably. From May 1, 2025, you will no longer need to apply for an urban planning permit for many everyday minor works, provided certain rules are respected (notably, not being located in a flood-risk area). Among the new exemptions:

Home extensions: Enlargements, verandas, garden sheds, and technical rooms become more accessible administratively.

Energy installations: Installation of solar panels (on roofs or on the ground, depending on the area) and heat pumps, including geothermal pumps up to 500 meters deep.

Mobility spaces: Creation of bicycle or scooter shelters and covered parking up to 60 m², both on private and public land.

Private swimming pools: Construction of a swimming pool without a permit under certain conditions.

Small improvements: Installation of shutters, railings, or fences not visible from public spaces, installation of air conditioners, creation of retaining walls up to 1 meter high.

Horeca sector: Installation of seasonal terraces up to 100 m² for hospitality businesses.

Others:Temporary installation of measuring masts for wind turbines, felling of trees in urgent cases (with the mayor’s prior agreement), opening or modification of roof windows on flat roofs, restoration of riverbanks after natural disasters.

A time-saving and flexible reform for all

The goal of this reform is twofold: to offer more flexibility to citizens and professionals, while reducing the burden on municipal and regional administrations. Procedures are simplified, waiting times are shortened, and full digitalization is planned for September 2025, promising a fully paperless process in the future.

“This reform will have a positive impact not only on applicants and their architects but also on municipal and regional urban planning officers. It will reduce the amount of paperwork and eliminate repeated requests for information thanks to the ‘Only Once’ principle.”
– François Desquesnes, Walloon Government

Important: Conditions apply

Not all exemptions are automatic. Some works are still subject to restrictions, especially in flood-risk areas or for constructions that may impact public spaces or heritage sites. It is therefore essential to check the specific situation of your property before starting any work.

Why is this reform a major step forward?

Easier real estate projects: Less paperwork, less waiting, more responsiveness for both individuals and professionals.

Promotes energy renovation: Solar installations and heat pumps are now more accessible, supporting Wallonia’s energy transition.

Modernizes administration: Preparation for complete digitalization of files, for greater efficiency and transparency.

In summary

The CoDT reform, effective May 1, 2025, marks a turning point for real estate in Wallonia. Many everyday minor works can be carried out without a permit, provided the applicable rules are followed. This administrative simplification represents a significant time saver and an opportunity to enhance and modernize your real estate assets while contributing to the energy transition.

For any questions or projects, don’t hesitate to contact our Christie’s International Real Estate team: we are here to support you every step of the way in this new, simplified framework!