Politics

Paris PLU and 2025 Simplification Law Shift Zoning Rules in Montparnasse

New rules under the Paris Plan Local d'Urbanisme and Simplification Law allow greater flexibility for converting office buildings to housing in the 62 Maine-Montparnasse sector of the 14th and 15th arrondissements.

By Montparnasse Policy Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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The Paris Plan Local d'Urbanisme approved by the Paris Council on November 20, 2024, sets zoning rules for the 62 Maine-Montparnasse sector in the 14th and 15th arrondissements. The plan introduces bioclimatic urban orientations that apply to new projects and changes of use in the district.

A Simplification Law adopted in November 2025 gives Paris municipalities added scope to depart from the PLU when authorising the conversion of office buildings into residential housing. The law applies even in locations where such residential use had not previously been permitted under earlier zoning designations.

Planning Requirements for Property Changes

Planning permission in the form of a Permis de Construire or an Advance Declaration remains mandatory for land subdivision, new construction and any change in the designated use of buildings throughout the Montparnasse district. These procedural steps apply to projects that seek to reduce the tertiary office character of existing structures and increase the amount of housing.

Recent development plans for the Tour Montparnasse complex require a reduction in office space and a corresponding increase in housing, including provision for a new student residence and shopping centre. Permits for these changes were scheduled to be filed by the end of November 2025.

Expanded Sites for Social Housing

The Paris PLU-b has added over 600 new plots to the reserved sites for social housing in the area, bringing the total to nearly 947 plots. Several of the added plots cover former office buildings. Residents in the 14th and 15th arrondissements will encounter these reserved sites when local authorities assess applications that propose residential conversions.

Future proposals in the sector must continue to meet the procedural requirements set out in the PLU and the Simplification Law. The government expects the updated framework to guide decisions on individual planning applications as they are submitted.

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