The weekend is the best time to do your DIY work. But be careful, not everything is permitted, and the fine can be steep.
Whether it is to assemble a shelf, drill a hole, or undertake a renovation project, many individuals take advantage of the weekend to take care of their interior. However, many people are unaware that there are strict rules governing the authorized work and the times during which it is permitted to tinker at home. Fines are even provided for in the event of non-compliance, and they can be high.
In France, the law is very explicit on this subject. Article L. 1311-2 of the Public Health Code provides that “neighborhood noise caused by domestic activities, individual behavior, professional activities or voluntary activities must not harm the tranquility of the neighborhood or human health, in the place of their occurrence or elsewhere, by their duration, their repetition or their intensity.
DIY work is therefore not prohibited on weekends and public holidays. However, they are regulated on hours and the nature of the work. These rules are defined by the National Noise Council (CNB). Heavy work, generating a lot of noise, is prohibited at night, but also on Sundays and public holidays.
Concerning less noisy and less time-consuming work, it is entirely possible to carry them out on weekends, and even on Sundays and public holidays. However, time slots must be respected, which may vary from one city to another. As a general rule, here are the hours to respect:
- Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
- Saturday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., then from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
- Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Therefore, on Sunday afternoon, noisy DIY is strictly prohibited. This is a point that many ignore, thinking they can continue their work in the afternoon. However, this period is often reserved for Sunday rest, and working beyond these hours can result in complaints from neighbors and, possibly, intervention by the municipal police.
But always remember to check this information with your town hall, as there are local regulations. For example, in Paris, the town hall prohibits noisy work at the times below:
- Before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. on weekdays;
- Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. on Saturday;
- Sundays and public holidays.
In the event of non-compliance with these rules, you are exposed to several sanctions. For example, the municipal police can impose a fine of 68 euros on you for non-compliance with a municipal decree or a prefectural decree. If your neighbor denounces you and goes to court, you may be ordered to pay a fine and pay damages. For nighttime nuisances, article R623-2 of the Penal Code provides for a 3rd class fine, of a maximum amount of 450 euros. In Paris, the maximum fine incurred is €1,500 and can rise to €3,000 in the event of a repeat offense.