A data center can secure its power and still be blocked by its land: unsuitable zoning in the local plan (PLU), a challenged building permit, an incomplete ICPE file for generators, water questions. These procedures must run alongside the grid connection, not after it.

DOES YOUR SITUATION LOOK LIKE ONE OF THESE?

Our 12 ha plot is in an AU zone of the local land-use plan (PLU). Can we build a 60 MW data center on it?We are a logistics developer and want to offer a powered shell to a data center operator. What must we secure first?An association has filed a legal challenge against our building permit. How do we communicate without making things worse?
Xavier WatrelosXavier Watrelos
HV grid connection & industrial projects
Blandine CazellesBlandine Cazelles
Crisis communication & public affairsAll situations →

WHAT WE MANAGE

On the owner's side Local plan (PLU) review: buildability, height, footprint, parking
PLU modification, revision or alignment, with the municipality
Building permit file, with the architect and engineers
ICPE file: generators, fuel storage, batteries, cooling
Environmental authorisation, impact study, public inquiry
Follow-up of requests from the State, the municipality and engineers

Legal work goes to partner lawyers who bill the client directly. See data center permits in France and grid connection engineering.

WHO IS INVOLVED

Xavier Watrelos, who has led operating permits with public inquiry on industrial projects, partner lawyers and architects, coordinated by Frédéric Arnaud. Best-efforts obligation: planning decisions belong to the municipality and the State.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does a data center need a zoning change in France?

Not always. It depends on zoning, height, footprint and use rules. A local plan review tells whether the project works as is or needs a modification.

Is a data center an ICPE in France?

Usually yes, through its installations: generators, fuel storage, some cooling or energy storage systems. The regime depends on capacities and quantities.