Article L5223-1 of the French General Code of Local Authorities
The communes may draw up and approve inter-communal development and planning charters which define the medium-term prospects for their economic, social and cultural development, determine the corresponding action programmes, and specify the conditions for the organisation and operation of public facilities and services. On the proposal of the municipalities concerned, the boundaries of the areas concerned are decided by the State representative in the department, after consulting the departmental council….