Building, Renovating, or Changing the Use of a Property

Do you want to build, renovate, demolish, cut down a tree, or change the use of a property? In many cases, you’ll need to report this or obtain an environmental permit. Follow the step-by-step guide below to submit an application. 

Is this a larger application—such as an apartment complex or multiple homes? And is there a good chance that the plan conflicts with the rules of the environmental plan? If so, go straight to Step 2: Explore your idea. 

Step-by-step plan

  1. Currently in progress: Prepare your plans

    Check the regulations at and use the permit check tool at to see if a permit, notification, or reporting requirement is needed. Having trouble navigating the many regulations? Contact the staff at the Heerlen Environmental Services Office.

  2. Currently in progress: Explore your idea

    Review your plan before applying for a permit. That way, you'll know if your plan complies with the rules. Explore your idea

    Is this a larger construction project?
    In that case, the municipality’s triage team will review your plan within 8 weeks and provide you with recommendations and information on possible next steps. Learn more about the process for larger construction projects.

  3. Currently in progress: Submit a request or report an issue

    Is the recommendation positive? Submit your plan or apply for your permit through the national Omgevingsloket. Be sure to include all documents. Read all about the application process.

  4. Currently in progress: Confirmation of the application

    When you submit a report or request, you will receive a message from the email address noreply@jeleefomgeving.nl. You can use this email to log in to jeleefomgeving.nl and easily track your request.

  5. Currently in progress: The municipality is reviewing and evaluating

    Is your application complete and is everything correct? You will receive a notification at jeleefomgeving.nl if additional information is required or if there is an update. If everything is in order, you will receive your permit.

  6. Currently in progress: Starting work

    Sometimes you will need to hire a quality assurance inspector for construction supervision. If this is the case, you must submit a WKB notification at least four weeks before the start of construction.
    On the day you start construction, you must report this to the municipality. 

  7. Currently in progress: Markas complete

    Notify the municipality when the work is complete.

Multiple environmental permits

When submitting your notification or application, you may need multiple permits. Check the rules for:

Utility connections and house numbering

To apply for a utility connection, you often need a house number. You won’t receive your final house number until after you’ve obtained the permit. However, we can often help you with a temporary house number. You can use this to register with the utility provider, which will allow you to get a spot on the waiting list.

Would you like a temporary house number? 

In that case, we ask that you:

We will review your application in accordance with the provisions of the BAG Act (Basic Registration of Addresses and Buildings). If possible, we will send you a provisional house number.

Please note: this number is not yet final. You cannot derive any rights from it. It is subject to change.

Additional rules and permits

In addition to the notification or environmental permit, you may sometimes need other permits during the work, such as:

  • Permission for noise pollution
    You may carry out the work from Monday to Saturday between certain times. If you wish to build outside these times, you will need permission.
  • Using municipal land
    You need permission to place a container, portable toilet, or other object on the street, sidewalk, or parking space.
  • Request a sewer connection
    Are you not yet connected to the sewer system? Then submit a request to the municipality.
  • Waste processing
    Dispose of your construction, demolition, and garden waste in the correct manner.
  • Asbestos removal
    If you encounter asbestos, you must have it removed. 

Please also inform your neighbors.

The municipality also considers the interests of your neighbors. If you are granted an environmental permit, they can object to it. So take the people who live in the neighborhood into account. Let them know what your plans are in good time. This will ensure greater understanding and may help to prevent complaints and objections. 

General tips:

  • Let the people in your neighborhood know about your plan in advance. People often appreciate this. And you can discuss and resolve any potential problems together.
  • Also discuss the schedule and the consequences of the work. Consider possible nuisance for your neighbors, such as noise, traffic, dust, limited parking spaces, and barriers.
  • Share contact details with each other, such as phone numbers and email addresses. This will ensure that you can quickly inform each other in the event of unexpected events or problems.
  • Keep in touch regularly during the work. Ask if everything is still going well. This prevents annoyance and ensures greater understanding if there is any inconvenience.
  • For large construction projects or long-term and complex work, consider setting up a sounding board group or holding a walk-in or information meeting.

Familiar with the rules?

As you begin to develop your plans, you’ll find information about the laws and regulations in many places. Sometimes, this information can be overwhelming and difficult to understand. The Heerlen Environmental Service Center is here to guide you. Make an appointment. We’ll provide you with personalized assistance.
Please note: We do not conduct substantive reviews.