The omgevingswet

The new omgevingswet into force on January 1, 2024. This Act concerns the space in which we live, work, and relax: our living environment. You will Omgevingswet by the Omgevingswet if you want to make changes to your living environment. For example, if you want to build a new driveway. Or if you are an entrepreneur and want to expand your business premises.

If you want to make changes to your living environment, you are considered an 'initiator'. This means that you must check whether you need an environmental permit or whether you need to submit a notification. You can do this online at the digital environmental desk. For more information in advance, please contact your local municipal office.

Consequences for issued permits

We will process and grant all permit applications submitted before the effective date of the Omgevingswet under the current legislation, the WABO. Inspections (including construction inspections) during construction will also be carried out under the WABO. We are happy to help if you have any questions about your plan. 

With the introduction of the new Omgevingswet , the Requirements, deadlines, and rules that a permit application must meet Omgevingswet . For example, new plans will also be assessed in terms of their impact on health, safety, sustainability, and climate. The Act also requires that an initiator coordinate his or her plan with the environment in which it will be implemented. This may require additional time or work.

Advantages of the Omgevingswet

More influence on what happens in your neighborhood

The omgevingswet also omgevingswet that, as a resident or entrepreneur, you must be involved in the preliminary phase by others with plans in the area. Your input is therefore no longer non-binding. For example, is there a construction project in your neighborhood? Then the initiator (residents, businesses, and social organizations) of that plan may be obliged to ensure support in the area. Incidentally, you retain the option to object at a later stage, for example after a permit application.

All information and rules in one place

The Omgevingswet with a single digital portal for environmental plans, permits, and notifications. Through this digital environmental portal, you can check whether your plan is permitted, and whether and which permit you need for it. All applications must then be submitted via the digital environmental portal.

Environmental desk

A lot of information about the omgevingswet online, but it is not easy for everyone to find. The Heerlen Environment Desk can help you with this. They will explain the current rules and how you can submit a digital application or notification. No substantive assessments are carried out.

You can visit the environmental desk in the public hall of the municipality of Heerlen by appointment. Consultation hours are every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call 045-5405040 to make an appointment. 

Apply for a permit or submit a notification online?

You can submit your online application or notification at the online environmental desk, for example for a new dormer window, new commercial premises, installation of revetment, or an activity on or near a dike. 

Environmental vision

The municipality of Heerlen will also develop an environmental vision. In this vision, we will clarify how we want to involve citizens, for example. What exactly do we mean by 'support' and 'participation'? What does that look like in practice? The Environmental Vision must be ready by mid-2024.

We consulted residents about the environmental vision in 2023. A survey was also conducted, to which 2,602 people responded. Finally, there was also a meeting where professionals discussed points of attention in the living environment that the municipality of Heerlen needs to work on in the coming years.

More information 

Would you like more information about the Omgevingswet? Visit the website of the Rijksoverheid or the website of Aan de slag met de Omgevingswet.