The omgevingswet

The new omgevingswet came into effect on 1 January 2024. This law concerns the space in which we live, work and relax: our living environment. You will receive the Omgevingswet to make if you want to change something in your living environment. When you want to build a new driveway, for example. Or if you want to expand your business premises as an entrepreneur.

If you want to change something in your living environment, you are a so-called "initiator. This means that you must then see whether you need an environmental permit or a notification. This can be done online in the digital environment counter. For more information beforehand, you can visit the municipal counter of the municipality.

Impact on permits issued

Anyone who has submitted a permit application before the implementation date of the Omgevingswet , we treat and provide under the current legislation, the WABO. The (construction) inspections during construction are also carried out under the WABO. We are happy to help you if you have questions about your plan. 

With the start of the new Omgevingswet change the Requirements , terms and rules that a permit application must comply with. For example, new plans are also examined for their consequences for health, safety, sustainability and climate. The law also requires an initiator to coordinate his/her plan with the environment in which it is to be implemented. This can cost extra time or entail extra work.

Benefits of the Omgevingswet

More influence on what happens in your neighborhood

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

All information and rules in 1 place

The Omgevingswet works with one digital counter for environmental plans, permits and notifications. Via this digital environmental counter you can check whether your plan is permitted, whether and which permit you need for this. All applications must then be submitted via the digital environmental counter.

Environment Counter

Lots of information about the omgevingswet is online, but it is not easy for everyone to find. The Omgevingsloket Heerlen will help you further. You will receive an explanation of the current rules and how you can submit a digital application or notification. There are no substantive assessments.

In the public hall of the municipality of Heerlen you can visit the environment counter by appointment. The consultation hour is every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call 045-5405040 to make an appointment. 

Apply for permit or report online?

At the online environment counter, you can make the online application or notification, for example, for a new dormer window, a new commercial building, placement of a shoring, or an activity on or near a dike. 

Environmental Vision

The municipality of Heerlen is also going to develop an environmental vision. In the vision we will make clear 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.

For the environmental vision, we engaged with residents in 2023. There was also a survey to which 2602 people responded. Finally, there was also a meeting in which professionals discussed points of interest in the living environment that the municipality of Heerlen must work on in the coming years.

Learn more 

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