Building environmental permit applications (environmental requirements)

If you are going to build or remodel, your structure must fit within its surroundings. Therefore, you may need to apply for a permit.

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Approach

This is how you apply for an environmental permit:

  • Go to the Environment Counter.
  • Do the permit check.
  • You will see if you need a permit. You can apply for the permit right away.
  • You log in.
  • You provide all important information about what you will build and how it will look (including construction drawings, sketches of existing situation and future situation)
  • You indicate whether you consulted with residents or business owners in the area. If you consulted with other people in the area, say how that went and what you discussed.

Could your construction plans affect nature? If so, indicate this in your permit application.

Cost

You pay a percentage of the construction cost. The amount is reset every year.

When you apply for an environmental permit, you usually don't just pay the cost of the environmental permit. Often the municipality also charges planning costs. These are costs for preparation and supervision of the construction of facilities. For example, green areas, new roads or the filling of ditches.

Description

If you want to build or remodel, your plans must fit within the environment in which you will be building.

Therefore, you must apply for an environmental permit before building. There are also exceptions. For example, you do not need to apply for an environmental permit if it involves:

  • maintenance work on a building in which the exterior of the structure does not change
  • Minor alterations to the rear of a building, such as:
    • standard dormer with a flat roof
    • standard skylight
    • window frame
  • standard solar panels
  • blinds or shutters (as long as they do not affect the appearance of the facade)
  • a sports or playground equipment (no higher than 2.5 meters) for your garden
  • a construction shack or scaffolding
  • Small structures for utilities, such as an electricity box or transformer house

Are you going to remodel something on a monument? If so, you usually need a permit.

If you do not need to apply for a permit, you usually still need to file a notification. That way the municipality knows when you will start building.

Keep in mind that you may also need other permits if you are going to build.

Terms

When building or remodeling, you must at least comply with the rules in the municipality's environmental plan regarding the impact of your structure on the environment. Think for example of noise requirements.

Term

The municipality will make a decision on your permit application within 8 weeks. The municipality may extend this period once by 6 weeks. You may not begin construction until the permit is granted.

A notification must be made at least 4 weeks before you start building.

Objection and appeal

In an ordinary procedure, you file an objection with the municipality. In an extensive procedure, you give your opinion (view) on the draft decision.

Do this within 6 weeks. After that, do you disagree? Then you can appeal to the court. You may be able to appeal afterwards.

Is there no response within the 6-week appeal period? Then the permit is final.

Learn more

About your neighborhood - information about decisions in your area

Explained when to apply for permit or report

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Building permit applications (technical requirements)