Are you going to build or remodel? If so, you must file a notification with the municipality. Or you must apply to the municipality for an environmental permit for the technical construction activity. 

Notification or environmental permit?

Do you need to report or apply for an environmental permit? It depends on the structure. The structure is the building you are building or renovating. In the case of small buildings, you must notify the authorities. Larger structures require an environmental permit.

How do you know if your structure is small or large? Structures are divided into consequence classes. The greater the consequences if something goes wrong with the structure, the higher the consequence class. There are 3 consequence classes: 1, 2 and 3.

Is your structure in consequence class 1? And does it involve new construction? Then a notification is sufficient. You must then hire a quality assurance officer. The quality assurance officer draws up a plan. This is called an assurance plan. It says how it will be built and what the building will look like. The quality assurance officer can make the report on your behalf.

Is your structure in consequence class 2 or 3, or does it involve rebuilding? If so, you must apply for an environmental permit.

Do you want to know which consequence class your structure falls into? Then check the Iplo website. Or do the permit check in the Omgevingsloket.

Other permits

Keep in mind that you may also need other permits. Such as an environmental permit to see if your structure fits in with its surroundings.

You must comply with the rules in the building code and neighbor law:

• Building code: there are minimum requirements that your structure must meet. These are requirements about safety, strength, environment, energy use and comfort. You will also find information about the new rules for sustainable energy. Read more about the laws and regulations for buildings on RVO.nl.
• Neighbor law: it is wise to talk to your neighbors before you start construction or remodeling. Do you disagree with each other? Then you can go to court.

Do you need to make a notification? You must do so at least 4 weeks before you start building.

Do you need to apply for a permit? Do so well in advance. The municipality will decide on your permit application within 8 weeks. Is that not possible? Then the municipality may extend this period 1 time.

Have you applied for a permit and the municipality has refused the permit? Then you can file an objection. With this you let the municipality know why you disagree with the decision. Do this within 6 weeks. The municipality will then review your application and make a new decision.

After that, if you still don't agree with the decision of municipality? Then you can ask the court if the municipality made a good decision. This is called "appeal.