Requesting permission for noise pollution during construction and demolition

Are you going to build or demolish? Then you have to comply with the rules about noise. Is that not possible? Then ask the municipality for permission.

Rule at Environment Counter

Approach

Contact the municipality to discuss your plans. Do this well before you ask the municipality for a custom regulation. This increases the chance that you will receive permission.

This is how you apply for the customised regulation for noise pollution:

  • Go to the Environment Counter.
  • Check the Rules on the Map whether you need a custom prescription.
  • You can immediately request a custom prescription.
  • Log in.
  • You pass on:
    • in which area you are going to build or demolish
    • what the distance is to homes and other noise-sensitive buildings such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools
    • how and with what you are going to build or demolish
    • what you do to cause as little noise pollution as possible
    • how to tell people in the neighborhood about the noise pollution
    • how and to whom people in the neighborhood can report nuisance

Description

You may only perform commercial construction or demolition activities with a noise level of 60 dB(A) or higher on weekdays and Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You have obtained an environmental permit for these construction or demolition activities. There is a maximum number of days on which you may produce this noise level. The maximum number of days depends on the number of dB(A):

  • 60-65 dB(A): a maximum of 50 days
  • 65-70 dB(A): up to 30 days
  • 70-75 dB(A): maximum 15 days
  • 75-80 dB(A): up to 5 days
  • above 80 dB(A): is not permitted; 0 days

Read more about construction noise on Infomill's website

You can request a waiver from the municipality if you:

  • Want to perform construction and demolition work on weekdays and Saturdays between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • want to perform construction and demolition work on Sunday or a holiday
  • want to extend the maximum number of days on which you may make noise of 60 or more dB(A)
  • want to use devices that operate day and night, such as a groundwater pump

Are you going to perform work with (construction) machinery in the open air? And will you cause noise pollution for local residents or other surroundings? Then you must apply for an exemption from the municipality. 

Requirements

The Requirements to apply for an exemption:

  • You use the quietest techniques and materials.
  • You divide the construction site so that noise pollution is limited.
  • You ensure that the noise disturbance is as short as possible.
  • You inform people in the neighborhood in good time when you are going to build or demolish.

Term

The municipality will decide on your application within 8 weeks. Is this not possible? Then the municipality may extend this period 1 time.

Objection and appeal

Do you disagree with the municipality's decision? Then you can file an objection. By doing so, you let it be known why you disagree with the decision. Other people affected may also object. Objection must be made within 6 weeks.

Did you or someone else object to the municipality's decision? Then the municipality will make a new decision. Do you disagree with that decision? Then you can ask the court whether the municipality has made a good decision. This is called 'appeal'. Do this within 6 weeks. You can only appeal if you have lodged an objection.

Or are you looking?

Learn more

Information on Iplo.nl about noise pollution during construction