Applying for an environment and planning permit

For most activities in the physical environment (in Dutch), you must make a notification or apply for an environment and planning permit.

For example, you apply for an environment and planning permit if you:

• plan activities that have an impact on the environment
• want to build, rebuild or renovate
• intend to fell trees
• want to place advertising on your premises
• are responsible for the fire safety of a building
• want to install an alarm on your premises
• want to construct an entry or exit road
• plan to renovate or demolish protected monuments
• want to start a catering establishment
• want to start a childcare centre
• want to start your own business from home

Check if you need an environment and planning permit and apply

Go to the online service counter Omgevingsloket (in Dutch) to check if you need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning). In the Omgevingsloket you can see which rules apply in your municipality, province, or regional water authority. You can then use the Omgevingsloket to apply online for an environment and planning permit or submit a notification.

Please note that rules from the General Municipal Bylaw (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV) may also be applicable.

Applying digitally

You always start your application or notification digitally in the Omgevingsloket (in Dutch) and then send your application directly via the Omgevingsloket. Do you prefer to submit your application on paper? Ask your municipality about the possibilities to submit an application in writing.

Online application procedure via Message Box

Message Box has not yet been linked to the Omgevingsloket. This means that you cannot apply for an environment and planning permit or make a notification via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.

Participation: let others know about your plans

You should involve the people and businesses in the neighbourhood in your plans. This is called participation (in Dutch). Participation can help you get more support for your plans. And it can prevent people from objecting later.

Participation is not always mandatory. When you apply for an environment and planning permit, you must indicate if you have followed the participation procedure or not. You must also describe how you have done this and what the opinions of local residents and other entrepreneurs are. The competent authority takes these opinions into account when assessing your application.

How long does the application for an environment and planning permit take?

In most cases, the competent authority decides within 8 weeks (short procedure). For a number of activities, an extended procedure (in Dutch) applies. An extended procedure may take up to 6 months, and can be extended once more for 6 weeks.

Objecting if your application is rejected

Has your application for an environment and planning permit been rejected? Then you can object and appeal. The rejection will contain information on who can object, the institution where you can submit your objection, and the deadline. In your objection you have to explain why you disagree with the decision. If you disagree with the decision on your objection, you can appeal.