Activities in quiet areas

A quiet area (stiltegebied) is an environmental protection area in the Netherlands. In a quiet area the natural sounds of the area predominate. Other sounds may not exceed 40 decibels (dB). General regulations to avoid or minimise noise pollution in quiet areas are laid down in the Provincial Environmental Act (Provinciale Omgevingsverordening, POV). You can find the location of quiet areas on the Atlas Leefomgeving (Atlas of living environment, in Dutch).

Applying for dispensation

Do you want to carry out activities that exceed the sound level of 40 dB in quiet areas? You have to apply for dispensation from the provincial authority. In the dispensation the rules and regulations governing the activities in question will be stated.

Please note: You may also need other permits or dispensations to carry out an activity in a quiet area. These could, for instance, be based on the Nature Conservation Act (Natuurbeschermingswet) or an All-in-one permit for physical aspects (omgevingsvergunning).

Objecting to a decision

Does the provincial authority deny your application for dispensation? You can lodge an objection. The procedure depends on the province.

Costs for a dispensation

When you apply for a dispensation to carry out activities in quiet areas you may have to pay provincial administrative charges (leges). The amount differs between provincial authorities.

Online application procedure via Message Box

You can apply for dispensation to carry out activities in a quiet area also via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.