Fire safety

You need a notification of use for buildings where many people gather. This also applies to hotels, day-care centers, care institutions, hospitals and other buildings in which people have little influence on their own safety.

With the Permit Check of the Omgevingsloket (Digital Environment Portal), you can see whether you need to submit a notification of use or not. 

Do the check via the Omgevingsloket (environmental counter)

How does it work?

In these cases, you must submit a notification of use:

  • If more than 50 people will be present in the building at the same time, or more than 150 people if it concerns an office or industrial function.
  • If there is room-by-room rental with 5 or more residential units.
  • If more than 10 people sleep in a hotel or care institution.
  • If more than 10 people younger than 12 years old stay in the building during the day.
  • If more than 10 physically or mentally disabled people stay in the building during the day.
  • If it concerns an apartment where care is provided.
  • Report the intended use of the building at least 4 weeks in advance.

Making a report is free of charge.

Existing usage notification no longer valid?

Then submit a new notification of use. For example, if:

  • there are more people in the building at the same time than indicated in the existing notification or permit;
  • the users are less able to manage independently than before;
  • the familiarity with the building is less for the new users, or;
  • fire safety provisions disappear. For example, an emergency exit that is closed off.

You are responsible for the fire-safe use of your building. The rules regarding the use of buildings are spread throughout the Environmental Activities Decree. The rules for submitting usage notifications are also in Section 6.1.2 of the Environmental Activities Decree. In Article 6.8 you will find a list of what should be on the drawing. More information can be found under the heading Legislation and regulations.

Want to know more or have questions?

For tips and information, visit Brandweer.nl. Or contact us.