Environment Act

The Environment Act deals with the space in which we live, work and relax: the physical environment. This new law merges laws and simplifies the rules for much of what you see, smell and hear outside. It allows you to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the various levels of government (municipalities, water boards, provinces and the state) all at once. The law applies to all residents, organizations and businesses.

What does the Environment Act mean for you?

You will have to deal with the Environment Act if you want to change something in your living environment. For example, if you have plans to renovate your house, organize an event or if you are an entrepreneur and want to build a shed next to your business premises. You are the initiator and must find out whether you need a permit or a notification. You can do that in the new Environment Desk. You may also have to deal with the Environment Act if someone else wants to change something in your living environment. For example, if your neighbors want to build a garage or if a nearby company wants to enlarge its office. You are then a stakeholder.

Until January 1, 2024

Did you obtain or submit a permit before the introduction of the Environment Act? If the municipality, water board or province has already granted you a permit, it remains valid. You do not have to do anything. If the municipality, water board or province still has to process the application, then in principle this will be done according to the old law. You must ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted on time.

What changed after Jan. 1, 2024?

Here are the most important changes for you:

• The Environment Counter is the new counter where, since Jan. 1, 2024, you can apply online for a permit, submit a notification or submit additional information.
• Since Jan. 1, 2024, your municipality's zoning plans will be transformed into an environmental plan. An environmental plan not only contains information about the zoning of a place. It also includes rules for noise, soil - and sometimes things like energy measures and sustainability.
• The Environment Act ensures that the government makes quicker decisions on your permit applications. A short procedure is the starting point in the Environment Act. The maximum decision period for a short procedure is 8 weeks. After that, objections and appeals are still possible. If your permit application is complex, your application may fall under an extensive procedure. In that case, the decision period is longer.