Spatial and technical construction

To build, renovate, or change the use of a structure, you usually need an environmental permit. Sometimes a permit is not required, for example, for a canopy or dormer on the back of your house.

The environmental permit can consist of two parts: a spatial and/or technical part. The spatial part concerns whether you are allowed to build in a certain place. The technical part concerns whether your building plan complies with the building regulations.

Spatial development: environmental plan

The spatial aspect concerns whether you are allowed to build in a certain place and the use of the building. The rules for spatial building are in the environmental plan. This also includes the rules about the appearance of a building, which are stated in the design code.

A permit is often required for the spatial aspect. Some activities are also exempt from permits. Use the Permit Check in the Omgevingsloket (Environment Desk) to check whether you need an environmental permit or whether your building plan is (partly) permit-free. The Omgevingsloket is also the place to submit the notification or apply for the final permit. 

What information do I provide?

In any case, we need the following information about the existing and future situation:  

  • Site plan  
  • Map drawing  
  • elevation drawing  
  • cross-sectional drawing  
  • Detailed drawing  
  • Color and materials  
  • description of the use

The Permit Check in the Omgevingsloket (Environment Desk) indicates what further information you need to provide. Make sure you provide all the requested information. If information is missing, you will be notified. 

Technical construction: Buildings and Living Environment Decree (BBL)

The technical part concerns whether your building plan meets the building technical requirements from the Building Activities Living Environment Decree. These regulations can be found under Tailor-made measures in the Omgevingsloket (Environment Desk).  

A permit is often required for the technical aspect. In some cases, a notification must be made for technical construction and you need a quality controller. This depends on the consequence class in which your building falls. More information about the Wkb and the consequence classes can be found at Wet kwaliteitsborging voor het bouwen (Wkb) (Quality Assurance for Construction Act). 

More information about an environmental permit  

For questions, more information, and to apply for an environmental permit, please visit the Apply for an environmental permit page.