What is it?

If you are going to build or renovate, you will have to deal with rules that include safety, health, the environment and neighbors. For example, with zoning plans, building regulations and building codes. All buildings must comply with these rules, even if no permit is required.

What to do.

Roadmap to building and remodeling

If you are building or remodeling, you should follow the following steps:

1. Check whether you need an environmental permit. If so, apply for this permit to (re)build.
2. Check if your building plan fits the municipality's zoning plan.
3. Checking whether your building plan fits within the municipality's aesthetics requirements.
4. Check whether your building plan complies with the municipality's building code.
5. Checking whether your building plan complies with building codes.
6. Check if your neighbors object to your building plan.

Do you need an environmental permit or not?

You can use the permit check to find out, among other things, whether you need an environmental permit for construction activities. Sometimes you also need a permit for other activities. For example, to deviate from the zoning plan or to cut down a tree. You cannot apply for an environmental permit to build anexit, but you must report this via the municipal website.

The Rijksoverheid government website provides even more information about permit-free building or remodeling. This information provides a step-by-step clear explanation of what can and cannot be built permit-free.

Not sure if your building plan is permit-free? If so, contact an outside expert, such as an architect, before inquiring with the municipality.

You can also first open a draft application in anticipation of an official application for an environmental permit. We will assess such plans for permit requirements and for compliance with the zoning plan and the building regulations. Fees are also charged for assessing draft applications. In busy periods, official applications take priority over processing draft applications.

Municipality's zoning plan

If you want to build or renovate, you must take into account the municipality's zoning plan. In the zoning plan, the municipality determines what may happen to the space in the municipality. For example, where houses or businesses may be built and what dimensions they may have.

Welcoming requirements of the municipality

You must also take into account the municipalities' building standards. These can be found in the building regulations memorandum. This memorandum contains the Requirements that your building plan must meet. For example, whether your building is architecturally or aesthetically in keeping with its surroundings.

Building ordinance of the municipality

Building plans must also comply with the municipal building code. The building ordinance will eventually disappear. There are now 3 regulations left:

• urban planning regulations;
• regulations to prevent construction on contaminated soil;
• procedural welfare regulations.

Building Code

When building or renovating, all clients in the construction industry have to deal with building regulations such as the 2012 Building Code. This decree contains regulations on (re)construction of buildings, on the condition and use of buildings, open yards and sites, on demolition and on safety during construction and demolition.

Consultation with neighbors about (re)construction plans

It is wise to discuss building plans with your neighbors in advance. You can prevent problems. Neighbors may object to your building plans. First see if you can work it out together. Can't work it out together? Then you can get legal advice from the Juridisch Loket.

Apply for a permit to build or renovate

You can arrange the permit online through the omgevingsloket (a national website). For this you need DigiD (individuals) or eHerkenning (companies). If you do not yet have a DigiD, you can apply for one via DigiD. You can apply for an eRecognition via eRecognition.