omgevingswet Explanation

What is the omgevingswet?

As of January 1, 2024, the Omgevingswet came into effect. This law regulates everything for the space in which we live and work: the living environment. This new law bundles and simplifies the rules for everything you see, hear and smell outside. The law applies to all Dutch residents, organizations and companies. 

To ensure that our living environment is a healthy, safe and pleasant place to live, we have made many rules in the Netherlands. Both for residents and companies. These rules include how we deal with nature, the environment, building and housing. The Omgevingswet combines all these rules.

When will I have to deal with the Omgevingswet ?

You will have to deal with the Omgevingswet if you want to change something in your living environment.

Construction or remodeling plans

You will have to deal with the omgevingswet if, for example, you have plans to remodel your house, cut down a tree, or if you are a business owner who wants to have a shed placed next to your business premises. 

Area development plan or larger building plan

You will also have to deal with the Omgevingswet if you have a plan for an (area) development or a larger construction project 

Plans of another

You may also have to deal with the Omgevingswet if someone else wants to change something in your living environment. For example, if your neighbors want to put up a garage, if a nearby company wants to enlarge its office, or if a developer wants to build a number of houses. The Omgevingswet offers ample opportunities to voice your opinion about a change in your living environment.

Existing permits and notifications remain valid

The entry into force of the Omgevingswet does not affect existing permits and notifications. If you do not change anything in your living environment, you do not have to apply for a new permit or submit a new notification.

Omgevingswet and Environment Counter

All inhabitants and companies in the Netherlands can go to 1 digital counter: the Environment Counter. Every municipality in the Netherlands is connected to this desk. The Environment Counter can be found at omgevingswet.overheid.nl.

The environment counter is the central place where all digital information about the living environment comes together. So everyone can view this information in 1 place and use it directly.

You can visit the Environmental Counter:

  • see on a Map by location what rules and policies apply to your activities and your plans
  • See if your plans require permits and which permits they are
  • See if you need to report your plans 
  • apply for permits and submit notifications
  • request a consultation with the municipality
  • see what notifications and applications you have made and how far along they are

Learn more about the environment counter.

More information for businesses.

Environmental Plan 

The zoning plans (and ordinances) will turn into an environmental plan under the Omgevingswet . This plan contains all the municipality's rules for the living environment. 

Learn more about the environmental plan.

New Building Quality Assurance Act

In addition to the Omgevingswet , the Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb) will also take effect on January 1, 2024. This law deals with determining the building quality of a building plan. This changes the way we handle and check building plans.

Do you have a building plan? Then you become responsible for hiring someone to check the quality of the plan. This is a quality assurance person.

Learn more about theBuilding Quality Assurance Act and its impact on your plans. 

What are we doing differently with the Omgevingswet?

  • We no longer lay down everything in detail in our environmental plan, as we did previously in zoning plans. This gives residents and businesses more room to elaborate their plans.
  • The Omgevingswet allows us to adapt rules to local needs and circumstances. This allows us to provide customized solutions.
  • We look at all components of the living environment more in context. For example, we are looking at topics such as energy, sustainability, health and social impacts at the same time.
  • The Omgevingswet will make us decide on applications faster.
  • Trust is the foundation: trust of government in residents and businesses, trust of residents and businesses in government, and trust between governments.
  • We offer people who live and work in an area more space to help think about government plans and projects (participation). This gives innovative ideas a better chance of success. For example, residents can think along with the government and developers about large construction projects in advance.
  • Residents or companies that want to start a project can consult with the municipality about it before submitting an application. We then check in advance whether the plans comply with the rules and advise on any changes.