A planning permission (omgevingsvergunning) is the official approval from the municipality for activities that affect the physical environment, such as building, demolishing, felling trees, or altering a listed building. Since 2024, the planning permission is regulated under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), which replaces the former Wabo (General Provisions Environmental Law Act).
The planning permission replaces:
The old separate permits (building permit, demolition permit, environmental permit) have been merged into one planning permission. You can combine multiple activities in a single application.
Activities that may require a planning permission:
| Activity | Example |
|---|---|
| Building | Garage, extension, dormer |
| Demolition | In a protected townscape |
| Felling | Removing trees |
| Creating a driveway | Access to a public road |
| Altering a listed building | Renovating a heritage building |
| Deviating from the zoning plan | Building outside the building envelope |
Application process
1. Check — Planning portal (omgevingswet.overheid.nl): do you need a permit?
2. Gather documents — Construction drawings, site plan, structural calculations
3. Apply digitally — Via the planning portal
4. Procedure — Standard: 8 weeks (extendable to 14). Extended: 26 weeks.
5. Decision — Granted or refused (with reasons)
Related terms
- Building permit
- Permit-free construction
- Zoning plan
- Design review committee