Apply for an environment and planning permit

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Are you planning to build or renovate? Do you want to change the use of a building, cut down a tree, put up an advertisement or install solar panels? Check first whether you need a permit. Afterwards you can submit your application.

  1. You have a construction plan or other plan

    Use the Begin external link: vergunningcheck(External link), end external link. to see whether you need a permit.

  2. Prepare your application well

    This increases your chances of obtaining the permit. You also avoid extra Begin link: fees, end link. and delays. Also check whether Begin link: participation, end link. is required.

  3. Collect the documents

    Collect all the necessary documents for your application, such as construction drawings. The municipality recommends working with an advisor. For example, an architect or contractor.

  4. Apply

    Begin link: Submit your application, end link. through the Omgevingsloket and upload all the required documents.

  5. The municipality checks and reviews

    The municipality first checks whether your application is complete. Then it follows a number of Begin link: steps for the assessment, end link.. After your application, you will receive a letter stating Begin link: how long the process takes, end link..

  6. You will receive a decision

    Has the municipality reviewed your application? Then you will be informed whether you will receive the permit.

After you apply

After you receive a permit, you still need to arrange a number of things. For example, you must report when the work starts. And a supervisor must inspect the work. You can find more extensive information about this step-by-step process on the page Begin link: Procedure after applying for environment and planning permit, end link..

Permit needed or not: Examples

For installing solar panels on buildings which are not in a Begin external link: protected area(External link), end external link..

You often need a permit for these activities:

You always need a permit to do the following work:

When you apply for an environment and planning permit in Omgevingsloket, you will see which documents you need to include.

If your plan does not meet the Omgevingsplan rules

Submit the following in addition with your application:

  • clear information about the spatial impact of your plan. A spatial consultancy can assist you with this.
  • a description of how you inform people in your area. This includes neighbours, local businesses and community organisations. You must do this before you apply for the permit.
DigiD

Submit your application in the Omgevingsloket

Apply for the permit(External link)

Companies can log in with Begin link: eHerkenning, end link..
People can log in using DigiD. You do not have DigiD? Begin external link: Apply for DigiD(External link), end external link..

  • The municipality usually makes a decision on your application within 8 weeks. It may extend this period once by a maximum of 6 weeks.
  • Do you have a complex building plan? Then the municipality has 12 or 26 weeks to make a decision. You will receive a notification. The municipality may extend this period once by a maximum of 6 weeks.

The costs vary per building plan. The amount is at least € 180.85. Are you only changing the use of a building (for example, from residential to commercial)? Then the fee is € 500.75.

The total costs can run into several thousand euros depending on your plan and the situation. For large projects, the fee can be much higher. You can read more information in the Begin external link: Verordening leges Omgevingswet Den Haag 2024(External link), end external link. (in Dutch).

The municipality will post an announcement about your application on Begin external link: Berichten over uw buurt(External link), end external link.. Anyone can view your application there or at Begin link: The Hague Information Centre, end link.. The construction drawings will also be made public.

  • The municipality will also consider the interests of your neighbours. If you receive a permit, they have the right to file an objection.
  • It is important to maintain good relations with your neighbours, especially if you are planning construction work. You can find tips on how to inform them on the page Begin link: Building in and with the neighbourhood, end link. (in Dutch).

In a few special cases you must officially announce your plans before starting construction. For example, for the construction of a new detached house. Check the page Begin link: Melding Wet kwaliteitsborging, end link. (Wkb-melding) to see when this is required.

You must include construction drawings with every application. The municipality recommends working with a engineering design bureau or an architect. They can prepare the drawings for you. You can find the official requirements in the Begin external link: Environment Decree(External link), end external link. (Omgevingsbesluit).

  • Have you found a building you want to use for your business? First, check in the Begin external link: Omgevingsplan(External link), end external link. whether this use is allowed for your type of business.
  • If you want to use the building for a different type of business than what the Omgevingsplan allows, you can apply for an environment and planning permit to deviate from the rules.

Are you applying for an environment and planning permit involving a technical construction activity? If so, you must also pay attention to the structure of the building. For example, to ensure the safety, strength, and stability of the building. To do so, you must comply with the technical building regulations.

Read more about the rules below (in Dutch):

Do you have any questions? Please Begin link: contact the municipality, end link..

Are you a business owner? Call 14070 to make an appointment at the Ondernemersportaal or visit the office at the Spui.

Published: 10 September 2021

Modified: 30 July 2026

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