The Environment Act

You will be affected by the Environment Act if you want to make any changes to your living environment from January 1, 2024. For example, if you have plans to renovate your home, want to organize an event, or if you are an entrepreneur and want to have a shed built next to your business premises. In that case, you are the initiator and must find out whether you need a permit or have to submit a notification. You can do this at the new Environment Desk.

You may also be affected by the Environment Act if someone else wants to make changes to your living environment. For example, if your neighbors want to build a garage or if a company in the neighborhood wants to expand its office. In that case, you are a stakeholder.

Until January 1, 2024

Did you receive or submit a permit before the introduction of the Environment Act? If the municipality, water board, or province has already granted you a permit, it will remain valid. You do not need to take any action. If the municipality, water board, or province still has to process the application, this will in principle be done in accordance with the old law. You must ensure that all necessary documents are submitted on time.

What has changed since January 1, 2024?

These are the most important changes for you:

• The Omgevingsloket is the new online service where, as of January 1, 2024, you can apply for a permit, submit a notification, or provide additional information.
• Your municipality's zoning plans will be converted into an environmental plan as of January 1, 2024. An environmental plan contains more than just information about the zoning of a location. It also includes rules for noise, soil, and sometimes even matters such as energy measures and sustainability.
• The Environment Act ensures that the government makes faster decisions on your permit applications. A short procedure is the starting point in the Environment Act. The decision period for a short procedure is a maximum of 8 weeks. After that, objections and appeals are still possible. If your permit application is complex, it may be subject to an extensive procedure. In that case, the decision period will be longer.