Environmental permit for non-compliant use
What is an off-plan environmental planning activity (BOPA)?
An environmental plan specifies how the land in an area and the buildings on it may be used. If you wish to use land or a building in a manner not specified in the environmental plan, you can apply for an off-plan environmental activity (BOPA).
Would you like to know if you need a BOPA?
If so, take the Permit Check on the Omgevingsloket website. All the relevant regulations are clearly listed there.
From there, you can easily submit your application. To do so, use DigiD or eHerkenning.
Apply for multiple environmental permits at once
If you need multiple environmental permits—for example, to build or demolish a structure—you do not need to apply for each permit separately.
Rivierenland Environmental Agency
The Omgevingsdienst Rivierenland (ODR) carries out construction and environmental tasks for the municipality of West Maas en Waal. For questions about the environmental permit, you can contact them.
How does it work?
Suppose you want to convert a residence into an office, but the zoning plan stipulates that the building may only be used for residential purposes. In that case, you can apply for a BOPA to convert the residence into an office anyway.
For example, you need a BOPA when:
- you live in a building intended for commercial use.
- you are using a portion of public space as a garden.
- you are starting a hotel, restaurant, or bed and breakfast in your home.
- you use a residential property as a store, office, business, factory, or warehouse.
- your pasture is used as a campground, festival site, or landing area.
What should I do?
- Check the rules on the " " Map to see what the rules are for using the land and buildings.
- If you want to use the land or buildings for a different purpose, use the Permit Check tool on the Omgevingsloket website ( ) to see if you need a permit.
- If you need a permit, you can apply for it through the same Omgevingsloket
What do I need?
To apply for an off-plan environmental planning activity (BOPA), you will need the following:
- Your DigiD (individuals) or eHerkenning (businesses).
- Information and documents that show how you currently use the land or a building.
- A description of how you intend to use the land or a building.
- A site plan and/or architectural drawing showing what it looks like now and what it will look like in the future.
- A description of the impact of your plan on the area.
- A description of how your plan conflicts with the municipality’s environmental plan.
- Your motivation: Why do you want to carry out your plan?
- A report on the archaeological value of the site (if you have such a report).
How long does it take?
You will hear from us within 8 weeks. The municipality may extend this period by 6 weeks. Sometimes we need advice and approval from another organization (competent authority). In that case, an additional 4 weeks will be added.
File an objection
Do you disagree with the municipality’s decision?
If so, please file an objection within 6 weeks.