Rules for construction

Are you going to build, renovate, or demolish? If so, you must comply with the rules in the Decree on construction works in the living environment (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving, Bbl). And with the rules in the environment plan (omgevingsplan). You usually need an environment and planning permit.

Technical and spatial construction

The Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) splits the construction of a building (structure) into a technical and a spatial part. As a result, you may need 2 environment and planning permits, for:

1. the technical building activity (in Dutch)
2. the environment plan activity for construction works (in Dutch)

Go to the Environment and Planning portal (Omgevingsloket, in Dutch) to check if you need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning) or if you have to submit a notification.

Technical construction rules

Your building must be constructed in line with the technical construction rules (building regulations). This is important when you select premises for your business and when you start to refurbish or construct a building. 

The technical rules on the safety, health, usability, and sustainability of buildings are set out in the Decree on construction works in the living environment (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving, Bbl). 

Spatial construction rules

The environment plan (formerly the zoning plan) of the municipality contains construction rules on the living environment. These are spatial construction rules on, for example: 

• the building’s maximum surface area
• the building’s maximum height
• the kind of activities you are allowed to do in the building 

Often, you will need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning). Go to the Environment and Planning Portal (Omgevingsloket, in Dutch) to check if you need this permit. If this is the case you can apply immediately. 

Check the construction work

You must check the quality of the work to prevent construction errors and defects. These might include structural faults, poor fire safety, insulation, or ventilation. An independent quality assurer checks whether the building meets the structural requirements.

Environmental performance requirements for new buildings

New buildings must comply with the environmental performance requirements. The materials and methods you use must meet certain requirements to ensure they have a minimal impact on the environment. For example, in terms of CO₂ emissions, air pollution, and water scarcity. The exact requirements vary depending on the type of building (in Dutch). The requirements for offices, for example, are stricter than those for schools.

You calculate the environmental performance in accordance with the Assessment Method for Environmental Performance of Construction Works (Bepalingsmethode Milieuprestatie Bouwwerken). The requirements for a building’s maximum environmental performance (MPG) are set out in the Decree on construction works in the living environment (Bbl, in Dutch).

Notification and information duty for demolition work

Are you going to demolish or have demolition work done? Or are you having asbestos removed? If so, you must notify the municipality (meldingsplicht) and provide information (informatieplicht). 

• You must submit the demolition notification to the local authority via the Environment and Planning portal (Omgevingsloket) at least 4 weeks before the start of the demolition work. An exception may apply to the removal of asbestos. 
• You must also provide the local authority with information about the start and finish of the work (in Dutch). This must be done at least 2 working days before the start of the demolition works and no later than the first working day after the work has been completed. You do so via the Environment and Planning Portal (Omgevingsloket).