Check the environment plan, a step-by-step plan

You can find the environment plan via Rules on the map (Regels op de kaart, in Dutch) in the Environment and Planning Portal, the Omgevingsloket. You can search for documents by address. Or by drawing a location on the map from which you want to view documents. You can then view the environment plan for the location.

In the tab Plekinfo (location information), you will find the rules set for activities at this address and in the surrounding area. For example, rules for cutting down trees, or installing an alarm system. Under the tab 'Regels' (rules), you can find further explanation and you can also use the search function.

Want to know the designated use of a site? Such as residential, recreational, or business? Not all municipalities have put this information in the environment plan yet.

• In Rules on the map (Regels op de kaart, in Dutch), enter the address you want to know the zoning for.
• Click on search.
• On the left of the screen you will see the list of all documents containing rules that apply to the address you have selected.
• Click on the zoning plan. Note that the term zoning plan is not always in the title of the document, but it is in the description.
• Look on the right at Plekinfo (location information) for the map of designated uses. Under rules, you will find the explanation of designated uses.

It can help to search the environment plan for certain words. Such as bedrijven (businesses), milieu (environment), verkeer (traffic), and bouw (constructiong). Using different search terms will quickly bring you to parts of the text with important information for you.

Topics that may affect your business are:

If your municipality wants to change an environment plan, this may affect your business now or in future. So the municipality must involve affected persons and businesses when planning to amend the environment plan. This is known as participation (in Dutch).

The municipality must allow people and businesses to respond to the changes by following a public participation procedure (inspraakprocedure).

• The municipality proposes an amendment to the environment plan.
• The municipality immediately announces how you can react to these plans.
• You have 6 weeks to view the plans and give your opinion. This is called submitting an opinion. (zienswijze indienen) You submit your views to the municipality.
• The municipality also often organises meetings where residents and entrepreneurs can give their opinions.
• The municipality reviews the responses and draws up a final environment plan.
• The municipal council must approve the new environment plan.

Respond together with other business owners

Adjustments to the environment plan in your neighbourhood may not only negatively affect your own business, but also other businesses nearby. By responding to the plan together with other entrepreneurs, you will be in a stronger position. For example, you can approach the local business association. Or your trade association (in Dutch) or (regional) employers' association.

The municipality often involves business associations in the plans from the beginning. Your input has the best chance of success in that first phase, .

When the municipality wants to change an environment plan, it announces this on its own website. You can also subscribe to messages about your neighbourhood (berichten over uw buurt, in Dutch) on Overheid.nl. You will then be notified when there are government announcements about your neighbourhood. Or you can search for previously published announcements.

Do you not live in the area where you want to start a business? Then you can also choose another address for which you wish to receive notices.