Terrace permit

If you want to add a terrace to your pub or restaurant in the Netherlands, in most municipalities you need a terrace permit (terrasvergunning). This applies to terraces placed on public as well as on private property.

Applying for a terrace permit

You obtain a terrace permit from your municipality. If you are applying for a licence under the Licensing and Catering Act or an operating permit for a catering establishment, state on your application that you have a terrace. If you already have an operating permit for a catering establishment, a licence under the Licensing and Catering Act or an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects, you must have them changed. In some municipalities a supplement will suffice, and a separate terrace permit will therefore not be required.

Rules that apply

The rules for a terrace vary from one municipality to another. A terrace is only allowed outside an existing catering establishment. Your terrace may not:

• cause any damage to the road
• pose a danger to road users
• form an obstacle to road management and maintenance

Terrace season

Some municipalities have a terrace season. In that case, you receive a permit for the duration of the season. The terrace permit states the period for which it has been issued. If your municipality does not have a terrace season, you can have a terrace throughout the entire year.

Cost of a terrace permit

Most of the time, you will pay municipal administrative charges (leges) for a terrace permit. The amount of those charges is specified in the municipal administrative charges by-law. If your terrace is located on land of the municipality, then you must pay a municipal tax on encroachments on or above public land (precariobelasting).

Online application procedure via Message Box

You can submit terrace permit applications also online via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.