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. This results in 2 activities: the technical building activity and the environment plan activity for construction works. As a result, you may need 2 environment and planning permits.

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). 

Go to the online service counter Omgevingsloket (in Dutch) to check if you need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning) or if you have to submit a notification. You can then use the Omgevingsloket to apply online for an environment and planning permit or submit a notification.

Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb)

The Building Quality Assurance Act (Wet kwaliteitsborging voor het bouwen, Wkb) aims to improve construction quality. The Wkb will come into force in stages. As a result, an independent quality assurer will check if the construction meets the building requirements. The Dutch Civil Code has also been amended to increase the builder's liability for construction defects.

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. 

Rules on demolition 

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 separately provide information (informatieplicht). You must submit the demolition notification to the local authority at least 4 weeks before the start of the demolition work. An exception may apply to the removal of asbestos. You can submit multiple notifications at once via the Environment and planning portal. For example, a single notification for the removal of asbestos from several properties within a housing block. Sometimes you do not have to report demolition, for example if you will remove more than 10 m3 or if it concerns a seasonal structure.  

In addition to the notification, you must also provide the local authority with information about the start and finish of the work. 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. The reporting requirements for the removal of risk class 2 or 2A asbestos are different. This information is not part of the demolition notification. You must submit this information to the local authority at the same time as the demolition notification. 

Check if you need an environment and planning permit and apply 

Go to the Environment and Planning Portal (in Dutch) to check if you need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning). In the Environment and Planning Portal you can see which rules apply in your municipality, province, or regional water authority. You can then apply directly online for an environment and planning permit or submit a notification. 

Please note that rules from the General Municipal Bylaw (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV) may also be applicable.