Construction & Renovation

Asbestos removal is a mandatory notification activity when you plan to remove asbestos-containing materials or demolish a building partially or completely. Asbestos is a hazardous substance that poses serious health risks if not handled correctly, so strict safety measures apply during removal. Only certified asbestos removal companies may carry out the work.You must submit your notification through the Omgevingsloket at omgevingswet.overheid.nl before work begins. The notification must include details about the location, the type of asbestos, and the removal method. The municipality supervises asbestos removal and can impose fines for non-compliance. You can also use the Omgevingsloket to check whether additional permits are needed.

Issued by: Municipality

Building land allocation concerns the sale of building plots by municipalities to individuals or companies for housing construction or other building projects. Municipalities offer housing plots at various locations where buyers can build their own home or business premises within the applicable conditions and zoning plan requirements.For the purchase of these plots, usually no social or economic connection with the municipality is required. Plot prices vary by location and size. The allocation of building land falls under civil law (Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7) and is arranged through purchase agreements between municipality and buyer.

Issued by: Municipality

A building notification is required for simple structures that fall into consequence class 1, such as homes, holiday homes, or smaller commercial buildings. With this notification, the municipality no longer inspects the building technology itself; this is done by an independent quality assurer (kwaliteitsborger). The building notification must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the start of construction via the Omgevingsloket (Environmental Portal).After completion of the construction, you must submit a completion notification, including the declaration from the quality assurer. The completion notification must be submitted at least 2 weeks before taking the building into use. Without a completion notification, the building may not be used.

Issued by: Municipality

The building materials notification is required when you are going to build or renovate and use building materials such as soil, dredging spoil, or other construction materials. You must ensure that all materials used are of good quality and comply with legal standards for environment and health.The notification falls under section 4.123 of the Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving (Environmental Activities Decree) and must be submitted to the municipality or national government, depending on the type of project. The purpose is to ensure that the quality of building materials does not pose a risk to people and the environment.

Issued by: Municipality or National Government

The foundation repair subsidy (funderingsherstelsubsidie) is a municipal subsidy for owners of buildings with foundation problems. Many older buildings in the Netherlands have wooden pile foundations that can rot due to changing groundwater levels, leading to subsidence and cracks in the structure.The municipality offers support through the foundation desk (funderingsloket) for investigating and repairing foundation problems. This includes information, guidance and advice on foundation investigations and foundation repairs, as well as financial support in the form of a subsidy. The scheme differs per municipality and is laid down in a municipal subsidy regulation.

Issued by: Municipality

A notification of use (gebruiksmelding) is mandatory when you take into use a building where many people gather, such as theaters, schools, offices or shopping centers. This applies to new buildings or when the use function of an existing building changes. The notification must be submitted at least 4 weeks before taking the building into use.The notification serves to verify that the building meets fire safety requirements. The municipality checks whether the building can be used safely for its intended purpose. Submitting a notification of use is free of charge and can be done online via the Omgevingsloket (Environment Portal) or at the municipal counter.

Issued by: Municipality

A memorial placement permit is required for placing a headstone, grave monument, cross, or other memorial at a grave. This permit is granted by the owner or manager of the cemetery, which is often the municipality or a religious denomination. The permit ensures that the memorial complies with the cemetery regulations.The cemetery regulations specify requirements for dimensions, materials, colour, and placement of memorials to maintain a cohesive appearance. You must submit a design drawing with your application showing the proposed memorial and its dimensions. The cemetery manager also checks that the memorial is structurally safe and durable. Some cemeteries have specific sections with different rules, so check the regulations for your particular section.

Issued by: Municipality or cemetery manager

A completion notification for construction activity is a notification you must make to the municipality when your construction project is completed. This is a mandatory notification under the Decree on Buildings in the Living Environment (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving, Bbl). The notification is important so the municipality knows the building has been delivered and can conduct an inspection if necessary.In some municipalities, such as Emmen, this notification is especially important in areas with soil subsidence due to peat oxidation or shrinking clay and loam layers. The municipality can then check whether the building meets the requirements and whether there is damage.

Issued by: Municipality

When your company installs or modifies cables and pipelines in public spaces, you must submit a notification to the municipality. This obligation applies under the Telecommunications Act (Telecommunicatiewet) and relevant municipal regulations to telecommunications companies, utility providers, and contractors performing underground infrastructure work.The notification informs the municipality about the planned work location, timeline, and scope. Based on the notification, the municipality checks whether the work may damage existing infrastructure, interfere with other planned projects, or require traffic management measures. You must also register with KLIC (Kabels en Leidingen Informatie Centrum) to obtain information about existing underground cables and pipelines before excavation begins, preventing accidental damage.

Issued by: Municipality

A permit is required for laying cables and pipelines in public spaces. This permit is needed for both above-ground and underground infrastructure works, such as telecommunications, gas, electricity, and water. For new construction or major renovation, cabling must be taken into account, which must be requested separately from the respective suppliers.For above-ground works, an environmental permit is required via the Omgevingsloket (Environmental Permit Portal). For underground installation of cables and pipelines in public areas, the permit is requested from the municipality, often via the MOOR Platform (Public Space Breaking Notification Point). The permit is issued by the municipality, province, or national government, depending on the type of work and location.

Issued by: Municipality

The environmentally friendly construction subsidy supports sustainable building measures such as the installation of green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other climate-adaptive features. Many municipalities offer this type of subsidy to promote greener buildings and reduce the environmental impact of the built environment.Green roofs, for example, improve air quality, capture rainwater to reduce sewer overload, reduce the urban heat island effect, and increase biodiversity. The subsidy is available to property owners, including businesses, who want to implement sustainable building measures. Subsidy amounts and eligible measures vary by municipality. You typically apply through the municipal website with details about the planned measures, estimated costs, and property information. Some municipalities also subsidize wall insulation, solar-ready roofing, or permeable paving.

Issued by: Municipality

A mobile crusher is an installation used at a construction or demolition site to crush rubble and construction waste. A notification must be made to the municipality for the use of a mobile crusher. This is a legal obligation under the Building Works Living Environment Decree (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving).The notification must be submitted online at least 15 working days before you start the work. Making a notification for a mobile crusher is free of charge. The municipality checks whether the work complies with regulations for noise and other environmental aspects.

Issued by: Municipality

Monument designation is the process by which a building or site is designated as a protected municipal monument. This means that the property or site is considered to be of special cultural-historical or architectural importance and that extra protection applies in case of renovations or demolition.The designation is made by the municipality based on the municipal heritage regulation (erfgoedverordening). It is assessed whether the object meets the established criteria such as cultural-historical value, architectural quality or urban planning significance. Owners can submit an application themselves, but the municipality can also designate monuments ex officio.

Issued by: Municipality

The monument subsidy (monumentensubsidie) is a financial contribution for owners of national or municipal monuments to help with maintenance, restoration, and preservation. Both municipalities and provinces offer subsidy schemes, each with their own conditions regarding eligible costs, maximum amounts, and application deadlines.For national monuments (rijksmonumenten), the national Subsidy Scheme for the Maintenance of Monuments (Sim) provides funding for planned maintenance. Owners of municipal monuments can apply for local schemes through their municipality. Eligible costs typically include structural repairs, roof maintenance, facade restoration, and preservation of historic features. Professional guidance from a restoration architect is often recommended or required.

Issued by: Municipality or Province

The object permit is needed when you want to place multiple objects on public roads or for a longer period than allowed under a notification. This permit applies to temporary objects such as containers, mobile toilets, building materials, scaffolding, fences or site cabins related to construction or demolition work.The permit is issued by municipalities, provinces or the national government, depending on the location. For single objects or short-term placement, a notification may suffice, but for multiple objects or longer periods, an object permit is required.

Issued by: Municipality, Province, or National Government

The environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning) is the permit you need when you want to build or renovate. This permit is based on the Environment Act (Omgevingswet) and replaces various old permits such as building permits, environmental permits and tree felling permits.The environmental permit is issued by municipalities, provinces or the national government, depending on the type of activity and location. For some small construction activities, an object permit or notification may suffice, but for larger projects an environmental permit is required.

Issued by: Municipality, Province, or National Government

If your business plans do not fit within the rules of the local environmental plan (omgevingsplan), you can apply for an environmental permit for deviation (omgevingsvergunning afwijking). This is common when you want to use a building for a purpose not foreseen in the plan, or when your construction plans exceed what is allowed.You submit your application through the Omgevingsloket (Environmental Portal). The municipality assesses whether the deviation is acceptable by considering how your plans fit within the spatial development of the area. Processing times vary depending on the scope of the deviation.

Issued by: Municipality

A fire-safe use environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning brandveilig gebruik) is mandatory for certain buildings, such as primary schools, care institutions and larger hotels. This permit ensures that the building meets the fire safety requirements when put into use.The municipality or national government issues the permit after assessing whether the building meets the fire safety requirements of the Building Works Living Environment Decree (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving, Bbl). For other structures, a use notification may suffice or no permit or notification is required at all.

Issued by: Municipality or National Government

You need an environmental permit for environmental plan activities (omgevingsplanactiviteit) when your planned activity requires permission under the municipal environmental plan (omgevingsplan). This can include construction, renovation, changes of use, or other activities that deviate from the plan rules. Since the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) took effect, the omgevingsplan replaces the old zoning plan.Check the Vergunningcheck on the Omgevingsloket to determine if your activity requires a permit. The municipality is the responsible authority and assesses whether your activity fits within the omgevingsplan or whether a deviation can be justified.

Issued by: Municipality

If you plan to construct a new building, build an extension, renovate, or make other structural changes to a property, you likely need an environmental permit for building activities (omgevingsplanactiviteit bouwen). This permit is required for construction work that is not permit-free under the municipal environmental plan (omgevingsplan).Use the Vergunningcheck on the Omgevingsloket to find out if your project needs a permit. The municipality checks that your building plans comply with the omgevingsplan and technical building regulations. Since the Omgevingswet, different types of building activities are distinguished, so the rules that apply depend on the nature and scale of your project.

Issued by: Municipality

If you want to fell a tree, you may need an environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning) for the activity of tree felling. This is the successor to the former felling permit (kapvergunning). The permit regulates the removal of trees within municipal territory to protect the green environment and landscape values.Whether a permit is required depends on the rules in your municipality's environmental plan (omgevingsplan). Each municipality sets its own thresholds for trunk diameter, tree species, and protected locations. You apply through the Omgevingsloket, and the municipality assesses the ecological and landscape impact before granting permission. In some cases, replanting obligations may be imposed as a condition.

Issued by: Municipality

If you want to build, renovate, or alter a protected monument, you need an environmental permit for a monument activity (omgevingsvergunning omgevingsplanactiviteit monument). This permit protects cultural heritage by ensuring that work on listed buildings respects their historical and architectural value.The permit is required for both municipal and national monuments (rijksmonumenten) when the planned work may change the appearance, structure, or character of the building. You apply through the Omgevingsloket. The municipality or the Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) advises on the application. Processing times are typically longer than for standard building permits due to the heritage assessment.

Issued by: Municipality

For constructing or modifying a driveway, entrance or exit to the public road, you always need an environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning). This permit ensures that the connection to the road is safe and meets municipal requirements for infrastructure and accessibility.The permit applies both to individuals who want to construct a driveway to their home and to businesses that need an entrance to their premises. Modifications to existing driveways also fall under this permit requirement. You can submit the application online via the Omgevingsloket (Environment Portal).

Issued by: Municipality

An excavation certificate (opgravingscertificaat) authorizes an organization to conduct archaeological excavations in the Netherlands. Under the Heritage Act (Erfgoedwet), only certified organizations may carry out archaeological fieldwork, including trial trenching, full excavations, and archaeological monitoring during construction projects. The certificate is issued by the Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, RCE).To obtain the certificate, an organization must demonstrate it employs qualified archaeologists, follows the Quality Standard for Dutch Archaeology (KNA), and has proper procedures for documentation, finds processing, and reporting. The certificate is distinct from a municipal exhumation permit, which is a separate process for disinterring human remains from cemeteries for reburial or cremation.

Issued by: Municipality or Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands

A sewer connection permit (rioolaansluitingsvergunning) is required when you want to connect a building to the municipal sewer system or modify an existing sewer connection. This applies to new construction, renovations that change drainage layouts, and temporary connections for construction sites or events.You apply for this permit at the municipality where the property is located, usually through an online portal. The municipality assesses whether the connection meets technical standards and fits within the local sewer plan. Conditions may cover pipe diameter, connection point location, and separation of rainwater and wastewater. A licensed contractor must carry out the physical connection work.

Issued by: Municipality

If you discover archaeological objects during construction, excavation, or other ground-disturbing activities, you are legally required to report the find. Under the Heritage Act (Erfgoedwet), all archaeological discoveries must be reported to the Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, RCE) or your municipality. This applies to objects such as pottery, coins, tools, or other historical artefacts found in the ground.Reporting helps municipalities determine whether additional archaeological research is needed before construction can proceed. Professional archaeological firms must use the Archis registration system. Failure to report a find can result in enforcement action and may delay your building project.

Issued by: Municipality / Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE)

The construction work activities notification is required for certain construction activities under Article 2.27 of the Arbeidsomstandighedenbesluit (Working Conditions Decree). Employers must report construction work to ensure employee safety, particularly when a project lasts longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or exceeds 500 person-days. This may also concern the placement of containers, scaffolding, and aerial work platforms on or along the public road.Some municipalities do not work with notifications for placing containers, scaffolding, or aerial work platforms, but require a permit instead. Check with your municipality which rules apply to your project.

Issued by: National Government / Municipality

The energy performance certificate (energielabel) is a mandatory certificate that displays the energy consumption and energy efficiency of a building. The label ranges from A++++ (very energy-efficient) to G (very energy-inefficient) and provides insight into the energy performance of a home or building. The energy certificate is mandatory when selling or renting a building.The energy certificate is determined by a certified EPA advisor (Energy Performance Advice) based on an inspection of the building. The certificate is valid for 10 years and must be registered in the national register of EP-Online. Building owners are required to have the energy certificate prepared and show it to potential buyers or tenants.

Issued by: EP-Online (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)

If you are going to carry out excavation work in underground areas where cables and pipelines are located, you are required to submit an excavation notification to the Kadaster (Land Registry) in advance. Through the Kadaster you will receive information about the exact location of cables and pipelines in the excavation area. This information is essential to prevent excavation damage to gas, water, electricity and telecom cables.The excavation notification is mandatory under the Information Exchange Act for Above-ground and Underground Networks (WIBON). You must submit the notification at least 3 working days before the start of the work.

Issued by: Cadastre

If your business activity takes place in or near a restricted area (beperkingengebied), you need an environmental permit for restricted area activities. Restricted areas include zones around airports, waterways, railways, nature reserves, and cultural heritage sites where extra rules apply to protect those interests.The permit is issued by the municipality, province, or national government, depending on the type of restricted area. You apply through the Omgevingsloket (Environmental Portal). The responsible authority evaluates whether your activity is compatible with the protection objectives for the area and may attach conditions to the permit.

Issued by: Competent Authority (municipality, province or national government)

An environmental permit is required in many cases for carrying out a construction activity (bouwactiviteit), such as building, renovating or demolishing. A construction activity includes all work relating to the construction, modification or removal of structures.The permit is issued by the municipality, province or national government, depending on the nature and scope of the activity. You apply for the permit via the Omgevingsloket (Environmental Portal). The competent authority assesses whether the construction activity meets the requirements of the Building Works Living Environment Decree (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving, Bbl) and the environmental plan.

Issued by: Competent Authority (municipality, province or national government)

An environmental permit for national monument activity (rijksmonumentenactiviteit) is required when you want to carry out works on a national monument (rijksmonument). National monuments are buildings, objects, or sites designated by the national government for their cultural-historical value and protected under the Heritage Act (Erfgoedwet).The municipality is typically the competent authority for this permit, though for complex cases the province or national government may be involved. The Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, RCE) provides mandatory advice on the application. Works may include renovations, restorations, demolition, or other interventions that could affect the monumental value of the building or site.

Issued by: Municipality

If you are the owner of a national monument (rijksmonument), you may apply for a loan for the maintenance or restoration of that monument under certain conditions. National monuments are protected buildings or objects of national cultural and historical importance.The scheme is administered by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. In addition to loans, there are also subsidy options and contributions from various funds available for monument owners.

Issued by: Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands

The national monument restoration subsidy is financial support for owners of national monuments (rijksmonumenten) who wish to carry out restoration work. National monuments are buildings, objects or sites with special cultural-historical or architectural value that have been designated and protected by the national government.The subsidy is intended to preserve the monumental values and appearance of national monuments. In addition to restoration subsidies, owners can also apply for subsidies for color-historical research. The subsidy scheme is implemented by the national government based on the Heritage Act (Erfgoedwet), supplemented by municipal subsidy schemes for municipal monuments.

Issued by: Cultural Heritage Agency / Municipality

An environmental permit for excavation activity (omgevingsvergunning ontgrondingsactiviteit) is required when you want to excavate or raise ground levels. This permit regulates activities involving soil excavation or raising the ground surface, for example in construction projects or landscape modifications.The permit is issued by the province or national government, depending on the scope and location of the work. This permit assesses whether the excavation activity fits within environmental legal frameworks and whether it causes disproportionate damage to soil, water, or nature.

Issued by: Province or National Government

A road modification permit (vergunning voor veranderen weg) is required when you wish to carry out work that physically alters the provincial road, such as constructing a driveway, placing obstacles, or other interventions. The permit ensures that traffic safety and flow on the provincial road are maintained.The permit is issued by the province and is based on the provincial roads ordinance (provinciale wegenverordening). The application must be submitted in advance, and the province assesses whether the proposed modifications are acceptable in terms of traffic safety, road management, and environmental quality.

Issued by: Province