Environmental Permit for Tree Felling Activity

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.

Requirements

  • Tree size: Permit required for trees with a trunk diameter of 70 cm or more (measured at 130 cm height).
  • Application documents: Site plan showing location of tree(s) to be felled, justification for why the tree must be felled.
  • Stakeholders: Owner or user of the property, or authorized representative on their behalf.

Procedure

  • Submit application: Online via the Omgevingsloket (Environment Portal), using DigiD (individuals) or eHerkenning (businesses).
  • Competent authority: The municipality where the tree is located is the competent authority.
  • Processing period: The municipality decides within the statutory period according to the Omgevingswet (Environment and Planning Act).
  • Replanting obligation: Often there is an obligation to replant one or more trees after felling.

Restrictions

  • Protected trees: Municipalities can grant special protection to valuable or monumental trees.
  • Felling season: Felling outside the breeding season (approximately March 15 - July 15) to protect birds.
  • Refusal: The municipality can refuse a felling permit if the preservation of the tree outweighs the interest in felling.