Environmental Permit for Driveway Activity

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).

Requirements

  • Type of driveway: The same permit requirements apply for private driveways and business entrances.
  • Application documents: Site plan showing location and dimensions of the driveway, cross-section of the pavement, material use.
  • Water board: If the driveway crosses water or a ditch, you must request permission from the water board (waterschap) in advance.
  • Provincial road: For driveways on provincial roads, permission from the province is required.
  • Stakeholders: Owner or user of the property, or authorized representative.

Procedure

  • Submit application: Online via the Omgevingsloket (Environment Portal), using DigiD (individuals) or eHerkenning (businesses).
  • Competent authority: The municipality is the competent authority for municipal roads; province or Rijkswaterstaat (national water authority) for provincial or national roads.
  • Processing period: According to statutory periods of the Omgevingswet (Environment and Planning Act).
  • Technical assessment: The application is assessed for traffic safety, sight lines, drainage and structural requirements for the pavement.

Restrictions

  • Traffic safety: The driveway must meet requirements for sight lines and may not create dangerous situations for traffic.
  • Curb: The connection to the road must meet technical standards; often the curb must be lowered by the municipality or a certified contractor.
  • Refusal: The permit can be refused if the driveway endangers traffic safety or traffic flow.