Real estate: Integrated environmental permit

Publication date 25 October 2016

(Re-)building, placing solar panels or an advertisement on your commercial property? In the Netherlands you have to apply for an integrated environmental permit for such activities. So what is an integrated environmental permit, how can you apply for it and how does the procedure work after the application?

The integrated environmental permit is a single permit covering construction, environment, nature and space. It was established in 2010 to substitute a variety of permits, such as:

The construction permit
The demolition permit
The environmental permit, and
The advertising permit.

Applying for an integrated environmental permit

To apply for an integrated environmental permit, an application form must be submitted to the municipality. This can be done in writing or digitally. Applying for an environmental permit involves costs as the municipality charges a fee for it. We will gladly investigate whether you require an integrated environmental permit and can assist you with the application. Then, we will keep you informed of the status of your application.

Procedure after application

The application for the integrated environmental permit is assessed by the licensing authority, which are often the Mayor and Aldermen. A decision must be taken within a certain deadline. A distinction is made between two deadlines:

Simple applications must be decided within eight weeks. This deadline can be renewed once by a maximum of six weeks. If the authority does not observe this period, the permit will be granted by law.
For more complex applications – derogation from a zoning plan, for instance – there is an extensive procedure. A decision must be issued within a maximum period of six months. Within the first eight weeks of this period, a decision can be taken to renew the period by six weeks.

More information

Would you like to learn more about an integrated environmental permit or do you have any other questions regarding spatial planning or real estate? Please contact Russell Advocaten:

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