Environment Act

The Environment Act is the law that regulates everything for the space in which we live, work and relax: the living environment. This new law merges 26 old laws and makes the rules for everything you see, hear and smell outside less complicated. The law applies to all Dutch residents, organizations and companies. The Environment Act will take effect on January 1, 2024.

When will you have to deal with the Environment Act?

You will have to deal with the Environment Act if you want to change something in your living environment. For example, if you

• Have plans to remodel your home or install new dormer.
• want to organize an event.
• want a shed placed next to your business premises.
• want to conduct an activity on or adjacent to a levee.

You may also have to deal with the Environment Act if someone else wants to change something in your living environment. For example, if your neighbors want to put up a garage or if a nearby company wants to enlarge its office.
The new Environment Act provides opportunities to voice your opinion about it.

What will change?

• The Omgevingsloket is the new desk where you can apply online for a permit, make a notification or submit additional information. In this desk from January 1, all rules of the state, the water boards, the province and the municipality are together.
• We are converting today's zoning plans to an environmental plan by Jan. 1, 2024.
  This plan not only contains information about the zoning of a place, but also rules about, for example, noise and soil. The environmental plan can also contain rules on, for example, energy measures and sustainability.
•  The Environment Act allows us to make faster decisions on your permit applications, up to 8 weeks. You can object or appeal after our decision. Is your application complicated? Then we may take longer to make a decision. We call this an extensive procedure.

Thinking along and participating

The government provides space for people who live and work in an area to have a say in government plans and projects. We call this participation. For example, you can participate in advance of major construction projects.

Permit filed before Jan. 1, 2024?

• Did you obtain or submit a permit before the introduction of the new Environment Act?
  If we have already granted you a permit, it remains valid. You do not have to do anything.
• Do we still have to process the application?
  If so, in principle this is done according to the old law. You must then ensure that all the necessary documents are provided on time (whether or not at our request).

This is how the Environment Counter works

In the Environment Counter you can view and directly use information about the physical environment in 1 place. The Environment Counter consists of 5 parts:

Permit Check

With the Permit Check you can check whether you can carry out your plans at a certain location. And whether you need to apply for a permit to do so, make a notification or send information.

Request

Through the Request section, you can digitally apply for a permit, file a notification and submit information.

Rules on the map

Via Rules on the map you can see the rules of governments about the physical environment. You can see the rules on the map by area or by document.

Customized measures

At Measures tailored you will find the measures you need to take in your operations.

My Environment Counter

In the Environment Desk, your applications and notifications are listed in My Environment Desk. There you will find them under 'My projects'.

Need help?

Contact us if you want more information about the Environment Act or need help applying for a permit, filing a notification or requesting a consultation.