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Permit, Notification, or Permit-Free? What Applies to Your Building Plan
Do you need a permit, or can you build permit-free?
Short answer: Building or renovating in the Netherlands follows one of three routes: an omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit), a bouwmelding (construction notification), or permit-free construction. Which route applies depends on two separate tests: is it a permit-requiring technische bouwactiviteit (assessed against the Bbl), and is it a permit-requiring omgevingsplanactiviteit (assessed against your municipality's omgevingsplan)? These can be permit-free independently of each other — and "permit-free" never means no rules apply, only that you don't need prior approval.
Two separate tests: technical activity and planning activity
Under the Omgevingswet, a building plan is measured against two independent yardsticks:
Technische bouwactiviteit — the technical/construction side: does the building meet the Bbl (structure, fire safety, energy performance, etc.)? Simple, low-risk buildings (consequence class 1) are often handled through a bouwmelding rather than a permit.
Omgevingsplanactiviteit — the spatial side: does the building fit what the local omgevingsplan allows on that plot (building envelope, height, use)?
A rear dormer window, for example, may be permit-free for the omgevingsplanactiviteit while the Bbl's technical requirements (structural safety, daylight in the room below) still fully apply.
When can you build permit-free?
Permit-free construction usually applies to small-scale additions in the achtererfgebied (the area behind the building line) that meet strict size limits — an extension, an outbuilding, a rear dormer window, or a canopy within the statutory maximum dimensions. Each type of structure has its own limits on height, floor area and distance to the property line; those are worked out on the dedicated page for that structure type (see below).
Quick reference: which page answers your situation?
I want to build... | Go to |
|---|---|
an extension | Extensions: What's Permit-Free? |
a shed, outbuilding or carport | Outbuildings, Sheds and Canopies |
a canopy | Outbuildings, Sheds and Canopies |
a dormer, roof extension, or extra storey | Roof Alterations: Dormers, Roof Extensions and Adding a Storey |
solar panels, a heat pump or air conditioning | Facades, Solar Panels and Outdoor Installations |
a new use for an existing building | Change of Use and Transformation |
splitting a home into multiple units | Splitting a Home Into Multiple Units |
new residential or commercial construction | What Is the Bbl? + The Omgevingsplan Explained |
Permit or notification: when is a bouwmelding enough?
Since the Wet kwaliteitsborging (Wkb) came into force, many simple buildings in consequence class 1 (such as detached and terraced homes) only require a bouwmelding rather than an omgevingsvergunning for the technische bouwactiviteit. A separate permit for the omgevingsplanactiviteit may still be required. See the dedicated page on bouwmelding and gereedmelding for the exact conditions and timelines.
Related pages
What Is the Bbl?
The Omgevingsplan Explained
Bouwmelding and Gereedmelding
The Wkb and Consequence Class 1
Not sure if your plan is permit-free? → Run the Permit-Free Check in Struck and get a sourced answer in 30 seconds
