Omgevingswet
The Omgevingswet 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 Omgevingswet took effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Want to do a permit check, apply for a permit or consult rules? Use the Permit Check to see which activities require you to apply for a permit or report. When you are done with the Permit Check, you can start your application right away. Your location and activities are then saved. This will save you a lot of work in the future.
When will you have to deal with the Omgevingswet ?
You will have to deal with the Omgevingswet Act if you want to change something in your living environment. For example, if you
- have plans to remodel your home,
- want to organize an event or
- If you are a business owner looking to have a shed installed next to your business premises.
You may also Omgevingswet by the Omgevingswet if someone else wants to make changes to your neighborhood. For example, if your neighbors want to build a garage or if a local business wants to expand its office. Applications for environmental permits are published on the Official Notices website ( ) and weekly in the Wassenaarse Krant.
Do you have questions or concerns about an application submitted by neighbors or developers in your area? Please discuss these with your neighbors or the developer. The municipality cannot answer questions about applications currently being processed by others. However, you can check with the municipality to see which permits have been applied for or granted by using the “View Environmental Permits” feature.
If you disagree with the decision on a permit application, you can file an objection with the municipality within six weeks.
What will change?
- The Omgevingsloket is the online portal where you can apply for a permit, file a report, or submit additional information. Starting January 1, 2024, this portal will bring together all regulations from the national government, the water boards, the province, and the municipality. Go to the Omgevingsloket
- All previous zoning plans are included in the Municipality of Wassenaar’s interim environmental plan. This plan contains not only information about a site’s zoning designation, but also regulations regarding issues such as noise and soil. The environmental plan may also include regulations on topics such as energy measures and sustainability. The municipality is currently working on a new version of this environmental plan.
- The Omgevingswet 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 Omgevingswet? If we have already granted you a permit, it remains valid. You do not have to do anything.
Learn more
Do you have a specific question for the municipality regarding the Omgevingswet, submitting a report, or applying for an environmental permit? Please submit your question using the form for Complex Construction Questions.