Dispensation from or amendments to a zoning plan

If you want to build, make alterations to or expand business premises in the Netherlands, you will need to take your municipal authority’s zoning plan into account. If your plans do not comply with the zoning plan, you have various options.

Apply for a permit

Firstly, you have the option in certain cases of applying for a special permit to carry out your plans. The permit you need is the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning). Prior to 1 October 2010 this permit did not exist and you had to apply instead for dispensation from the zoning plan.

Request to change the zoning plan

You can also ask the municipality to change the zoning plan. In that case you do not need to apply for a permit. Contact your municipal authority to ask how to submit this request.

Assessment of water-related issues

Having received your application for the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning), the municipal authority will ask the water manager to carry out an assessment of water-related issues (watertoets) for you. The water manager determines whether the application takes sufficient account of any water related issues.