Fire safety, notification or permit

What is it?

For certain buildings (for example, a daycare center, café or hotel), you need an environmental permit for fire-safe use (formerly the "use permit"). The municipality then imposes additional fire safety requirements on a building if necessary. These requirements prevent fires, fire hazards and accidents in case of fire.

Notification of buildings or temporary structures

For some buildings, you must file a notification of fire-safe use with the municipality. For example, for buildings where at least 50 people can be present at the same time. This also applies to temporary structures, such as a construction site hut. You make the notification to the municipality. This is free of charge.

Through Omgevingsloket Online you can check whether you need a permit or just a notification.

Notification sites and other places

There is a national regulation on fire-safe use and basic emergency assistance in other places (Bbgbop). The purpose of this regulation is to improve fire safety in places where many people are together. Examples include event sites, campgrounds and marinas. You are then required to report to the municipality.

How does it work?

In these cases, you apply for an environmental permit for fire-safe use:

  • You offer sleeping accommodations to more than 10 people. For example, in a hotel, boarding house, hospital or nursing home.
  • More than 10 people under 12 years of age are present in the building during the day. For example, in an elementary school or daycare center.
  • More than 10 people with physical or intellectual disabilities are present in the building during the day. For example, at a day care center.

Caution! If you do not apply for an environmental permit for fire-safe use when you should have, you are liable for penalties.

Notification

If there are at least 50 people together in a building at the same time, you file a report for fire-safe use. Consider:

  • educational buildings for secondary and further education (for children over 12 and adults) 
  • light industry, such as sheds, barns or horticultural greenhouses
  • offices, for example, bank buildings, town halls or county offices
  • meetings in such places as convention centers, churches, community centers or theaters
  • swimming pools, gymnasiums, sports halls or fitness centers
  • shopping centers, department stores, supermarkets, station buildings or stores at gas stations

What do I need?

  • As a business owner, you need eHerkenning and your Chamber of Commerce establishment number.
  • As an individual, you will need your DigiD.

How long does it take?

  • For a permit: 6 months. The municipality may extend this period by 6 weeks.
  • For a notification: your notification and related documents must be submitted at least 4 weeks before you plan to use the building, structure or site.

Objection or appeal

  • If you disagree with the municipality's decision on your permit, you can appeal to the court within 6 weeks. This is only possible if you have also submitted an opinion on the draft decision.
  • If you disagree with the decision on your report, you can object to the municipality within 6 weeks.

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