On Jan. 1, 2024, the Omgevingswet will take effect

The Omgevingswet deals with the space in which we live, work and relax, or the physical environment. This new law merges laws and simplifies the rules for much of what you see, smell and hear outside. It allows you to become familiar with the rules and regulations of municipalities, water boards, provinces and the state all at once. The law applies to all residents, organizations and businesses.

What does the Omgevingswet mean for you?

You will have to deal with the Omgevingswet Act if you want to change something in your living environment from January 1, 2024. For example, if you have plans to remodel your house, cut down a tree, organize an event, or if you are an entrepreneur and want to build a shed next to your business premises. You are then the initiator and must find out whether you need a permit or a notification. You can do that in the new Environment Desk. You may also have to deal with the Omgevingswet Act if someone else wants to change something in your living environment. For example, if your neighbors want to build a garage or if a nearby company wants to enlarge its office. You are then a stakeholder.

Until January 1, 2024

Did you obtain or submit a permit before the introduction of the Omgevingswet? If the municipality, water board or province has already granted you a permit, it remains valid. You do not have to do anything. If the municipality, water board or province still has to process the application, then in principle this will be done according to the old law. However, you must ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.

What will change after Jan. 1, 2024?

Here are the main changes:

  • The Environment Counter is the new counter where, as of January 1, 2024, you can retrieve information, apply for a permit, file a notification or submit additional information online. The Environment Counter can be accessed through the following website: omgevingswet
  • The zoning plans, management ordinance and amendment plans in the municipality of Kerkrade will be transformed into one Kerkrade Environmental Plan by January 1, 2024. An environmental plan not only contains information about a place's function and activities. It also includes rules for noise, soil, water - and sometimes things like energy measures and sustainability.
  • The Omgevingswet ensures that the government makes quicker decisions on permit applications. A shorter procedure is the starting point in the Omgevingswet. The decision period in a normal procedure is normally a maximum of 8 weeks. With a possible extension of 6 weeks. After that, objections and appeals are still possible. If your permit application is complex, your application may fall under an extended procedure. In basic, the decision period is then also 8 weeks, in some exceptional cases the decision period is 26 weeks under the extensive procedure.

The online Environment Counter

Until Jan. 1, 2024, you can submit a notification or permit in the old Omgevingsloket Online (OLO). From January 1, 2024, you must do so in the new Omgevingsloket (Digital System Omgevingswet). The new Environment Counter can be accessed through the following website: https:omgevingswet

You can visit the new Environment Counter for the following:

  • In the Environment Counter, you can see if a permit or notification is required for your (construction) project.
  • You can start a permit application or submit a notification.
  • You can see on a Map what national, state and local regulations apply to a location. This information can be accessed at: https:Map
  • You can indicate what you did in terms of participation and what the results were.
  • The Environment Counter lists the applications and notifications you have made.
  • More explanations about the new Environment Counter can be found in the counter under the "Need help?" button. 

Learn more

More information can be found at kerkrade.omgevingswet

From January 1, you can also visit our physical environment desk by appointment. Here you can ask questions about the Omgevingswet. From January 1, call 14 045 to schedule an appointment.

Animation Omgevingswet

This animation will give you a brief explanation of the Omgevingswet.