Participation and the Omgevingswet
The Omgevingswet encourages participation. This means that you will be approached more actively and earlier to help think about new plans in your neighborhood. Not only when everything is ready, but from the beginning. But also that if you have a plan or idea, you actively involve others. When applying for an environmental permit, for example, it must be demonstrated whether participation has been done. How this is done can vary.
Participation under the Omgevingswet
When and for whom is participation mandatory?
Municipalities are required to engage in participation when preparing an environmental vision, environmental plan, environmental permit and an implementation program.
We explain how we do this in the municipality of Kerkrade on our Citizen Participation page.
An initiator (the one with a plan or idea) is encouraged to engage in participation. It does ensure that stakeholders are aware of your plan. It can also ensure support for your plan. When you apply for an environmental permit, the municipality will look at whether and how you have handled involving the surrounding area.
In some cases, however, participation is mandatory. The City Council has decided which cases these are.
Step-by-step participation plan for initiators
Are you an initiator and want to know more about participation in the environmental permit process? Take a look at our step-by-step plan for participation. In this plan we help you on your way and give you guidance on how to involve your surroundings in your plan.
You can also download the roadmap at the bottom of this page as a printable version.