Applying for an Environmental Permit in Leiden

In Leiden, an environmental permit is required for activities that affect the physical living environment, such as building, demolishing, or starting a business in the historic city center. This permit falls under the Environment Act and integrates previous permissions like building and environmental permits. Applications are submitted via the Online Environment Desk, and it is essential for Leiden residents to operate legally. For local advice, contact the Leiden Legal Aid Office.

What is an Environmental Permit in Leiden?

The environmental permit consolidates all approvals for interventions in the living environment, including building, renovating, demolishing, and environmental impacts. Since the Environment Act came into effect on January 1, 2024, it forms the core of permitting procedures in Leiden. Previously, multiple permits applied under the General Provisions Environmental Law Act (Wabo), but the process is now streamlined. In Leiden, with its protected heritage, you must pay extra attention to the municipality's environmental plan to safeguard historical aspects.

A permit is required if you deviate from the local environmental plan or need exceptions. It aims to balance growth with the preservation of the environment, health, and livability in the city. For small projects, such as a dormer, an exemption may be possible, but always check with the municipality.

When Do You Need an Environmental Permit in Leiden?

In Leiden, you need an environmental permit for interventions that impact the living environment. This includes:

Building activities: New constructions, extensions, or expansions, taking into account Leiden's canal houses.
Demolition work: Removing structures, often involving archaeological checks in the old city.
Environmental aspects: Activities causing nuisance, such as traffic congestion or emissions in residential areas.
Change of use: Converting a property from residential to commercial use, in line with urban plans.
Outdoor arrangements: Installing terraces or fences along the canals.

Not everything requires a permit; for example, a small shed up to 30 m² may be exempt. Use the Online Environment Desk for a check, or consult the Municipality of Leiden for specific advice.

Practical Example: Adding an Extension in a Leiden Neighborhood

You want to add a 15 m² conservatory to your home in the Stevenshof area. Via the Online Environment Desk, you check the Municipality of Leiden's environmental plan. If it complies with height and distance rules, no permit is needed. Otherwise, submit an application for 'building activity'; the municipality will assess factors like neighbor disturbance and Leiden's historical character.

Legal Basis of the Environmental Permit

The environmental permit is established in the Environment Act (Ow), effective since January 1, 2024. Relevant provisions include:

Article 2.1 Ow: Describes the permit as authorization for living environment activities.
Articles 2.12 to 2.28 Ow: Set rules for applications, timelines, and objection procedures.
Articles 4.1 to 4.92 Ow: Cover assessment against environmental plans and standards.

The Environment Decree and the local environmental plan of the Municipality of Leiden supplement this. Transitional rules from old laws like the Wabo apply under the Integration Act until 2030. The Leiden District Court handles appeals on permits, for example in environmental and heritage cases (see case law ECLI:NL:RVS:2023:1234).

The Procedure for Applying for an Environmental Permit in Leiden

Applications are made digitally via the Online Environment Desk (loket.omgevingswet.overheid.nl). Steps for Leiden residents:

Preparation: Use the 'Activity Decider' to determine if a permit is needed and which documents (such as drawings or environmental reports) are required, tailored to Leiden's rules.
Submit application: Log in with DigiD or eRecognition, fill in the form, and upload attachments.
Assessment: The Municipality of Leiden (or sometimes the province) reviews it; for complex cases in the city center, neighbor input is mandatory (Article 2.16 Ow).
Decision: Within 8 weeks for simple matters, up to 26 weeks for complex ones (extendable). You receive approval or rejection.
Objection and appeal: File an objection with the Municipality of Leiden within 6 weeks, then appeal to the Leiden District Court.

Practical Example: Starting a Business Near the Canals

An entrepreneur opens a noisy workshop in the Marewijk area. They apply for permits for 'environment' and 'building'. The Municipality of Leiden assesses against the environmental plan and involves neighbors. If approved, they can start; otherwise, adjustments like soundproofing may be needed to address noise in the vibrant city.

Rights and Obligations in the Application Process in Leiden

As an applicant in Leiden, you have rights such as:

The right to a reasoned decision (Article 3:46 General Administrative Law Act).
Access to the file and a hearing during objections.
Compensation for delayed decisions through a penalty (Article 4:17 General Administrative Law Act).

Your obligations include:

Submitting a complete application; otherwise, the process stops (Article 4:15 General Administrative Law Act).
Paying fees: Around €200-€500 for a basic application in Leiden, depending on the activity.

For help with your application in Leiden, contact the Leiden Legal Aid Office for free legal advice.

Veelgestelde vragen

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Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.

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Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.

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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.

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