Environmental licence for conflicting use

A " environmental plan " specifies how land in a given area and the buildings on it may be used. If you wish to use land or a building in a manner other than that specified in the " environmental plan ," you can apply for an "out-of-plan environmental planning activity" (BOPA).

Would you like to know if you need a BOPA?
Then complete the Licence check on the Environment Counter. All regulations are clearly listed there together.
From this check, you can easily proceed with your application. Use your DigiD or eHerkenning for this.

Applying for multiple environmental licences at once

If you need multiple environmental permits—for example, to build or demolish a structure—you do not need to apply for each licence separately.

How does it work?

Suppose you want to convert a residence into an office, but the building code ( environmental plan ) states that this building is designated for residential use only. In that case, you can apply for a BOPA to convert the residence into an office after all.

For example, you need a BOPA when:

you live in a building intended for commercial use.
you use a portion of public space as a garden.
you start a hotel, restaurant, or bed & breakfast in your home.
you use a residence as a shop, office, business premises, factory, or warehouse.
you use pastureland as a campsite, festival site, or landing pad.
you use a holiday cottage as a permanent residence.

What to do?

Check the rules on the Map to see what the rules are for using the land and buildings.
If you want to use the land or buildings for a different purpose, use the Permit Check tool on the Omgevingsloket website at to determine whether you need a “ licence .”
If you need a " licence ," apply for the " licence " through the same Omgevingsloket

What do I need?

To apply for an out-of-plan environmental plan activity (BOPA), you will need the following:

Your DigiD (individuals) or eHerkenning (businesses).
Data and documents demonstrating how the land or a building is currently used.
A description of how you intend to use the land or a building.
A situational drawing and/or architectural drawing showing the current situation and the proposed future situation.
A description of the impact of your plan on the area.
A description of how your plan conflicts with the municipality’s “ environmental plan .”
Your motivation: why do you want to carry out your plan?
A report on the archaeological value of the site (if you have such a report).

How long does it take?

You will hear from us within 8 weeks. The municipality may extend this period by 6 weeks. Sometimes we need advice and authorisation from another organization (competent authority). In that case, an additional 4 weeks will be added.

File an objection

Do you disagree with the municipality's decision?
Then submit an objection within 6 weeks.