Two permits in one application
An environmental permit combines what were once the urban planning permit and environmental permit. You need it for building, renovating, or any activity that impacts the environment. Your activity's impact is classified as category 1, 2, or 3. Categories 1 and 2 require a permit; category 3 requires only a notification.
Who decides, and what it costs
Usually your municipality handles the application. For larger or more disruptive projects, the province or Flemish Region has authority. The procedure also varies: with a public enquiry, the decision takes 105 to 120 days; without enquiry, 60 days. On top of the procedure comes a file fee that can reach €500 for the standard procedure.
Example: De Korenbloem Bakery in Ghent receives a positive decision for its expansion. The owner starts work a week later, before the 35-day appeal period expires. When a neighbour appeals, the bakery must stop workuntil the procedure ends.
Important:a permit becomes final only 35 days after first posting, if no appeal is filed. Starting work before that deadline is forbidden, even if the permit is later approved.
Example: Karim has a permit for his garage as a class 2 facility. Years later, he adds a spray booth and assumes his existing permit still covers it. During inspection, it turns out the extension isn't in the original permit, so he must apply again.
No unexpected work stoppage
Which permit, procedure and costs apply depends on your project and its impact. Connect Inn prepares the file and knows exactly what your municipality or province requires. You'll never face a stalled site due to missing or incorrect permits. Book an appointment, and we'll review which procedure applies to your project.