Applying for an Environmental Permit in Rijswijk

Applying for an Environmental Permit in Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, an environmental permit is required for activities that affect the physical living environment, such as new construction, demolition, or starting a business. This permit is governed by the Environmental Act and combines previous approvals like building and environmental permits. Applications are submitted through the online Environmental Desk, which is essential for residents and businesses in Rijswijk to operate legally. The Municipality of Rijswijk processes most applications locally.

What is an Environmental Permit in Rijswijk?

The environmental permit serves as a central approval for interventions in the living environment, including building, renovating, demolishing, and environmental protection. Since the Environmental Act came into effect on January 1, 2024, it replaces the fragmented permits from the former General Provisions Environmental Law Act (Wabo). In Rijswijk, this creates a more streamlined process, but applicants must consult the specific rules in the local environmental plan of the Municipality of Rijswijk to avoid complications.

A permit is required for deviations from the environmental plan or when additional exceptions are needed. It focuses on balancing growth with the preservation of the environment, public health, and residential quality in areas like Innen or Oud-Rijswijk. For smaller projects, such as a simple garage, an exemption may apply, but always verify this through official channels.

When Do You Need an Environmental Permit in Rijswijk?

For activities that impact the living environment in Rijswijk, an environmental permit is essential. This includes, among others:

• Construction projects: Erecting, modifying, or expanding buildings in the municipality.
• Demolition activities: Removing structures, such as old sheds.
• Environmental effects: Activities that could cause disturbances, like increased traffic or emissions near Rijswijk's city center.
• Change of use: Converting a residential home into a professional workspace.
• Outdoor space modifications: Installing a parking area or fencing in gardens.

Not every action requires a permit. For minor changes, such as a canopy under 30 m², an exemption often applies. Use the Environmental Desk to verify this, a convenient and free service from the national government, tailored to local rules in Rijswijk.

Practical Example: An Extension in Rijswijk

You are considering a 15 m² extension to your home in the Plaspoelpolder neighborhood. Start by checking the environmental plan of the Municipality of Rijswijk via the Environmental Desk. If it meets the height limit of 3 meters, no permit is needed. Otherwise, submit an application for 'construction activity,' where the municipality assesses whether it aligns with local livability and environmental standards.

Legal Basis of the Environmental Permit in Rijswijk

The core regulation is the Environmental Act (EA), effective since January 1, 2024. Relevant provisions include:

• Article 2.1 EA: Describes the environmental permit as approval for interventions in the living environment.
• Articles 2.12 to 2.28 EA: Establish the application procedure, timelines, and appeal options.
• Articles 4.1 to 4.92 EA: Address assessment against the environmental plan and standards.

The act links to the Environmental Decree and the environmental plans of the Municipality of Rijswijk. For transitioning from old laws like the Wabo, transitional rules apply through the Integration Act until 2030. The Rijswijk District Court can review permits for legality, for example in environmental cases (refer to case law such as ECLI:NL:RVS:2023:1234 for examples).

The Procedure for Applying for an Environmental Permit in Rijswijk

Applications are submitted digitally via the online Environmental Desk (loket.omgevingswet.overheid.nl). The steps are:

1. Preparation: Use the 'Activity Decider' to determine if a permit is required and what documents are needed, such as floor plans or environmental assessments, in line with Rijswijk's requirements.
2. Submit the application: Log in with DigiD (for individuals) or eHerkenning (for businesses), complete the form, and upload documents.
3. Review: The Municipality of Rijswijk (or sometimes the province/national government) checks the application. For complex cases, public consultation with neighbors is mandatory (Article 2.16 EA), which is relevant in busy areas of Rijswijk.
4. Decision: Within 8 weeks for simple matters, up to 26 weeks for complex ones (extendable). Result: approval or denial.
5. Objection and appeal: File an objection with the Municipality of Rijswijk within 6 weeks, followed by an appeal to the Rijswijk District Court.

Practical Example: Business with Environmental Impact in Rijswijk

A local entrepreneur plans a workshop in Industriestraat with noisy equipment. They submit an application for 'environmental aspects' and 'construction.' The Municipality of Rijswijk reviews it against the environmental plan and organizes public participation with residents. If approved, operations can start; if denied, adjustments like sound insulation may be required.

Rights and Obligations in the Application Process in Rijswijk

As an applicant, 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 through a penalty if the decision is delayed (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: For a standard construction activity in Rijswijk, these range from €200 to €1,000 depending on the scale—check the rates with the Municipality of Rijswijk. For free advice on procedures, contact the Legal Aid Office in Rijswijk.

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