Building Permits
Planning permission is an authorisation that allows you to carry out specific actions and/or works. An environmental permit is an authorisation for any activity or installation that may have a potential impact on the environment or the health and safety of people.
Planning permission
If you're planning to build or renovate a building, or carry out certain other types of work, you must first apply for and obtain planning permission. This is an authorisation granted by your municipality or, in some cases, by the Region.
Visit the regional planning portal for more information on Opens in new windowobtaining planning permission.
Environmental permit
An environmental permit is an authorisation to undertake an activity involving one or more classified installations, i.e., installations that could potentially impact the environment or the neighbourhood.
Here are some examples of such installations:
- Boilers over 100 kW
- Ventilation and air conditioning systems
- Fuel oil tanks
- Septic tanks, wells
- Garages (covered or open-air)
- Animals, beehives
- Parking areas
To install, maintain and use these installations, you must obtain an environmental permit (or preliminary certificate) and comply with its conditions. Permits can be applied for by property owners, tenants, property management companies, operators, architects, developers, etc. but it is the user who may be held legally responsible if the installations are used without a permit, as they will be the one found on the premises.
Environmental permits do not just apply to businesses. Certain classified installations can be found in residential buildings, whether they are family homes, apartment blocks or buildings with professional offices, among others.
Opens in new windowFor more information on environmental permits, visit the Brussels Environment website.