---
title: "Permit-free or permit-required construction?"
date: 2025-12-08
icon: "fas fa-check-square"
description: "When do you need an environmental permit for your informal care home, and when are you allowed to build permit-free?"
weight: 2
feedback: true
draft: false
---
In many cases, you may place an informal care home **permit-free** under certain conditions. This is regulated in the Living Environment Buildings Decree (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving - Bbl) and local zoning plans. The status depends on the location and dimensions of the structure on your plot.
## Permit-free construction
The permit-free placement of an informal care home is intended to speed up the process in case of acute care needs. You are usually allowed to place the home permit-free if the following basic conditions are met:
* The home is located in the **back garden** or on the rear yard area (the part of the plot that lies behind the main house and does not border the public road).
* The home complies with the construction rules for **associated buildings**, such as the maximum permitted dimensions in relation to the size of your plot [^1].
* The need for informal care is **demonstrable** (via an official medical statement or CIZ indication) [^2]. Without this demonstrable care relationship, permit-free construction is not possible.
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Even with permit-free construction, you must always comply with the **technical construction requirements** (such as fire safety, ventilation, and insulation) from the Bbl. Furthermore, a **notification** to the municipality is often required. Always check the details with your municipality.
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## Permit-required construction
An environmental permit **is** required, or the municipality will assess the application more strictly, in the following situations:
#### Placement and dimensions
* **Placement in the Front Yard:** The home is placed in the **front section** of the plot (front yard). This is the area between the front facade of the main building and the public road.
* **Exceeding Dimensions:** The home is **larger** than the maximum permitted dimensions for permit-free outbuildings, as determined by national rules and/or your local zoning plan.
#### Zoning plan and location
* **Inconsistency with zoning plan:** The local **zoning plan** imposes strict restrictions that prevent construction. In that case, you must go through a deviation procedure (environmental permit).
* **Protected village or cityscape:** If the plot is located in an area designated as a protected village or cityscape (usually due to historical value), stricter rules apply to the appearance and integration of the home.
* **Nature and environmental areas:** When placing in or near **Natura 2000 areas** or other nature or environmental protection zones, a permit may be required due to the Nature Conservation Act, or the permit may even be refused.
* **Planned changes:** If the municipality is working on a **change to the zoning plan** that has direct consequences for your plot, the application may be suspended or assessed against future rules.
#### Procedural requirements
In all permit-required cases, a statutory decision period applies to the municipality, and **permit fees** (processing costs) may be charged.
[^1]: [Link](https://omgevingswet.overheid.nl/home) - **Omgevingsloket**
*Conduct the permit check in the Omgevingsloket*
[^2]: [Link](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/bouwregelgeving/vraag-en-antwoord/bouwregels-mantelzorgwoning) - **Central Government**
*Building or placing an informal care home*