Planning permission and building regulations for exterior facades: What you need to know

When is a permit required?

Especially with listed buildings, properties in a conservation area, or when making major alterations to the façade, stricter rules often apply. Local authorities, who are responsible for this, want to protect the original appearance and character of the surroundings in such cases. 

Applying for a permit is almost always compulsory in these situations. The requirements often vary per municipality. It is therefore wise to contact the municipality at an early stage, so that you know which conditions apply in your situation.

When can you build without planning permission?

An external facade is in some cases installed without a permit, for example when you replace an existing facade with a new one. Your new external door and window frame, for example made of aluminium or steel, must then have the exact same dimensions and appearance. 

Because in that case there is no change in format, style or construction of the façade, this often falls under regular maintenance. Modifications to the rear of a property, which are not visible from the public road, are also usually judged less strictly. Yet it remains important to always discuss your building plans with the municipality in advance. That way you can be sure that you are not taking unnecessary risks. Then you can start the installation without any problems.

Specific points of attention for steel and aluminium exterior facades

Aluwdoors’s steel and aluminium external façades are always made entirely to measure. This means that major refurbishment is sometimes required and that the façade usually fits in with the existing layout. 

Because the custom work is tailored precisely to the dimensions and style of your facade, the building's appearance is preserved and applicable regulations are met. This allows you to create a new, sustainable frontage without the need for major alterations.

How do you apply for a licence?

Applying for a permit is simple. First, do the permit check in the Environment and Planning Portal (Omgevingsloket) and consult with your local authority if you live or work in a listed building or if you are making alterations to the facade. After that, follow these steps:

1. Schedule a pre-application consultation: Briefly discuss your plan using a sketch, photographs and a material description.
2. Have drawings made: Submit site plan, elevations, and details of profile and glass.
3. Add specifications: State material, colour, glass thickness and finish.
4. Submit your application: upload all documents in the Omgevingsloket portal and pay the fees.
5. Wait for the decision: The municipality will assess, and upon approval, the new bespoke shopfront can be installed.

Costs and timeframe of a licence application

When applying for a permit for things including your exterior facade, you almost always pay fees to the municipality. What you have to pay varies per municipality. This often depends on the construction costs or the scale of the project. 

In addition, please allow for a processing time that may take up to eight weeks. This waiting time is sometimes longer for listed buildings or divergent zoning plans. Take this waiting time into account when planning your project: the later you apply, the later you will start installing the external facade.

Do you want to be sure which rules and costs apply to your situation? Then take contact us or drop by at one our showrooms, which are based in Veghel, Nunspeet, Mijdrecht and Barendrecht. We’d be happy to work with you to find the best approach.