Applying for an environmental permit is a complex procedure. We are often asked to provide a cost indication. However, all environmental permit costs depend on the type of permit application. Therefore, this article provides an overview on the most common costs of an environmental permit.
Here you will find detailed information about applying for an environmental permit.
Which works do I not need to apply for an environmental permit for?
Not all works require you to apply for an environmental permit. Some works are exempt from permit. For other works, a simple notification is sufficient.
Read more about environmental permit exemption here.
What does it cost to apply for planning permission?
Below is a summary of the most common costs you need to consider when applying for an environmental permit:
- Surveyor: in principle, a surveyor is free to determine his fee. More information can be found on the website of the Belgian Union of Surveyor-Experts. Therefore, always ask for a quotation. That way you avoid surprises afterwards. The cost price for measuring a plot is usually between 500 and 2000 euros. For larger plots or larger projects, the cost may be higher.
- Architect: this determines free fee. Common methods are the determination of the fee based on a percentage of the value of the works or an hourly fee on a directional basis. A price per square metre or a flat rate is also a possibility.
- File tax: this depends on the board you are applying to. The type of licence application also plays a role. It usually varies between €100 and €500. On the website of the environment counter you will find more information on this.
Environmental permit costs are higher for large projects
For larger files, there are some additional costs:
- Environmental impact study: this is often billed at an hourly rate in direction. Starting prices for a professional study are between €3000 and €4000 excluding VAT. Depending on the complexity of the assignment, this amount may be higher.
- Archaeological (preliminary) research: for a professionally conducted study, you should expect a cost of between €2,000 and €3,000 excluding VAT. If additional drilling is required, this will be charged separately. The cost price of these is usually between 1,000 and 2,000 euros excluding VAT.
- Compensation for deforestation or compensation in kind: this depends on the area to be deforested. The type of trees also plays a role. You can also choose to plant your own forest (compensation in kind). You can find more information on the Nature and Forest Agency website.
- Nitrogen impact study of the projectUnder the Nitrogen Decree, certain projects will have to demonstrate that nitrogen emissions and their impact on surrounding natural values remain below a certain threshold. For example, this must be verified for (housing) construction projects in the vicinity of protected nature areas that will result in increased traffic. Specialised study agencies can help you with this.
Additional conditions for applying for an environmental permit
You should also be aware that the government might additional charges or conditions in carrying out the licence. In the case of an application for a zoned property, the imposition of a charge is even mandatory. Implementing this also usually involves additional costs. In the case of a subdivision, consider, for example any compulsory roadworks and construction of sewerage and utilities. For example, for connection to the gas and electricity grid, you should expect a cost of between €2,000 and €3,000 per connection.
Do these costs apply to every licence application?
These costs do not apply to every application. The costs you need to take into account depend, among other things, on the size and location of the project. For example, for simple projects, it is usually enough to appoint an architect or surveyor. More complex projects will often require an environmental impact study, nitrogen impact study and/or an archaeological (preliminary) study.
Typically the bigger the project, the more commitments there are. Location can also have an impact. For example, is the project located near a nature reserve? Then additional environmental impact studies usually need to be drawn up. Compensation for deforestation will also be higher in this case. The limits for this are usually set by law.
Are all these charges required by law?
Not all of these costs are required by law. For example, you are not obliged to hire a surveyor. However, this is often useful to avoid later conflicts over plot boundaries. Also, you are not obliged to have the environmental impact study carried out by a professional study company. However, this is often advisable. After all, it can help to getting the licence application through. However, an archaeological (preliminary) investigation must be carried out by a recognised expert. However, this obligation only applies to plots starting from a certain size or located within a certain area.
What can you do if an environmental permit is refused?
What about studies not provided for in the law?
Studies can also always be prepared that are not required by law. This can also help get the permit application through. This way, you prepare the file for possible challenging a building permit by local residents.
These studies can go very wide. For example, shadow and sunlight studies can be drawn up when constructing an apartment building. Or to map the nuisance to neighbours. When wind turbines are built, an impact shadow and noise study is also usually carried out. A parking study or mobility report is also among the possibilities. The need for such additional studies depends on the content of the application.
Need more information about applying for an environmental permit? Our environmental law lawyer will gladly help you with all your questions. Feel free to contact on.
Last update: November 2024
