The new Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) officially came into effect on January 1, 2022 and is expected to be fully enforced in 2023. This law replaces around 26 existing regulations in the Netherlands related to the physical living environment. The goal of the new law is to simplify and combine rules, creating more space for initiatives by citizens and businesses.
What is the environment and planning act?
This law concerns the physical living environment — meaning everything related to spatial planning, construction, environment, water, nature, and cultural heritage. With this new act, it becomes easier to start a construction project or set up a business, because there are fewer separate regulations to navigate. The law also introduces new instruments, such as the environmental plan and environmental vision , giving municipalities and provinces more freedom to create their own policies. Additionally, the act places greater emphasis on citizen and business participation in decision-making regarding the physical living environment.
What does this mean for placing a tiny house?
Overall, the new Environment and Planning Act represents a major change in how the Netherlands manages its physical environment. Because the law combines and simplifies rules for spatial planning and construction, it could become easier to place a tiny house in locations where it was previously not possible. For example, the act allows more flexibility to deviate from local zoning plans, enabling tiny houses to be placed on temporary locations. It also provides more opportunities for experimental and innovative housing solutions, increasing the options for placing tiny houses.
What should you do if you want to live in a tiny house?
It is important to understand that the new law still imposes certain rules and conditions for placing a tiny house. You will still need to consider zoning plans, building regulations, and other rules concerning the environment, water, nature, and cultural heritage. Therefore, it is highly recommended to contact your municipality and other relevant authorities beforehand to find out the possibilities and requirements for placing a tiny house at a specific location.