You would like to build a storage building on your own property, but can you do this without applying for an environmental permit, previously known as a building permit? This is an important question if you want to build a storage building. Because this concerns legislation and regulations, and every situation is different, we cannot give a straightforward answer. However, we can take you through the rules that apply in the Netherlands and where you can find more information. Because legislation and regulations can change, we always advise you to verify if the information is still current.

Building without a permit 'accessory structure'

Since the end of 2014, the rules for building without a permit in the Netherlands have been relaxed for the construction of an 'accessory structure'. An accessory structure is a collective term for an extension of a main building. Think of an extension, an outbuilding, or other structure with a roof, such as a storage building. The use of the outbuilding must be in service of the main building. It can only be built on the plot of land that belongs to the main building.

Follow the steps from the brochure Building without a permit

You determine first, based on the steps from the brochure, on which part of the plot building without a permit is allowed. Important here are the size of the plot, the size of the original main building, and the size of any other buildings added later. The height and use of the accessory structure are also subject to rules. You can determine in steps where and how much construction is allowed. It is useful to use a site plan of the plot, with the buildings on it, and a calculator. On the website 'pdokviewer', you can search by address and view the cadastral boundaries of plots. Then you go through the steps, as explained in the brochure Building without a permit from the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment.

Conditions for building without a permit summarized

We have summarized the conditions for building without a permit for you.

• The outbuilding must be placed next to or behind the main building, at least 1 meter behind the front facade. A permit is always required for the front yard. On a corner lot, this also applies to the side yard.
• The function of the outbuilding must be subordinate to the main building. This is the case for a storage building.
• The surface area of the outbuildings is maximum 50% of the unbuilt plot. But be careful. From areas larger than 100m², the calculations from the brochure Building without a permit apply. And regardless of the size of the unbuilt plot, the maximum surface area of the outbuildings may never exceed 150 m². At least, if you want to build without a permit.
• Maximum eaves height is 3 meters if the outbuilding is placed at a distance of 4 meters or further from the main building.
• Maximum ridge height is 5 meters, depending on the distance to the property boundary.
• The roof pitch may be a maximum of 55 degrees. Kroftman storage buildings have a roof pitch of maximum 15 degrees, so they meet this requirement.
• A possible floor may not be used for habitation.
• The outbuilding must comply with the requirements of the Building Decree. This includes requirements in the areas of fire safety, insulation, dimensions of doors, snow load, wind load, etc. Our storage buildings are intended for storing goods and fall under the category 'light industrial function' according to the Building Decree. Our storage buildings meet the requirements set by the Building Decree for buildings falling under the category 'light industrial function'.

Please note! Always check the zoning plan of your municipality. Especially in industrial areas, more may be allowed than with the national standard rules.

Other legislation to take into account

You can quickly check whether an environmental permit is required on the environmental desk. If you are indeed allowed to build your desired storage building without a permit, then you do not need an environmental permit. The rules from the zoning plan do not apply in that case. However, the Building Decree, which includes rules for safety and health, the Neighbor Law from the Civil Code, and the Design Requirements from the municipality do apply. Below, we explain this legislation and regulations. You are responsible for ensuring that you comply with these rules.

1. The Building Decree and building without a permit
The Building Decree is the most important legislation you must adhere to when building without a permit. It contains requirements regarding safety, environment, and user comfort. These are the technical requirements that a safe building in the Netherlands must meet. Our storage buildings comply with the Building Decree requirements for a storage building 'with a light industrial function'.

2. The Design Requirements and building without a permit
The Design Requirements of the municipality determine how the appearance of a building may look. Structures built without a permit do not have to comply with these Design Requirements. However, the municipality can intervene if the appearance of a building is 'in serious conflict with reasonable requirements of aesthetics'. So, don't go too far when it comes to the colors of your storage building.

3. Neighbor Law and building without a permit
Also, consider the rights of your neighbors when (re)building. For example, you may not violate the privacy of your neighbors. Therefore, you may not place a window or door within 2 meters of the property line.

I need a permit to build my storage building. What now?

You have done the check on the environmental desk and it turns out you do need an environmental permit to build your stprage building. Always check the zoning plan.

Sometimes, a zoning plan can work in your favor and more may be possible than with the national standard rules. Building plans that would normally require a permit can then be built without one. It is always wise to ask your municipality what your building options are if you think there may be more possible due to the zoning plan.

It may also be the case that for large building plans, you need a permit for some activities and not for others. This is the case, for example, if you want to place a storage building for which you need to cut down a tree, install a partition fence, or immediately create an exit. In these examples, you may need a permit for one activity and not for the other. This makes it quite complex. Fortunately, you can easily do a permit check via the environmental desk. This way, you know what you need to do to comply with the regulations.

If it turns out that you are not allowed to build without a permit, you must apply for an environmental permit. Don't be discouraged by this. It does not mean that your plans are impossible. The first step now is to apply for an environmental permit. Not something you do weekly. We will take you through what is involved in an application so that you are well prepared.

You can choose a single permit, partial permits, or phased permits

Within the Wabo, three systems have been designed, and you can choose which system best suits your permit application. If your building plan only concerns the placement of a storage building and is not complex, you opt for a single environmental permit for the activity of building. This application can often be done by yourself if you have the right documents. If it becomes more complex, you can opt for phasing or partial permits. With phasing, there is one environmental permit, which is granted in two phases. The assessment of the application and the decision-making take place in two phases. Each phase is a separate decision. Both decisions, if positive, together form the environmental permit. The activities can only take place once the decisions for both phases have been obtained.

With partial permits, you do not apply for a permit for the project as a whole, but for one or more separate (related or unrelated) activities within the project. A granted permit for those activities gives permission to carry out those activities. The activities must be separate from each other. When applying for partial permits or phasing, we advise you to seek assistance from a specialist.

How long does it take to apply for an environmental permit for my storage building?

The period in which the competent authority makes the decision on whether or not to approve lasts depends on the complexity of your plans. Simple applications take a maximum of eight weeks, with a possible extension of six weeks. Complex applications, such as those with a high risk to the environment, can take up to six months. It may also happen that the competent authority defers the decision, in which case the decision period is suspended. A permit application can take a long time. Therefore, make sure you are well prepared and submit the documents on time.

After the decision has been announced, there is a six-week objection period. If it turns out from the decision that you are allowed to build your storage building, third parties can still file an objection during these six weeks. However, the chance that this objection will be granted is very small. It would be odd, as all laws and regulations have just been checked to ensure compliance.

Conversely, the same applies. If it turns out from the decision that you are not allowed to build the storage building of your choice, an objection against this decision is unlikely to be successful. Depending on the reason for the rejection, you may want to consider another option that does comply with all laws and regulations.

Can I apply for an environmental permit for my storage building myself?

If you are only installing one of our self-build sheds, you generally do not need an architect, even if you have to apply for an environmental permit. With the documents provided by Kroftman, the information about the foundation from the construction company or (structural) engineer, and a site plan that you can make yourself, you could apply for the environmental permit without an architect. If you want to change more things with the arrival of a storage building, for example, if you want to demolish buildings, cut down trees, create a driveway, etc., then the site plan becomes more complex, as does the environmental permit. In that case, it is wise to engage an expert, such as an architect or structural draftsman.

What is an environmental permit assessed on?

An environmental permit is assessed on seven points. Not all points are equally relevant, depending on your building plans. Keep in mind that our storage buildings are designed with a light industrial function, so some requirements do not apply or only apply to a lesser extent. The seven points are:

1. Safety of the building: You demonstrate through the construction drawings and structural calculations whether your building is safe (designed). With our storage buildings, this is always the case.
2. Health of the building: Think of sound insulation, water absorption floors and walls, moisture provision, ventilation, rat and mouse prevention, daylight entry, etc. Often, these kinds of calculations are made by a building advisor. Our storage buildings meet the requirements for a building with a light industrial function.
3. Energy efficiency and the environment: This concerns, for example, the requirements for 'Almost Energy-Neutral Buildings' (BENG) and the environmental impact of the building. A Kroftman storage building falls under the category 'light industrial function' and is exempt from these requirements.
4. Usability of the building: The new or renovated building may not be used for just anything. For example, a storage building has the destination of storing goods. Living in a storage building is never allowed. Even if there is (also) a residential destination on the plot where the storage building is located. Then there must be a home where someone can live. The building drawing specifies the use function. The municipality then checks whether your building meets the rules that belong to the use function of your building.
5. The installations used: The same applies to installations. The municipality wants to see if and where the emergency provisions, electricity, and for example the water are located. You must demonstrate that you have installed the correct installations and that they are safe.
6. Safety during construction: You must be able to demonstrate that the construction of the shed is safe for you, the builders, and the residents.
7. Other requirements

What does an environmental permit for my storage building cost?

There are costs associated with processing an environmental permit, even if the permit is ultimately not granted. The so-called environmental permit fees. These fees can vary greatly per municipality. You can find out exactly what you have to pay in permit fees in your municipality's municipal fees ordinance and the accompanying tariff sheet. There are municipalities where you pay only € 100 for an environmental permit for a small renovation, and municipalities where you pay € 1,000 or more. A large part of the permit fees for an environmental permit depends on the construction costs. The more expensive the renovation, the more you pay in permit fees. There are also some other permit fees that determine the total cost of the environmental permit. Think of the costs for all kinds of deviations from plans or measures. In addition, there may be costs for the construction drawings and structural calculations that you must provide. If it concerns a Kroftman storage building, you will receive these documents free of charge from us.

Can Kroftman help me apply for an environmental permit for my storage building?

For applying for an environmental permit, you can download the construction drawings from our website. On request, we also provide the structural calculations free of charge and without obligation. We do not support the check if a permit is required and also not with the possible application for an environmental permit. To prevent disappointments and problems afterwards, it is important that you find out in advance whether, and if so, which permit(s) you need. Make sure you are sure that you are allowed to build the storage building before ordering it. This will prevent you from having a storage building that you are not allowed to place.

What should I do now?

You now have an overview of the most common laws and regulations that apply when you want to build a storage building. Read through the Permit-Free Construction brochure again if you haven't already. Then check the environmental desk to see if an environmental permit is required. Always check your municipality's zoning plan as well; sometimes, more is possible than with the national standard rules.

Familiarize yourself with other laws and regulations that apply, even if no environmental permit is required. If an environmental permit is required, apply for it on time. You can often apply for a permit to place a storage building yourself. With the documents provided by Kroftman, the information about the foundation from the construction company or structural engineer, and a site plan that you can make yourself, you could apply for the environmental permit without an architect.

We hope that the above information has clarified what you need to do to check whether you need a permit and how to apply for one if necessary. If you want to assemble your storage building, please fill in our quotation tool without obligation. You can create multiple quotes and check various options. This way, you can compare them well.

Do you still have questions? We are happy to help you further.