Application process: frequently asked questions

The legger determines where the rules of the Keur apply. It contains the location, shape and dimensions of dikes, waters and engineering structures and who is responsible for maintenance. The legger consists of a document with a description and explanation and an interactive Map. We have two different leggers: the Legger Wateren and the Legger Waterkeringen.

An environmental permit for a water activity (hereinafter: permit) is only granted by the water board. Before the start of the Omgevingswet (as of Jan. 1, 2024), this was called a water permit.

In it, we assess your activity based on hydraulic interests. For example, are you building near a dike, ditch or road that we manage? Then we will assess whether the construction will have no negative effects on the maintenance and functioning of the dike, water system or road. The municipality will test the structure against spatial legislation and see if it fits in with the existing environment.

You can apply for the permit through the Omgevingsloket. You will need DigiD to do this. Be sure to include a drawing of the work with the notification.

Activities may be subject to permit, information or notification requirements under the Water Board Ordinance or the Living Environment Activities Decree (BAL, in short, discharges to surface water or to a water treatment plant of the Water Board). The Water Board Ordinance itself deals primarily with permit and information obligations, whereas the keur dealt primarily with permit and notification obligations. Under the BAL, there may also be notifiable activities. Therefore, the legal difference between a notification and information obligation is briefly explained here.

Permit requirement

With a permit requirement, an objection period applies after a permit is granted and interested parties can object.

Duty to inform

For certain activities, there is no permit requirement, but there is a duty to provide certain information. In some cases, the initiator must wait for a response from the competent authority before the activity can be carried out. In other cases, you can start the activity immediately after the required information has been provided. This is called information duty. Information duties are important for us to update our Maps and for monitoring purposes.

Reporting requirement

We have created general rules for some common activities. Do you meet the general Requirements for an activity? Then you do not need a permit and a notification is sufficient. You can then start work immediately and interested parties cannot object. 

Still unsure if you need a permit? Then use the permit check. Fill in a few questions and you'll know right away whether you can make a notification or need to apply for a permit. Are you unsure? Send us a description and a drawing of the activities via the contact form. 

You can do this through the Omgevingsloket. You will need DigiD to do this. Be sure to include a drawing of the work with the notification.

Yes you can. You can apply for a permit, report or provide information by letter. Send this to Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, Postbus 250, 1700 AG Heerhugowaard or hand it in at the desk at the headquarters of the Hoogheemraadschap.

• Learn more

You can do this through the Omgevingsloket or through our contact form. Always include the registration number of your application.

• Learn more

We will respond to a report pursuant to the information requirement, if complete, within five business days. If information is missing, we will contact you.   

We usually complete a permit application within eight weeks. In some cases the procedure takes longer, for example if we need additional information. We may extend the eight-week period once by a maximum of six weeks. In that case, we will notify you. 

Does your work require information? If so, you may begin work immediately, but we advise you to wait for our confirmation by letter. Do we need additional information? Then we will contact you within five working days.

With a duty of information and notification, we assume that you will perform the work in the near future. Are you performing the work later than previously indicated? Please contact the Licenses cluster. This can be done using the contact form or by telephone: 072 582 8282.

A permit is usually valid indefinitely. But you must have completed the work within at least three years of the permit being issued. Have you not? Then we have the option of revoking the permit.