🏛️GovernmentUpdated: May 2026

🔨 Neighbours building without permit — what do I do?

Direct answer

(1) Check the permit: search Omgevingsloket.nl or your council (permit register). Granted permits published 6 weeks. (2) Object within 6 weeks of publication: written to council with reasoning (view, shadow, value loss, privacy, monument status). No lawyer needed. Free. Council re-evaluates; reply usually within 6-12 wks. (3) No permit granted? File enforcement request (written, reasoned). Council must decide within 8 wks (extension to 14 wks possible). Ignored = administrative court. (4) Provisional relief at court if building starts: emergency procedure, €181 court fee. Halt possible. (5) Permit-free: small rear dormer, shed <30m2, fence <2m — can't challenge unless dangerous execution. (6) Neighbour talk first: often misunderstanding, forgotten communication. Beterburen mediation prevents years-long procedure.

Object

6 wks after publication

Enforcement

8-wk reply

Cost

Free

Step by step

1
Check Omgevingsloket
Search by postcode/address neighbour. Permit present? What for? Which level + drawings?
2
Talk to neighbours
Often misunderstanding. Beterburen mediation for tough talks (free Amsterdam).
3
Object within 6 wks of publication
Written + reasoned: view, shadow, privacy, value loss. Free. Send registered.
4
No permit? Enforcement request
Request to council. Decision term 8 wks. On inaction: administrative court (free objection, €55 appeal individual).

All contacts

OmgevingsloketCentral permit register

Step 1 for check

🔗 omgevingsloket.nl

Gemeente Bouw- en WoningtoezichtEnforcement request illegal build

On no permit

📞 14020 🔗 amsterdam.nl/handhaving

Juridisch LoketFree advice drafting objection

For objection letter advice

📞 0800-8020 🔗 juridischloket.nl

Beterburen AmsterdamFree mediation neighbour conflict

Before escalation

📞 020-820 0103 🔗 beterburen.nl

Frequently asked questions

What is permit-free building?

Rear dormer <1m high, shed <30m2 back yard, fence <2m. Can't object. Check vergunningchecker.nl for your situation.

What if council doesn't enforce?

After 8 wks (or 14 with extension) no decision: notice of default + penalty. On refusal: appeal at administrative court. Success rate unlawful build: ~70% on well-substantiated request.

Sources

🔎 Common search queries

Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.

“neighbour building without permit NL”
“omgevingsloket check permit”
“object building plan 6 weeks”
“enforcement request illegal build”
“permit-free dormer rules”