How long does a permit application take? Processing times per municipality

You have submitted a permit application to your municipality — for example for an extension on Sarphatistraat in Amsterdam or a roof addition on Heereweg in Leiden. The question is almost always the same: how long does a permit take? The permit application processing time varies by municipality and by application type. In this article we explain what timelines to expect, what slows down the process, and what you can do if it takes too long.

What is the statutory decision period?

Since the Environment and Planning Act (article 6.12 Bor), the Netherlands uses a statutory decision period of 8 weeks for a standard environmental permit. The municipality must make a decision within 8 weeks of receiving a complete application. For complex applications this period can be extended by up to 6 weeks (article 6.13 Bor).

The clock only starts ticking once your application is complete. If a structural calculation or a drawing with cadastral data is missing, the deadline is paused until you supply the missing documents. Many applicants confuse the submission date with the start date — a difference that can amount to weeks.

Actual processing time per municipality — not 8 weeks everywhere

The statutory 8-week period is a maximum, not an average. In practice the actual permit application processing time is often longer. Large municipalities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam work with long queues, especially during the building season (March through September). Smaller municipalities like Zutphen or Weert often process applications within 4 to 6 weeks, provided the application is complete.

Average processing times in practice

• Simple application (e.g. minor extension, dormer window): 3–6 weeks
• Standard application (extension, outbuilding, garden shed on rear plot): 6–10 weeks
• Complex application (new build, building in a protected townscape, foundation variant): 12–20 weeks
• Application with objection (neighbors file an objection): +4 to 6 weeks for the objection procedure

What slows down your permit application?

There are five common reasons why an application takes longer than the statutory 8 weeks:

1. Incomplete application — The municipality pauses the decision period until all documents are complete. Check the checklist on your municipality website or read our guide to applying for a building permit at the municipality.
2. Aesthetic review — Building in a protected townscape or cityscape requires the aesthetics committee to advise. This adds extra time, sometimes 2 to 4 weeks.
3. Neighborhood objections — If neighbors file an objection, the procedure changes and the decision may be suspended.
4. Structural calculation for permit application — For structural work the municipality often requires a structural calculation from a structural engineer. Having this prepared can take 2 to 3 weeks before you can submit a complete application.
5. Internal coordination — Applications touching multiple domains (water defences, monuments, earthworks) require coordination between municipal departments. Expect additional waiting time.

What if your permit takes too long?

Has the 8-week decision period (plus any extension) passed without a decision? You can send a notice of default to the municipality (article 4:17 Awb). After that, the municipality has 2 weeks to still make a decision. Still no response? You can object to the failure to decide or file a complaint with the National Ombudsman.

Tip: check whether you can track your application via PlotSense Aanvraagstatus. As soon as the status changes — for example from "in processing" to "draft decision" — you know exactly where things stand, without having to call the municipality.

How do you track progress?

A permit application status goes through several stages: received — complete — in processing — draft decision — decision. Each stage tells you something about how far your application has progressed. Read our guide to tracking your permit application status for more information on what each stage means.

For an extension or addition to your home it may also be worth reading our guide to applying for an extension permit — it lists the most commonly requested documents at each step.

Plan for realistic processing times

Expect 8 to 12 weeks for a standard application, and up to 20 weeks for complex building projects. Start early, especially if you plan to build in spring or summer. Actively track progress — you do not need to call the municipality every week, but sending a notice of default after the statutory period is your right.

Want to know exactly how far your application has progressed and get an automatic notification at every status change? Activate PlotSense Aanvraagstatus — from €9 per month and track your permit application in real time.