What steps do you need to take when applying for a planning permit in Brussels? From compiling your application pack to navigating the procedure and understanding processing timescales, here is a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know.
The application process
The requirements for a planning application depend entirely on your specific project. For example, the documents needed to change the use of a property differ from those required to install a sign or demolish a load-bearing wall.
This guide focuses on planning applications for a change of use that do not require the involvement of an architect.
Common examples: if you intend to rent:
- a retail shop to turn it into a restaurant
- a bookshop to turn it into a laundrette
- an old warehouse to turn it into a carpentry workshop
Note: Other applications that do not require an architect such as modifying a shop window or installing a ventilation chimney for a snack barn follow a very similar procedure.
Essential preliminary information
- Who can apply? The leaseholder is entitled to request permission.
- Validity: Most planning permits are valid indefinitely once granted.
Step 1: consult your local planning department
Before preparing your file, always visit the planning department of your municipality to:
- Obtain the current permit: request a copy of the most recent planning permit for the premises. Note: You will usually need written authorisation from the property owner to access this.
- Get an initial opinion: is your project welcomed in this specific location? For example, in certain Brussels districts, new Horeca (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) businesses are restricted if the area is already saturated.
- Check regulations: research regional and municipal development plans and planning regulations.
- Confirm logistics: ask about the application fees, payment methods, and the exact number of hard copies required.
Step 2: collate your application documents
1. Application Form and Explanatory Statement
You can submit your application via the MyPermit Urbanisme platform or by using a paper form. We recommend the online platform as it simplifies the process and often leads to faster processing times.
- If using the paper form: You can refer to this instructional video and this sample completed form.
Tip: Usually, Sections VI, IX, XII, and XIII do not need to be completed for this type of application. If you do not have a parking area, leave Section VIII blank. - If you choose to submit your application via the mypermit urbanisme platform, you can also use the aforementioned video on the paper form. The online platform covers the same points, but they are presented in a different order.
The Explanatory Statement: this is a separate document where you describe your project and its context. You can download a sample outline here. Feel free to adapt the headings to suit your specific situation.
2. Graphic documents and photos
For a detailed visual guide, you can watch this tutorial video (available in French).
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Photographs:
- Exterior: provide one or two colour photos showing the entire façade, including the pavement, the sky, and a portion of the neighbouring buildings
- Interior: provide two photos, one taken from the back of the premises looking toward the street, and one from the entrance looking toward the back.
- Development Plan: use the existing floor plan (obtained from the municipality) to sketch your new layout (e.g., location of the counter, toilets, etc.).
- Location Map: use a scale between 1/1000th and 1/10,000th. You can use Mappy or MyBrugis. Here is an example to the scale of 1/2000th. Use this model and print this in colour and include the property address, the date, and your signature.
- Implementation Plan: Use a scale of 1/500 (example to a scale of 1/500th). Use this model to create your plan. Add the excerpt from the map (scale must be 1/100th, 1/200th or 1/500th) using this tool. Describe your building and the neighbouring properties (e.g., "Ground floor: Butcher’s; Upper floors: Residential").
3. Additional appendices
For a visual guide, see the explanatory video below (FR).
For change of use/purpose, attach the following documents:
- Title Deed Information: request this from FPS Finance via email based on the area where your business is established:
- Brussels Center (pentagone), Etterbeek, St-Josse: rzsj.bureau.bruxelles1@minfin.fed.be
- Anderlecht, Forest, Uccle, St-Gilles, Watermael-Boitsfort: rzsj.bureau.bruxelles2@minfin.fed.be
- 1000 Brussels-13th division (canal area), Laeken, Neder-Over-Heembeek, Haren, Evere, Koekelberg, Ganshoren, Berchem St. Agathe, Jette, Schaerbeek.) : rzsj.bureau.bruxelles3@minfin.fed.be
- Auderghem, Ixelles, Molenbeek, Woluwe St. Pierre, Woluwe St. Lambert: rzsj.bureau.bruxelles5@minfin.fed.be
- Co-ownership: if the building has multiple owners, you must provide their details and ensure they are formally notified of your plans. Comment: if co-owners are affected by your plans, they must be informed as well.
- Proof of payment: include evidence of the application fee (typically between €50 and €200, depending on the municipality).
- Fire Safety (SIAMU): if your Horeca business has a surface area of 50m² or more, you must include an opinion from the fire service and complete the required fire prevention form.
4. Submit your application
If you have chosen the paper route, most applications should be submitted to the planning department of your local municipality.
Note: applications involving listed buildings or those requiring an impact assessment must be sent to the regional urban planning administration.
Important: Always request an acknowledgement of receipt when submitting your file.
Most applications are to be submitted to the planning department of the municipality affected by your plan but some applications (for example those relating to listed buildings or those requiring an impact assessment) should be sent to the regional town planning administration.
Important: Always request an acknowledgement of receipt when submitting your file.
Need further assistance?
The teams at hub.brussels are here to help entrepreneurs navigate the permit process.
Contact: permit@hub.brussels