Urban planning permits for Brussels-based retailers

When converting a shop into a snack bar or a restaurant into a dance bar, you need to obtain an urban planning permit beforehand. This also applies if you want to install a sign or carry out construction, demolition, renovation, or transformation work on a building.

What is the urban planning permit ?

An urban planning permit is authorization for a building, defining its use, outer appearance, supporting structures etc. Some types of land use are also covered by a planning permit.

You need to find out if your project requires a new planning permit for particular activities or work (e.g. construction, demolition, change of use, felling a tall tree, significant change to the relief of the ground, erecting a sign, chimney or window shutter, replacing a bay window).

Note: Before signing a commercial lease, always check the zoning of the premises with the municipality’s urban planning department.

When do you need a planning permit?

To determine if your project requires a new permit for certain actions or works, you will have to:

1. Know the current legal planning status of the property
2. Identify which works require an urban planning permit
3. Obtain the necessary permits

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How do you obtain an urban planning permit ?

As a general rule, you must submit a single application for all planned actions and works, as well as any requiring regularisation. In some municipalities, you must file a separate application for actions and works with a limited duration (such as placing a sign).
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Preparing your planning permit

Change of use

Do you want to submit a permit request for a change of use that doesn’t require the services of an architect?
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Placing a sign

You need to comply with regional and municipal rules to receive approval to place a sign.
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Do you need help to prepare your urban planning permit application ?

hub.brussels' urban planning and environment team

hub.brussels’ urban planning and environment team provides free, personalised and confidential support to companies in Brussels, for issues relating to town planning in the Brussels-Capital region:

• information about your obligations related to plans and regulations
• feasibility study for the project with respect to urban planning permits
• support to prepare your application and accompanying documents
• assistance in understanding the decisions of the administrative authorities

You can attach them when you fill out the form below on the webpage or via email at: permit@hub.brussels.

The urban planning department of each municipality

If you need information about the current urban planning status of a specific property or want to view its plans, please get in touch with the urban planning department of the municipality where the property is situated. We suggest reaching out to the urban planning and environment team at hub.brussels first to get guidance on what to inquire about and where to find the relevant information.