Building a veranda: do I need planning permission?

Are you renovating your home and looking to add a veranda so you can enjoy the outdoors all year round? Wondering if you need planning permission for this? The aim of this article is to give you all the information you need to install your veranda legally in Belgium.

Building a veranda in the Walloon Region:

In Wallonia, you won’t always need planning permission for a new veranda , as the Cwatupe (Walloon Code for Town and Country Planning, Heritage and Energy) provides for a simplified procedure for certain types of work. Good news: building a veranda is one of them.

This procedural facility (known as the “déclaration urbanistique”) allows work to be carried out without planning permission, provided that a declaration is sent to your local authority and the latter gives its approval.

What are the conditions for building a veranda in the Walloon Region?

Obviously, certain conditions will have to be met for the commune to give its consent. These include

• A veranda up to 40 m² in size
• Built at least 2 metres from the two adjoining boundaries
• Maximum height may not exceed 3.5 m
• Floors are not accepted
• The veranda must be attached to your home

There are no special conditions regarding materials to be used or prohibited.

To find out more about the conditions to be met, visit the Wallonia portal.

What about Walloon municipal bylaws?

It should be noted that communes can also add their own conditions, and subdivisions often have their own rules. And if a town planning declaration is not an option, you’ll need to apply for planning permission…

Building a veranda in the Brussels Region

The legislation is simpler than in Wallonia, since although the Cobat (Brussels Planning Code) also defines works for which a simplified procedure exists, the construction of a veranda is not one of them.

In other words, if you want to build a veranda in the Brussels Region, you ‘ll always need planning permission. The permit must be issued by your local authority, and you’ll always need an architect (unless the extension is less than 6m²).

Veranda construction in Flanders

In Flanders, the rules are different again. Indeed, since December 1ᵉʳ, 2010, it is no longer compulsory to obtain planning permission for verandas measuring up to 4m.

However, if your veranda is to be used as a dwelling, you’ll need to make a town-planning declaration to your local authority. This declaration is applicable if :

• The veranda measures a maximum of 40m2
• Veranda height not to exceed 4m
• The veranda is located more than 3m from the surrounding land.

If your project does not meet these conditions, you must apply for a municipal permit.

How do I obtain planning permission for a veranda?

To obtain a permit to build a veranda, you’ll need to contact the local authority where your home is located. The communal college is responsible for issuing this type of permit.

What must an application for planning permission contain?

You’ll need to submit a dossier including plans, photos, details of the work, etc. describing your project and its place in the environment. If you use the services of an architect, he or she can take care of these formalities for you.

How long does it take to apply for planning permission for a veranda?

The deadline for a decision by the local council for this type of request is generally 30 days. However, this period may be extended if special measures or advice are required.

Once the permit has been issued, you can start building your veranda.

Do you need an architect to build a veranda?

If you need to apply for planning permission, then you’re usually obliged to call on the services of an architect.

Conclusion

It’s important to find out what the rules are in your area before you start building a veranda. In Wallonia, Brussels and Flanders, regulations and conditions differ. It’s up to you to find out what the rules are, so as to avoid any problems when building your veranda.