At a glance
- Describe your activities specifically; an industry sector or business name alone is not enough.
- Read the rules for the location in the Omgevingsloket and investigate relevant permits.
- The possibility of a permit to depart from the rules does not guarantee that a change of use will be allowed.
Why the listing does not provide the answer
The term commercial premises in a brochure describes the property on offer, not every use permitted under public law. Previous use by another business does not prove that your activities are suitable either. Ask what information the party offering the property holds and independently check whether their conclusion matches the use you currently have in mind.
Make your business profile specific
- What activities will take place: storage, production, office work, sales or services?
- Will customers, visitors or suppliers attend, and at what times?
- What will the effects be on noise, traffic, parking and loading movements?
- Are alterations, signage, new systems or other facilities needed?
- Which activities constitute the primary use and which are merely ancillary?
Check the rules for the location
Eindhoven municipality explains that the environment plan determines what is permitted at a location and refers users to Rules on the Map in the Omgevingsloket. Search for the exact address and read both the permitted use and the relevant conditions. If in doubt, have a specialist assess the combination of your activities, the building and its surroundings.
Use the permit check for the proposed change
Different requirements may apply to construction, alterations and changes of use. The municipal information refers to the permit check to determine whether a permit, notification or submission of information is required. Treat the result as part of your investigation; in complex or unclear situations, further contact with the municipality or an adviser is advisable.
What if your intended use does not comply?
The municipality describes the possibility of an environmental permit for an activity that departs from the environment plan, often called a BOPA. This allows a departure from the environment plan in certain cases. It is not an automatic right. Have feasibility, required documents, conditions and the procedure assessed before choosing the property on the basis of future permission.
Permission under public law and the owner's consent
Even if the use is permitted under public law, lease conditions, ownership restrictions or rules for shared facilities may be relevant. Conversely, a landlord's consent does not replace a required permit. Investigate both aspects and record who will arrange and pay for each permission.
How to align your investigations with the agreement
- Describe the intended use and the alterations required.
- Gather current information on the location and existing permit documents.
- Have outstanding questions assessed before signing.
- Discuss appropriate conditions with a legal adviser if permission remains uncertain.
- Only begin implementation once it is clear which obligations and permissions apply.
An agent can request the right information and coordinate investigations, but cannot replace a decision by the municipality. Keep a written record of the use to which any confirmation relates. A subsequent change to the business plan may require further investigation.
Sources and further checks
- Municipality of Eindhoven: environment plan
- Municipality of Eindhoven: activity outside the environmental plan
- Municipality of Eindhoven: permit check for structures
Sources consulted at the time of publication. Regulations and grid information may change; check the current situation for your property.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a shop in any industrial unit?
No. This depends on the rules for the location and the intended use. Check the environment plan and any permit requirements; the description 'industrial unit' is not decisive.
Does a BOPA mean that the municipality has to approve my plan?
No. It is a possible permitting route for an activity that falls outside the environmental plan. Feasibility and the outcome must be assessed for the specific situation.
Is the landlord's consent sufficient?
Not if public law requirements also apply. Investigate both the arrangements with the owner and the rules and necessary permissions from the authorities.