Even if your building is not listed, it may be in a protected townscape. Extra rules then apply, especially to the side facing the street. In Amsterdam the historic city centre, among other areas, is a protected townscape. We design a plan that fits the streetscape and find out which route applies.
For buildings in a protected townscape that are not listed themselves, the municipality of Amsterdam lists a number of permit-free works.
This applies to buildings in both nationally and municipally protected townscapes. Permit-free work in protected townscapes (in Dutch)
For your own address, always do the permit check in the Omgevingsloket (in Dutch).
Anything that changes the view from the street is assessed more carefully.
In its assessment, the municipality looks at how the plan relates to the neighbours and the streetscape: size, material, colour and detailing. A design that takes this into account from the start has a better chance. Permits and advice
The rear often offers the most room; on the street side it is about fitting repair.
In an old town house, the roof structure, cellar, rear wing and foundation often need the most attention.
New window frames or a larger opening at the rear bring light into the house, with the right structure behind them.
A dormer on the rear roof slope makes the attic usable. Its dimensions and connection to the roof shape the design.
More is possible on the rear roof slope than at the front. Interior insulation keeps the streetscape intact.
Repair in the original style, with attention to profiles, glazing bars and colour, fits the streetscape best.
Old buildings on timber piles may need foundation repair. That calls for investigation and a careful structural approach.
First check whether your building is in a protected townscape and whether it is also listed.
We find out whether your building is in a protected townscape and whether it is also listed.
Front and rear are assessed separately: what is permit-free and what is not?
A sketch makes it easier to discuss the plan with the municipality beforehand. Sketch design and building plan
Drawings, details and a justification for the permit application where one is needed.
With clear details and material choices, the contractor can carry out the work in keeping with the area.
No, not automatically. A protected townscape protects the area as a whole. A building in it may also be a listed building, but it does not have to be.
On the rear roof slope this is permit-free in Amsterdam for buildings that are not listed. On the street side a permit is usually needed. Do the permit check for your address.
A solar collector on the rear roof slope is permit-free in Amsterdam for buildings that are not listed. Stricter rules apply to the front and to listed buildings.
Changing a window or door frame in the rear facade is permit-free in Amsterdam for these buildings. In the front facade a permit is usually needed, and the new frames must suit the streetscape.
In Amsterdam on the municipality's monuments map, which also shows the protected townscapes. In Amstelveen you can ask the Building and Permits desk (Loket Bouwen en Vergunningen).
