Interior alterations are the most common type of work in Brussels homes. The good news: most of them are exempt from planning permission.
Interior alterations exempt from planning permission
Interior alteration and fit-out work is exempt from planning permission, provided it does not involve:
- Structural work (load-bearing walls, foundations)
- A change in the number or layout of the housing units
- A change of designated use (from housing to a shop, for example)
- A change of use that requires a permit
Examples of exempt work:
- Renovating a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom
- Removing or building a lightweight (non-load-bearing) partition wall
- Electrical, plumbing and heating work
- Replacing a floor covering
- Fitting internal insulation
- Painting and interior finishes
When is a permit required?
A planning permit is required for:
- Structural work: altering a load-bearing wall, modifying the foundations, reinforcing the structure
- Splitting a home: turning one home into two flats
- Change of designated use: turning a home into an office, a shop or a mixed use
- Change of use: some changes of use have required a permit since the Order of 16 May 2024
Splitting or merging homes
Changing the number of housing units in a residential building always requires a planning permit. This includes:
- Splitting a house into several flats
- Merging two flats into one
- Creating an additional home (e.g. converting the loft)
Each home must meet the housing standards of the RRU (Regional Urban Planning Regulation, Title II).
Do you need an architect?
If the work is exempt from planning permission, it is automatically exempt from the architect requirement too. If a permit is needed and the work involves structural elements, an architect is mandatory.
Housing standards (RRU)
Title II of the RRU sets the minimum housing standards for homes in the Brussels Region:
- Minimum floor area per home and per room
- Minimum ceiling height
- Natural light and ventilation
- Mandatory sanitary facilities
Even if your work is exempt from planning permission, it must meet these standards.
Practical tips
- If you are unsure whether a wall is load-bearing, consult a structural engineer
- Check the legally permitted situation (plans in the planning archives) before you start
- If you are changing the number of homes, a permit and an architect are essential