Brussels planning permit timescales: 75 to 450 days

The processing timescales for a planning permit application in Brussels are set by the CoBAT (Brussels Spatial Planning Code). They vary according to the issuing authority and the assessment steps required.

How are the timescales calculated?

Article 12/1 of the CoBAT sets out the calculation rules:

• Time limits are counted in calendar days
• They start on the day after the document is received
• If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it moves to the next working day

The decision period runs from the date the acknowledgement of a complete application is sent. If this acknowledgement is not sent within 45 days, the period starts automatically on the 46th day.

Timescales for municipal applications

When the college of mayor and aldermen is the issuing authority (Art. 156 §2 CoBAT):

Timescales for the delegated official

When the delegated official (urban.brussels) is the issuing authority (Art. 178 §2 CoBAT):

Extensions and suspensions

Each time limit is extended by 30 days:

• When it expires during the summer holidays
• When the summer holidays mean the publicity measures have to be postponed

The time limit can also be suspended:

• When the applicant requests changes to the application
• While awaiting an administrative decision outside the procedure

Completeness check

Before the decision period starts to run, the authority has 45 days to check that the application is complete. If it is incomplete, the applicant has 6 months maximum to provide the missing documents, failing which the application lapses.

After the permit is granted

• Validity: the permit is valid for 3 years (extension possible)
• Start of works: work must begin within 3 years of notification
• Interruption: work may not be interrupted for more than a year, or the permit expires