Quick to:

A permit or notification

Given below is an overview of what you do or do not need to apply for a permit or file a notification for:

What are you planning to do? Permit requirement, permit-free or notification requirement? Conditions and explanation
Demolition of monumental sections Permit requirement None
Demolition of later additions without monumental value
  • The interior is permit-free.
  • The exterior requires a permit.
 Additions that clearly show no monumental values. Subsequent additions of lesser quality value. A demolition notification is however usually required. In that case, an asbestos survey is also required.
Site layout not monumental (in case of built monument) Permit-free This does not include the installation of structures.
Site layout monumental (in case of built monument) Permit requirement None
Foundations
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modifications require a permit.
 None
Concrete structures
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modifications require a permit.
 None
Masonry
  • Refinishing work in the same colour, dimensions and hardness is permit-free.
  • Filling in wall openings is subject to a permit requirement.
 None
Pointing
  • Up to 25% of the facade is permit-free.
  • More than 25% of the façade is subject to a permit.
 None
Facade cleaning Permit requirement None
Stone sealing Permit requirement None
Wall anchors
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Replacement is subject to a permit.
 None
Making door openings Permit requirement None
Historical timber structures
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modifications require a permit.
 None
Roof boarding
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modification and new fitting is subject to a permit requirement.
 Applying roof boarding on non-tiled roof is better for the monument (does however require a permit).
Metal structures
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modification and total replacement is subject to a permit requirement.
 None
Chimneys
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modifications require a permit.
 Putting back a chimney that was once there is also a modification.
Chimneys

Frames, windows and doors
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modification and replacement is subject to a permit requirement.
 None
New dormers and skylights Permit requirement None
Stairways
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modification and new fitting is subject to a permit requirement.
 None
Roof coverings
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modifications require a permit.
  • Full replacement is subject to a permit.
 None
Lead/copper/zinc
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Full replacement is subject to a permit requirement. This only applies to roofing.
 For example, replacement of the entire thatched or zinc groove roof. You need a permit for both.
Glazing
  • Replacement historic glass is subject to a permit requirement.
  • Fitting thin insulating glass that fits into the existing rebate is permit-free.
  • Applying thick insulating glass with modified window frames is subject to a permit requirement.
  • Installation of insulating windows (outside) is subject to a permit requirement.
  • Applying insulating windows (inside) is permit-free.
 None
Paintwork
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Colour change with advice and/or consent of the local authority: is permit-free.
  • Colour change without advice and/or consent of the local authority is subject to a permit requirement.
  • Removal of historical paint layers is subject to a permit requirement.
 The local authority advises owners on using old or historically appropriate colours.
Natural and artificial stone
  • Maintenance is permit-free,
  • Modification and replacement are subject to permit requirements.
 None
Subsequent insulation Permit requirement None
Protected gardens, parks and cemeteries
  • Maintenance is permit-free.
  • Modifications require a permit.
  • Tree felling is subject to a permit requirement.
  • Building structure requires a permit.
 None

How to apply

Apply for a permit or file a notification via the Environment Desk.

Applying for a grant or financial aid

You may be able to apply for grants or other financial aid. More information can be found on the Monument Grant page.

Applying for local monument status

Local monuments are immovable property. For example: buildings, bridges, parks or a special fence. Parts or sections of a building can be designated as a monument. Archaeological sites and landscape features can also be granted monument status. For more information on archaeological sites and landscape features, visit the Work in landscape heritage page.

Monuments must meet requirements

These requirements can be found in the Local Heritage Ordinance City of Leeuwarden 2024.

First, research into history and values is carried out

Does this research show that something is valuable and special enough? If so, follow the official steps to designate something as a local monument. In the document designation procedure for local monuments, you will find these official steps and answers to frequently asked questions.

Is my building, property or land suitable as a local monument?

Contact the City of Leeuwarden or email monumentenzorg@leeuwarden.nl.

Conserving listed buildings

Through ‘The Green Menu’ you can see what is possible, what financial help is available and if there are any rules you need to consider.

Monument Preservation newsletter

The ‘Monument Conservation newsletter’ is published for times a year. It contains information on monuments and archaeology. Would you like to receive this newsletter? If so, please email monumentenzorg@leeuwarden.nl.

Drilling in Wood

The Nijehove mound, the highest of the mounds on which the City of Leeuwarden rests, was home to the community art project De Baren during Arcadia in 2022. The Nijehove mound was therefore a stage for visual arts, artistic performances and a route that led you through the past, present and future. The central question was: ‘Who lives in this ancient landscape and what keeps these people busy?’. De Baren thus became a meeting between current questions and
knowledge about history.

One of the projects was ‘Drilling in Wood’ by the City of Leeuwarden. Owners of mound houses opened their front door for ‘Drilling in Wood’ to allow dendrochronologist Paul Borghaerts to drill in wooden structures. Historian Henk Oly conducted ownership and occupancy research. And together they showed the results in the Walloon church on July 28, 29 and 30, 2022 for anyone who wanted to take note of them.

The findings have now been brought together in the report ‘Drilling in Wood’ which was presented and handed over to owners and other stakeholders on December 7, 2023.

Questions or need help?

Start by checking the Environment Desk. Do you still need help or have questions afterwards? Contact the City of Leeuwarden.

Charges

Subject Charges
Environment and planning permit for listed buildings € 592.71
Permit for ‘building’ If the construction costs are less than €1,000,000: 3.27% of the building cost with a minimum of €132.20.
Advice of the building aesthetics committee You will find these charges on the website of Hûs en Hiem.
For each advertising object € 157.19. Maximum €471.76 per application.

For the costs for use that conflicts with planning and that also involves construction activity, see the General Fees Regulation Rates Table.