You may not cause noise pollution. Do you want to do this anyway? Then, depending on the situation, you must apply for a noise nuisance exemption. We distinguish between noise nuisance caused by commercial construction/demolition work and other activities. 

Commercial construction/demolition work

With respect to noise nuisance caused by commercial construction and/or demolition activities, the rules of the game described in the Building Works Decree (abbreviated: Bbl) apply. This Decree is part of the Environment Act. This Decree describes rules about the time period, maximum daily values and/or maximum duration of exposure in the event of noise pollution. If you want to deviate from these conditions, you need an exemption.

Examples business construction/demolition activities for which you need an exemption:

  • Use of construction equipment exceeding the maximum daily value.
  • Construction work carried out at night (outside the time period) causing noise pollution.

The municipality assesses whether you get the exemption and may set rules you must follow. 

Other activities causing noise pollution

All other activities that cause noise pollution are subject to the rules set out in the General Local Bye-Laws of the municipality of Zoetermeer. Article 4.5 of the Apv provides more information on this.

Examples noise other activities for which you need an exemption:

  • An outdoor (temporary) activity such as a neighborhood festival, market or event.
  • Output messages or music through speakers on vehicles.
  • Making background music heard in shopping streets.
  • Use of playground equipment that makes noise.
  • Use of construction machinery.
  • Use of popping devices to chase away birds.
     

Noise

Are you experiencing noise nuisance? For more information, see Noise nuisance, report.

Request

For commercial construction/demolition work

You apply for the exemption for commercial construction/demolition work through the Environment Desk.

For other activities

The exemption for noise from other activities can be requested from the municipality.

Please provide the following information with your application:

  • A description of the activity.
  • The date, time and duration of the activity.
  • An address and/or drawing of the location of the activity.

For a noise waiver for evening and night work, you must also include the information below: 

  • A description of what work takes place where, when, and for how long.
  • A description of why the work must be done in the evening and/or night. 
  • A description of which noise-sensitive objects are in the vicinity of the work that may be affected by the noise.
  • A listing of equipment that creates noise pollution, including source level.
  • The distance from the noise source to the noise-sensitive object.
  • Noise level at the source and at the facade of the noise-sensitive object.
  • Measures taken by the applicant to minimize noise pollution.

You can apply for the waiver in 2 ways:

Online

Apply for noise waiver

By mail

Send application to:

Municipality of Zoetermeer
Department of VVH
PO Box 15
2700 AA ZOETERMEER

Cost

DescriptionCost
Exemption referred to in article 4:5 of the APV (noise pollution)€ 84,55
Stand-alone noise exemption for commercial construction work (granted in the form of a custom rule)€ 500,00

Price changes and typographical errors reserved.

How long will it take?

You will be notified within 8 weeks whether you will receive the exemption. The municipality can extend this period by 8 weeks.

Objecting

Do you disagree with the municipality's decision? Then you can object within 6 weeks.