Applying for a public domain occupancy permit: how it works

If, as a contractor or renovation company, you are going to occupy part of the public domain (scaffolding, a container, a crane, a site zone or a parking space), you almost always need a public domain occupancy permit. Without a permit you risk a municipal administrative fine and having your site shut down. Below you can read exactly how the application works.

When do you need a permit?

The rule is simple: if you use public space for your construction site, a permit is mandatory. Concrete situations:

• A container, rubble bag or building materials on the pavement or parking strip
• Scaffolding or an aerial work platform standing on the footpath
• A site zone that takes up a traffic lane or parking bays
• A furniture lift or crane that temporarily blocks the roadway

Which platform do you apply through?

The application channel differs per municipality. In Flanders you will come across three systems in practice:

• EagleBE: the most widely used permit platform, active in many Flemish municipalities.
• Spotbooking: for reserving parking spaces and public domain occupancy.
• The city's own occupancy form: for example via the City of Ghent website.

Not sure which platform your municipality uses? On our municipality pages you will find the right platform, the processing time, the cost and the procedure for each municipality.

How long does the application take?

Expect a few working days to about two weeks, depending on the municipality and on whether a signage plan is required. So apply in good time: preferably submit your application at least two weeks before the start date of your construction site.

What do we arrange for you?

We take the permit application entirely off your hands: from drawing up the signage plan and submitting it via the right platform to the follow-up and the installation of compliant construction site signage. That way you can stay busy with your site and the paperwork is in order.