Residents of De Wolden who want a sedum roof, small windmill or solar meadow should spend less money on bureaucratic costs in the future. The municipality wants to reduce the prices for required permits.
Residents pay fees to process a permit application for sustainability measures. The price is calculated based on a percentage of the construction costs. Sustainability measures often lead to higher construction costs. The idea is that by reducing or completely abolishing administrative costs, a barrier to sustainability will be removed.
In November last year, the entire municipal council voted in favor of a call from Municipal Interests to the mayor and aldermen to come up with a proposal. The municipal council has mapped out the options available and sees ‘lower fees that are implemented immediately upon application’ as the most suitable way. An alternative, for example, was to pay back money afterwards if sustainability has been achieved according to certain criteria. That would entail more administrative work.
Before the summer, the municipal council expects to come up with detailed plans for lowering the fees. If the municipal council agrees, residents will have to pay less in fees for sustainability from 2025 onwards.