Exempt interior renovations involving structural work: architect mandatory again
Flanders is amending the Exemptions Decree. Renovating without an environmental permit remains possible in certain cases, but an architect will once again be mandatory for structural work.
What is this about?
Since 1 March 2026, certain works can be carried out in Flanders without an environmental permit. These include:
- interior renovations, in other words, works carried out within the existing walls of the building;
- works to façades and roofs, provided that the physical building volume does not change and the energy performance does not deteriorate.
This exemption also applied when structural work was involved. In such cases, the involvement of an architect was not required.
This is now changing.
Under a Flemish Government Decree of 10 July 2026, published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 26 August 2026, the involvement of an architect is now explicitly mandatory when the works include structural work.
The new rule enters into force on 5 September 2026.
What changes in practice?
| Before 5 September 2026 | From 5 September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental permit required? | No, provided the conditions are met | No, provided the conditions are met |
| Architect mandatory for structural work? | No | Yes |
The exemption from the environmental permit requirement for interior renovations and works to façades and roofs therefore remains in place. However, as soon as the planned works affect the stability of the building, an architect must be involved in the design and supervision of the works.
The rules apply to both residential properties and other buildings, such as offices, shops, hospitality establishments and business premises. Please note: the exemption only applies if the building is predominantly permitted or deemed to be permitted.
What is considered structural work?
In short, this means work on the load-bearing parts of a building, such as:
- completely or partially removing or making an opening in a load-bearing wall;
- installing or replacing a beam, column or other load-bearing structure;
- interventions to foundations or the roof structure;
- creating a larger opening in a façade that requires changes to the load-bearing structure.
Painting, installing plasterboard or laying new flooring are, of course, not considered structural work.
Why is this important for you?
Are you planning works that affect the stability of the building, such as removing a load-bearing wall or modifying the roof structure? From now on, you will need to engage an architect. This also applies when the works themselves are exempt from the environmental permit requirement.
There is, however, an important benefit: you are better protected. Architects are required to be insured and share responsibility for the stability of the completed works.
Questions about your project?
We will be happy to assess with you whether your planned works are exempt from the environmental permit requirement, whether they involve structural work and exactly which obligations apply.
