Event Permit Procedure in Tilburg

Event Permit Procedure in Tilburg

The event permit procedure with the Municipality of Tilburg is the standard route to obtain permission for public events such as festivals in the Spoorzone, markets on the Heuvel, or neighborhood parties in local districts. This procedure falls under administrative law and ensures events in Tilburg run safely and without nuisance. This article outlines the steps, requirements, and local examples to help you prepare optimally.

When do you need an event permit in Tilburg?

Not every gathering requires a permit, but larger or higher-risk events do. An event is a public gathering at a fixed time and location organized by someone, such as concerts during the Tilburg Fair, fairs, or walking tours through the city center.

• No permit needed for private parties at home or small-scale barbecues without nuisance.
• Permit required for use of public space, noise, alcohol sales, or traffic disruption.

Always consult the General Local Ordinance (APV) of the Municipality of Tilburg, as rules vary by municipality. For example, events with more than 450 attendees often require notification.

Legal basis in Tilburg

The event permit procedure is set out in Tilburg's APV (Chapter 2, Articles 2.20-2.25). The General Administrative Law Act (Awb) governs the process: Art. 3:1 (application), Art. 3:4 (information requirements), Art. 4:11 (8-week deadline), and Art. 7:1 et seq. (objection/appeal).

Since the Environment and Planning Act (January 1, 2024), some events may require an environmental permit, but Tilburg applies the APV in most cases. Contact the permits desk for specifics.

The event permit procedure in Tilburg step by step

Follow these steps with the Municipality of Tilburg and start 8-12 weeks in advance.

1. Preparation: Check the APV and the Online Environment Desk on tilburg.nl. Use the local event checker.
2. Application: Submit via the digital portal using DigiD/eHerkenning, including site plans, safety plan, and insurance.
3. Assessment: Officials review public order, safety, environment, and traffic; consultation with fire service and police is standard.
4. Third-party comments: For larger events, Tilburg residents can submit views (Awb Art. 3:12).
5. Decision: Approval, refusal, or conditions within 8 weeks (extendable to 26 weeks).
6. Follow-up: Submit after-event report if required.

Required documents for Tilburg

• Event plan (location such as Hasseltrotonde, date, expected attendance).
• Risk analysis and safety plan.
• Liability insurance.
• Site plan and crowd management plan.
• Licenses for alcohol, music, or fireworks.

Deadlines and decisions at Municipality of Tilburg

A decision within 8 weeks (Awb Art. 4:11); if delayed, claim a penalty payment (Art. 4:17). Possible outcomes:

• Granted: With Tilburg-specific conditions such as decibel limits.
• Refused: Due to safety risks or nuisance.
• Notification sufficient: For small-scale events.

File an objection within 6 weeks with the municipality; appeal to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda. Read more about objecting to a decision. For advice: Legal Aid Office Tilburg.

Practical examples from Tilburg

Example 1: Neighborhood party
For 100 guests in Westerpark: Apply for APV exemption 4 weeks ahead. Costs around €60. Approved until 23:00.

Example 2: Music festival
For 4,000 visitors at Pieter Vreedeplein: Full permit with first aid and police presence. Applied 12 weeks in advance; approved with sound monitoring.

Example 3: Refusal
A walking route through Korvel: Refused due to traffic issues. Granted after rerouting via Nieuwe Rondweg.

Rights and obligations in Tilburg

Rights:

• Timely decision.
• Access to case file (Awb Art. 3:2).
• Objection/appeal to District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda).

Obligations:

• Comply with conditions.
• Remedy any damage.
• Submit evaluation report.

Comparison of small/large events in Tilburg

Frequently asked questions for Tilburg