Wallonia aims to progressively digitize urban planning, environmental, and single permits. This initiative seeks to replace paper-based files with simpler digital procedures for submitting, consulting, and tracking applications. The transition, already underway, will extend until 2028, with varying deadlines depending on the permit type and the competent authority.
The digitization is intended to allow citizens and project holders to submit applications online, centralize information, more easily track the progress of files, facilitate exchanges, and reduce delays associated with paper document transmission.
For environmental permits and single permits, widespread implementation is scheduled for January 2027. The digitization is being rolled out in Walloon municipalities starting in 2026, and all will need to be operational for these digital applications by early 2027. Environmental declarations are already fully digitized in all 261 Walloon municipalities. The single permit consolidates urban planning and environmental permit applications into a single procedure.
The rollout for urban planning permits follows a distinct timeline. A pilot phase began on May 31, 2026, for applications falling under the responsibility of the delegated official or the Government. On February 1, 2027, digitization will extend to municipalities integrated into the system and will also begin for permits under municipal competence. A new phase for the latter is planned for October 1, 2027. Finally, on January 1, 2028, the digital procedure will cover urbanisation permits and type 2 urban planning certificates, and by September 1, 2028, all applications for urban planning permits, urbanisation permits, type 1 and type 2 urban planning certificates, as well as appeals, must be submitted electronically. An exception is provided for certain urban planning permit applications that do not require an architect's involvement, which may still be submitted on paper forms.
The Municipality of Chaudfontaine will inform its residents about the stages and concrete changes as they come into effect. In the meantime, it is advisable to verify the applicable procedure for each project. Municipal services remain available to assist residents.
