Building or renovating piers in Bonaire’s underwater park has an impact on nature, which is why special rules apply
What does this product or service mean?
You may not build in the coastal zone without a permit.
The coastal zone is the area where land and sea meet.
This is an important but also vulnerable area.
That is why, in addition to the standard building regulations that apply to the entire island, there are additional rules for construction in the coastal zone.
Do you want to build or renovate something within the coastal zone, less than 15 meters from the high-water line? For example, a pier, a wall, a deck, a staircase, or a ladder leading to the sea?
Then you will need several permits:
- A nature permit, to be applied for from the Public Entity of Bonaire.
- A building permit, to be applied for from the Public Entity of Bonaire.
- A permit under the BES Maritime Management Act, to be applied for from Rijkswaterstaat.
Prohibition on Building Without a Nature Permit
Rules have been established to protect nature in the coastal zone from the effects of construction. It is not permitted to build in the coastal zone without a permit from the Executive Council. These rules are set forth in the Bonaire Underwater Park Island Decree (2010), Section VII: https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR40370.
How do you apply for this?
We will process your application in accordance with Article 19 of the Bonaire Island Nature Conservation Ordinance (2008).
You can read the full text here: https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR7367
Below are the steps and requirements for submitting an application:
1) Submit an Application
You must submit a written application for a nature permit and, if applicable, a building permit to the Executive Council of the Public Entity of Bonaire. You can submit these applications at the reception desk of the R&O Directorate at Kaya Grandi 56-58 or via the e-form on this website.
At the same time, you may submit the application under the BES Maritime Management Act to Rijkswaterstaat.
2) Required documents
Include the following documents with your application for a nature permit:
- A fully completed application form.
- A copy of a valid ID.
- A copy of the building permit application.
- A construction drawing in AutoCAD format.
- Proof of payment of the $14 nature permit fee.
- A title deed or other proof of ownership.
- A document showing the dimensions from the high-water line, obtained from the Land Registry.
- Information about the potential effects of your project on nature, such as reports or environmental studies.
- Maps or drawings that clearly show the area and scope of the work.
Additional document for renovations: a copy of the old permit
Additional document for a new pier: first apply for a permit from Rijkswaterstaat.
3) Your request will be registered, and you will receive a confirmation of receipt.
4) Additional Information
If any information is missing, the Executive Board may ask you to submit additional details.
5) The processing period for your request begins on the date the OLB deems your application to be complete. See below for more information
Who can you contact?
For questions, please email natuurvergunningen@bonairegov.com.
How long does it take?
The Executive Council will make a decision on granting the permit or exemption within 90 days of receiving the application, after seeking advice from the Bonaire Nature Conservation Committee. You can read more about this committee in Article 3 of the Bonaire Island Ordinance on Nature Conservation.
What does it cost?
Applying for a nature permit costs $14.00.
This fee can be paid at the front desk of the Civil Affairs Office or via bank transfer to MCB bank account number 30100203 in the name of the Public Entity of Bonaire.
Do you disagree with the decision?
The application for a nature permit must be published and made available for public inspection for a period of 14 days. During the inspection period, interested parties may submit objections to the Executive Council. These objections must be taken into consideration by the Executive Council when deciding on the application.
You may file an objection to a decision on the application with the Executive Council or file an appeal with the Court of First Instance within 6 weeks of the date of the decision.
Which laws and rules apply?
Where can you find more information?
What do we do with your personal data?
When you submit an application or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.
The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.
The most important rules are:
- The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data that is necessary for processing your application or report.
- They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care
- Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
- Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
- Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
- You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.
