The Walloon Government approved an order in early April to amend part of the Territorial Development Code (CoDT), meaning that from 1 May, several actions will no longer require a planning permit.
This includes installing shutters, fences, or railings not visible from public areas; creating, altering, or blocking roof openings. It also applies to constructing bicycle shelters using lightweight metal or wood barriers, placing covered parking infrastructure for active mobility devices up to 60m2 in both public and private areas and setting up terraces for hospitality businesses, with the maximum area increased from 50 to 100m2.
Also covered are the restoration or adaptation of riverbanks and beds after natural disasters within five years, installing electricity or heat production modules using solar energy for buildings and existing artificial structures (like solar panels on roofs or ground installations in certain zones), setting up heat pumps in economic activity zones, and establishing temporary sales points for up to six months to occupy vacant premises, attract new types of customers, or test new concepts.
In flood-prone areas, new regulations based on high-probability flood scenarios will be implemented. These specific measures aim to enhance safety without unnecessarily complicating procedures for unaffected areas, explains the government. Consequently, building fences in high-risk flood zones (which may cause blockages during floods) will now require a permit.
