Submitting Views to the Municipality of Rotterdam

Submitting Views to the Municipality of Rotterdam

Submitting views gives Rotterdam residents the opportunity to respond in writing to a draft decision by a local administrative authority such as the Municipality of Rotterdam. This allows you to voice your opinions before a final decision is made, for example in the case of an administrative fine in the port city.

What does submitting views mean for Rotterdam residents?

In administrative law, an administrative authority such as the Municipality of Rotterdam or the Tax Authorities will often notify you in advance of an 'intention' or draft decision. You may then submit views: a substantiated letter in which you explain your interests and argue for amendment or withdrawal. This helps the authority, such as in Rotterdam, make better decisions with local context in mind.

Unlike an objection – which follows after the final decision – timely views can prevent unnecessary fines or refusals, saving time and money for Rotterdam residents.

Legal basis in the Awb

The procedure for submitting views is laid down in the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), particularly Article 3:2 Awb. The administrative authority must:

• Inform interested parties of the intention.
• Provide a reasonable response period (often 2 to 6 weeks).
• Take your views into account in the final decision.

Article 3:4 Awb allows for a hearing upon request, and Article 3:5 Awb requires serious consideration. In case of errors, you can lodge an objection with the Rotterdam District Court due to procedural defects.

When to submit views in Rotterdam?

As an interested party (Article 1:2 Awb) and upon notification of an intention by the Municipality of Rotterdam, this applies in cases such as:

• Administrative fines: Draft fine from the municipality for violations such as illegal parking in the city.
• Environmental permits: Refusal for construction along the Meuse.
• Tax assessments: Intention to impose additional levy.
• Subsidies: Withdrawal of local subsidies.

Rotterdam practice example: You receive a letter from the Municipality of Rotterdam with a draft fine of €500 for parking in a disabled spot in Rotterdam-South. The letter provides 4 weeks to submit views. You respond with arguments about unclear signage and attach photos from the Erasmus Bridge area.

Step-by-step guide for effective views

Follow these steps as a Rotterdam resident to submit effective views:

1. Read the letter carefully: Note the deadline, the Municipality of Rotterdam's address, and case number.
2. Respect the deadline: Send on time via registered mail or email with confirmation.
3. Structure your letter:
   • Your contact details and case number.
   • Brief summary of the intention.
   • Substantiated arguments with local evidence (photos of Rotterdam situations, witnesses).
   • Your request: withdrawal, reduction, or waiver.
4. Attach evidence: This strengthens your case with the municipality.
5. Send and archive: Keep copies for any follow-up at court.

The Municipality of Rotterdam will respond with a final decision within a reasonable time. For advice, contact the Legal Advice Office Rotterdam.

Rights and obligations

Rights:

• Free submission of views or hearing.
• Access to the case file (Article 8:42 Awb).
• Reasoning of your views in the decision.

Obligations:

• Provide motivated, factual content; vague statements do not count.
• Submit as a direct interested party.

Views vs. objection and appeal

Rotterdam practice examples

Example 1: Fine in Rotterdam. Illegal parking on Coolsingel: views with evidence of unclear signage leads to waiver by the municipality.

Example 2: Neighbors' permit. Draft for an extension in Kralingen blocks your view; views with measurements adjust the decision.

Example 3: Local tax. OZB additional levy: proof of correct administration results in dropped sanction.

Frequently asked questions for Rotterdam residents