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✅ No, the paper initial EPB declaration no longer needs to be printed.
For a planning permit application in Wallonia, where an initial EPB declaration is involved, the SPW (Walloon Public Service) states that the paper declaration is replaced by the electronic reference of the EPB file. Any other EPB documents that may be required must, however, be provided in 2 paper copies.
This has also been confirmed to Airplan in writing by the relevant SPW department.
In practice, what do you need to do?
For an initial EPB declaration:
- Initial EPB declaration → ❌ do not print the paper declaration.
- Electronic reference of the EPB file → ✅ make sure you enter it in the application form.
- Other EPB documents required by the regulations → ✅ attach them in 2 paper copies, where applicable.
- Project outside the scope of the EPB rules → no EPB form to attach (SPW FAQ, question 9).
💡 For other EPB cases (simplified EPB, documents to attach), see also our permit annexes and our guide to creating a planning permit.
⚠️ Paper or online: it depends on your application
This rule only concerns the paper initial EPB declaration. For the rest of the application, the submission method depends on the application: online submission is opening up gradually and becoming mandatory in stages, until 1 September 2028 for all applications. The 2 paper copies of the other EPB documents apply to a paper submission.
What if the municipality still asks for the printed EPB declaration?
Some municipalities may still ask for the initial EPB declaration to be printed as part of a request for additional documents. In that case, you can send them the SPW FAQ and point out that:
The paper initial EPB declaration is replaced by the electronic reference of the file.
If the municipality maintains its request, we recommend asking it to specify the regulatory basis for this requirement.
Suggested reply to send to the municipality
Walloon municipalities handle permit applications in French (or in German in the German-speaking municipalities), so here is the reply to send, in French:
Bonjour,
Sauf erreur de notre part, la FAQ officielle du SPW relative aux nouveaux formulaires de demande de permis précise que la déclaration initiale PEB papier est remplacée par la référence électronique du dossier PEB.
La référence électronique du dossier PEB est bien reprise dans notre formulaire de demande. Pourriez-vous nous préciser la base réglementaire qui imposerait encore l’impression de la déclaration initiale PEB dans ce cas précis ?
D’avance merci pour votre retour.
In English, for reference:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Unless we are mistaken, the official SPW FAQ on the new permit application forms states that the paper initial EPB declaration is replaced by the electronic reference of the EPB file.
The electronic reference of the EPB file is included in our application form. Could you please tell us the regulatory basis that would still require the initial EPB declaration to be printed in this specific case?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
In summary
✅ To attach: the other EPB documents required by the regulations, if the project is subject to them.
❌ No longer to attach: the paper initial EPB declaration, when the electronic reference of the EPB file has been entered.
⚠️ If in doubt: ask the municipality to specify the legal or regulatory basis for its request.
Source: SPW FAQ, new planning permit application forms (questions 9 and 33).