Beleidsnotitie Parkeernormen gemeente Westerkwartier – Parking Standards and Mobility Policy
The Beleidsnotitie Parkeernormen gemeente Westerkwartier is a formal policy document issued by the Gemeente Westerkwartier in the Netherlands, effective from 16 May 2023. This regulatory framework replaces previous parking provisions formerly found in the municipal building ordinance (Bouwverordening) following changes to the Woningwet and the Paraplu-plan parkeren. It serves as the legal basis for assessing parking requirements for all new construction projects, functional changes, and environmental permit applications (omgevingsvergunning) within the municipality.
The document adopts parking figures based on the national CROW publication 381, specifically the "Toekomstbestendig parkeren" (Future-proof parking) guidelines. The municipality is classified under the urban density grade of weinig stedelijk (lowly urbanized). The scope of these regulations covers various land-use zones including Centrum, Schil, Rest bebouwde kom, and Buitengebied, applicable to the main centers of Zuidhorn, Leek, Marum, Grijpskerk, and Grootegast. It details specific requirements for residential units, commercial services, retail, healthcare, and educational facilities.
The following sections detail the execution of parking obligations, including calculation methods for shared use, requirements for parking on private property, and the specific geographic zoning that determines applicable standards.
Zoning and Area Classifications
Parking standards in Westerkwartier are differentiated based on four distinct geographical zones, reflecting the accessibility and availability of alternative transport modes.
- Zone A (Centrum): Applies to the central cores of Zuidhorn, Leek, Marum, Grijpskerk, and Grootegast.
- Zone B (Schil): The 'shell' or transition areas surrounding the centers of Zuidhorn and Leek.
- Zone C (Rest bebouwde kom): The remaining built-up areas and other smaller village nuclei.
- Zone D (Buitengebied): Areas outside the built-up boundaries.
Shared Use and Attendance Percentages
To optimize space, the policy allows for Dubbelgebruik (shared use) of parking spaces when different functions have peak demands at different times. Calculation is based on Tabel 3.1: aanwezigheidspercentages.
- Residential (Residents): 100% demand on weekday nights, dropping to 50% on weekday mornings and afternoons.
- Offices/Businesses: 100% demand during weekday mornings and afternoons, dropping to 5% on weekday evenings.
- Retail (Detailhandel): Peak demand of 100% on Saturday afternoons and 75% on Thursday evenings (shopping night).
- Sporting facilities (Indoor): 100% demand on weekday evenings and Saturday/Sunday mornings.
Parking on Private Property
When determining the available parking capacity for residential projects, the physical dimensions of driveways and garages dictate how many spaces are officially counted according to Tabel 3.2.
- Single driveway (without garage): Counts as 1 space if it is at least 5.0 meters deep.
- Long driveway (without garage/carport): Counts as 2 spaces if it is at least 11.0 meters deep.
- Double driveway: Counts as 2 spaces if it is 5.0 meters deep and at least 4.5 meters wide.
- Garage with single driveway: Counts as 2 spaces if the driveway is at least 5.0 meters deep and the garage meets minimum internal dimensions.
Exemptions and Deviations
The municipality may grant exemptions from strict adherence to the parking standards under specific conditions defined in Section 3.5 and Section 3.6.
- Limited expansion: Small expansions where the difference in parking demand between the old and new function is fewer than 3 spaces may be exempt (excluding residential functions).
- Walking distances: Deviations are permitted if adequate parking exists within acceptable walking distances, such as 250m for housing or 600m for retail.
- Mobility plans: Reductions may be granted if a developer provides a mobility plan featuring shared cars (deelauto's), with 1 shared car replacing up to 5 regular spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum depth for a driveway to count as a parking space in Westerkwartier?
A single driveway must be at least 5.0 meters deep to be counted as one official parking space.
Which CROW urban density grade does the municipality of Westerkwartier use?
The municipality uses the 'weinig stedelijk' (lowly urbanized) classification for all parking calculations.
How are disabled parking spaces regulated?
For public facilities, 5% of the parking capacity must be designated for disabled users, following the ASVV 2021 guidelines.
What is the maximum walking distance for residential parking?
The maximum acceptable walking distance between a residence and its allocated parking space is 250 meters.
Can electric vehicle charging points affect the parking count?
The policy includes specific 'aandeel laadpunten' (share of charging points) for different functions, ranging from 0.8-1.7% for detached houses to 3% for office buildings.
Is parking on private property mandatory for new builds?
Yes, the primary requirement is that parking demand must be solved on private property unless specific exemptions for public space use are granted.
