Nota parkeernormering Bergen op Zoom – Municipal Parking Standards
The Nota parkeernormering Bergen op Zoom is a formal policy rule (beleidsregel) issued by the municipal council of Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands. Established in October 2015 and effective since December 24, 2015, this document serves as a revision of the 2009 parking standards memorandum. It provides a legal and technical framework for determining the number of required parking spaces for spatial developments, sitting under the wider legal context of the Wet ruimtelijke ordening (Wro) and specific municipal zoning plans (bestemmingsplannen).
The document governs parking requirements for diverse activities including new construction, expansions, renovations, and changes of use. It adopts a flexible approach to support spatial-economic initiatives, particularly within the core shopping area. The regulatory scope is defined by urban density categories and geographic zones, utilizing terminology and guidelines from the CROW (the Dutch knowledge center for infrastructure, public space, and transport), specifically publication 317. Key structural elements include detailed parking norm tables categorized by function, area maps, and calculation methodologies for mixed-use occupancy.
This policy ensures that parking norms are technically anchored within zoning plans as conditional obligations. It outlines specific procedures for developers and municipal planners to calculate parking demand, address on-site parking requirements, and navigate potential deviations based on local capacity or social-economic justifications.
Legal Framework and Zoning Integration
Since the revision of the Wet ruimtelijke ordening (Wro), parking standards must be anchored directly within the bestemmingsplan (zoning plan). The document provides a model for these regulations to ensure a legally binding basis for parking requirements.
- Conditional Obligation: Building permits are granted only if the plan satisfies the parking demand as defined in the Nota Parkeernormering.
- Article 27 General Rules: A model description is provided to ensure that parking spaces are realized and maintained in accordance with the specific area norms.
- Deviations: The competent authority may deviate from standards under special circumstances or if the parking demand is met through alternative means, such as public space capacity within acceptable walking distances.
Area Classifications and Urban Density
Parking standards in Bergen op Zoom are differentiated by geographic zones and urban density levels, known as stedelijkheidsgraad. Areas with higher density and better accessibility to alternative transport have lower parking requirements.
- Zone 1a (Kernwinkelgebied): The core shopping area characterized by a high mix of retail and hospitality. A general norm of 3.8 spaces per 100 m2 GFA applies to most non-residential functions here.
- Zone 1 (Centrum): The broader city center surrounding the core, categorized as highly urban.
- Zone 2 (Schil): The urban shell or transition zone surrounding the center.
- Zone 3 (Rest bebouwde kom): The remaining built-up areas of Bergen op Zoom, Halsteren, and other villages, categorized as moderately urban.
- Zone 4 (Buitengebied): Rural or outlying areas with the lowest urban density and the highest parking norms.
Parking on Private Property and Accessibility
The primary principle is that parking demand must be met on the developer's own terrain. The document defines what constitutes valid on-site parking and establishes acceptable walking distances for various functions.
- Calculation factors: A standard driveway (5.0m deep) counts as 0.8 spaces, while a garage without a driveway counts as 0.4 spaces.
- Walking Distances: Maximum acceptable distances include 100 meters for residential use, 400 meters for retail, and 500 meters for workplaces.
- Occupancy Percentages: For developments with multiple functions, the aanwezigheidspercentages table is used to calculate shared parking use (double-use) across different times of the day and week.
Calculation for Education and Childcare
Specific formulas are provided for school-related parking, particularly focusing on the Kiss & Ride demand to prevent local traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up hours.
- Formula components: Demand is calculated based on the number of pupils, the percentage of children brought by car, and a reduction factor for parking duration.
- Reduction Factors: For pupils in groups 1 to 3, the duration reduction factor is 0.5, while for groups 4 to 8, it is 0.25.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the parking norms applied?
Norms apply to new construction, expansion of floor area, and changes of use (conversion) that generate a higher parking demand than the previous function.
What is the general parking norm for the core shopping area?
Functions in the core shopping area (excluding residential) follow a general norm of 3.8 parking spaces per 100 m2 GFA (Gross Floor Area).
How are residential parking requirements calculated?
Residential norms depend on the dwelling type and zone; for example, a detached house in the Buitengebied requires 2.4 spaces, while a small apartment (<60 m2) in the Centrum requires 1.0 space.
What is the acceptable walking distance for shopping functions?
The policy defines the maximum acceptable walking distance for retail and shopping functions as approximately 400 meters, or a 5-minute walk.
How does the document handle rounding for parking spaces?
The calculated parking demand is rounded to the nearest whole number, where values from 0.5 and above are rounded up.
Can existing parking deficits be ignored in new projects?
Yes, developers are generally not required to compensate for an existing shortage of parking spaces caused by the previous function on the site.
What is the Kiss & Ride reduction factor for childcare?
For childcare facilities (kinderdagverblijf), the reduction factor for parking duration is set at 0.25.
Is parking in public spaces permitted for new developments?
It is only permitted if there is sufficient residual capacity (below 85% occupancy) in the immediate area or if an agreement is reached with the municipality.
