Beleidsregel Woningsplitsing en gebruikswijziging naar wonen gemeente Kerkrade 2023 – Residential Subdivision Guidelines
The Beleidsregel Woningsplitsing en gebruikswijziging naar wonen gemeente Kerkrade 2023 is a municipal ordinance established by the College of Mayor and Aldermen of Kerkrade, Netherlands. Effective from June 8, 2023, this regulatory framework replaces the 2021 policies on housing subdivision and changes of use to residential. It operates within the broader legal context of the Structuurvisie Wonen Zuid-Limburg and the Bouwbesluit 2012, governing how existing structures may be partitioned or repurposed to create new dwellings.
The policy applies to the structural and functional subdivision of existing homes into multiple units and the transformation of non-residential buildings into housing. It explicitly addresses commercial properties, former room-rental buildings (kamerverhuurpanden), and structures with architectural or cultural-historical significance. The document defines technical standards such as Gebruiksoppervlakte (GO) according to NEN 2580, requirements for Levensloopbestendig (life-course resistant) housing, and the preservation of Historische linten (historic ribbons) identified in the municipal maps.
This framework establishes the criteria for granting an omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit) while aiming to prevent long-term vacancy and urban decay. It details specific spatial, technical, and environmental conditions that must be met to ensure high-quality and sustainable living environments in Kerkrade.
Conditions for Granting Permits
Under Artikel 2, the competent authority may grant an environmental permit for changing use to residential or housing subdivision in specific scenarios:
- Commercial Transformation: Total transformation of buildings with a commercial designation into two or more independent dwellings.
- Room Rental Buildings: Conversion of legal kamerverhuurpanden where the volume is too large for a single-family home.
- Historic Ribbons: Properties located within the designated Historische linten where alternative functional uses are no longer feasible.
- Cultural Significance: Buildings with municipal or national monument status, or those listed on the Monumenten Inventarisatie Project (MIP) map.
Spatial and Technical Standards
New housing units must adhere to specific quality standards regarding size, accessibility, and facilities to ensure a sustainable housing stock:
- Minimum Area: Each new dwelling should have a minimum Gebruiksoppervlakte (GO) of 75 m², though deviations are possible under specific justified circumstances.
- Facilities: Every unit must possess its own lockable entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.
- Outdoor Space: Dwellings must include private outdoor space, such as a garden or balcony.
- Accessibility: In principle, units must be Levensloopbestendig, featuring essential rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, and at least one bedroom on the ground floor, aligning with the Woonkeur standard.
- Storage: Private storage space for bicycles and waste management is mandatory.
Geographic Exclusion Zones
Certain areas within Kerkrade are excluded from residential transformation or subdivision to protect economic or environmental interests:
- Business Parks: Residential conversion is prohibited in designated industrial and business areas.
- Rural Zones: The Buitengebied, Anstelvallei, and Holzkuil are excluded from these regulations.
- Shopping Centers: Designated concentration-shopping areas identified in the Structuurvisie Ruimtelijke Economie Zuid-Limburg are generally protected from residential conversion.
Procedural Requirements
The application process involves both informal and formal stages to verify compliance with spatial planning and integrity standards:
- Principeverzoek: Applicants must first submit a principle request for preliminary assessment by the municipality.
- Bibob-toets: Every application is subject to a check under the Wet Bibob to prevent criminal exploitation.
- Anterieure overeenkomst: A formal agreement between the applicant and the municipality is required before a final permit is requested.
- External Advice: Advice may be sought from the Veiligheidsregio regarding safety measures and the Bestuurscommissie Wonen for regional housing programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum floor area for a subdivided home in Kerkrade?
The guideline requires a minimum Gebruiksoppervlakte (GO) of 75 m² per new dwelling unit, although the municipality may deviate from this in exceptional, motivated cases.
Are 'life-course resistant' features mandatory for new units?
Yes, new dwellings must in principle be Levensloopbestendig, meaning they are wheelchair accessible and have the living room, kitchen, toilet, bathroom, and at least one bedroom on the same floor.
Can I convert a commercial building into multiple apartments?
Yes, if the building has a commercial designation and is fully transformed into two or more independent dwellings, provided it meets the spatial and geographic criteria of Artikel 2.
Is residential subdivision allowed in the Buitengebied?
No, the policy explicitly excludes the Buitengebied, business parks, and specific valleys like Anstelvallei from being eligible for housing subdivision or change of use.
Is a parking space required for every new housing unit?
Yes, applicants must provide sufficient parking spaces on their own property in accordance with the Gemeentelijk Verkeers- en Vervoersplan.
What is the 'Woon-achter-wonen' rule?
The policy strictly prohibits creating new dwellings in detached outbuildings or behind existing main buildings, a practice referred to as Wonen-achter-wonen.
