Nota Dak Haarlem – Vision for Haarlem Roofscapes (2012)
The Nota Dak: visie daklandschappen Haarlem is an official policy document issued by the Municipality of Haarlem in July 2012. It serves as a formal supplement to the broader Visie op ruimtelijke kwaliteit (Vision on Spatial Quality). This document establishes a framework for the development, protection, and utilization of roof surfaces within the municipality. It provides guidance for municipal planners and property owners on integrating modern requirements, such as energy transition and residential intensification, into the city’s varied architectural landscape. The policy sits under the legal framework of Dutch zoning plans (bestemmingsplannen) and national environmental legislation.
The regulatory scope of the document covers three primary thematic domains: sustainability (duurzaamheid), intensive space use (intensief ruimtegebruik), and utility installations (utilitair gebruik). It defines specific criteria for diverse building types and project categories, ranging from the Historische Kern (historic center) and Villagebieden (villa districts) to industrial zones like the Waarderpolder. Structural elements of the text include detailed descriptions of area-specific roof typologies, a vision for decentralized energy generation, and a 'toolbox' of legal and procedural instruments designed to streamline permit processes. The document introduces specific terminology such as Trendsetters for approved architectural examples and the Kapverplichting (roofing obligation) for historic preservation.
This vision document provides a structured approach to roof-based interventions, balancing the need for urban growth and climate neutrality with the preservation of Haarlem's characteristic skyline. It outlines the technical and aesthetic requirements for elements such as solar panels, small-scale wind turbines, green roofs, dormers, and roof terraces.
Sustainability and Energy Generation
The municipality aims for climate neutrality by 2030, positioning roofs as the primary location for sustainable technology. The document categorizes opportunities for energy generation based on spatial impact and technical yield.
- Solar Energy: High potential in industrial areas like Waarderpolder and 20th-century residential areas like Schalkwijk. In protected cityscapes, integration is required to minimize visibility or maintain architectural lines.
- Wind Energy: Supports small-scale turbines (max. 15 meters total height) and building-mounted turbines (max. 6 meters above roof level). These are preferred in open or industrial zones with average wind speeds of 6.5 m/s.
- Green Roofs: Recommended for rainwater buffering, temperature regulation, and biodiversity. The policy distinguishes between non-accessible sedum roofs and accessible roof gardens.
Intensive Space Use and Extensions
To accommodate residential growth within existing boundaries, the policy regulates various types of roof extensions and modifications.
- Dakkapellen (Dormers): Must remain subordinate to the roof surface. In protected areas, dimensions are strictly regulated; outside these areas, standard sizes or local 'trends' apply.
- Dakopbouwen (Roof Structures): Late additions of extra floor levels are common in 1900-1940 neighborhoods. Requirements focus on maintaining street-side unity and preventing 'wild growth' through the use of Trendsetters.
- Dakterrassen (Roof Terraces): Permitted in densified neighborhoods to increase living quality, provided that privacy for neighbors is respected and specific setback rules (e.g., 2m to 4m from the front facade) are followed.
- Dakloggia's: Recessed outdoor spaces that reduce roof volume rather than increasing it, subject to architectural consistency requirements.
Area-Specific Roof Typologies
The document divides Haarlem into specific zones, each with unique constraints for roof development.
- Historische kernen: Characterized by steep roofs (45-60 degrees) and a Kapverplichting. Interventions must use high-quality materials and preserve monumental values.
- Villagebieden: Villa districts like Kenaupark and Haarlemmerhout where roofs are part of standalone architectural volumes in green settings; interventions must be subordinate to the original building.
- Strokenbouw (1960-1975): Includes areas like Europawijk and Meerwijk where flat roofs and repetitive patterns offer opportunities for collective energy projects.
- Transformerende stad: Areas like Schalkwijk where large-scale sustainability interventions and intensive double-use of flat roofs are prioritized.
Utility Installations and Integration
To prevent visual clutter, the placement of technical equipment is strictly managed. The policy categorizes zones into three levels of integration requirement.
- Full Integration: Required in highly sensitive areas where installations must be invisible or part of the architectural design.
- Invisible from Street: Standard for most residential areas to protect the streetscape.
- Limited Visibility: Permitted in industrial or less sensitive zones, provided equipment is clustered or screened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for solar panels in Haarlem's historic center?
In protected cityscapes, solar panels must be integrated into the design and ideally placed on non-visible roof slopes in inner courtyards. If visible, they must align with the building's architectural lines and colors.
What is the maximum height for small wind turbines on buildings?
Building-mounted wind turbines may extend a maximum of 6 meters above the building height, while standalone small-scale turbines have a total height limit of 15 meters.
What is a 'Trendsetter' in Haarlem roof policy?
A Trendsetter is an already permitted and high-quality roof extension or dormer that serves as the official architectural model for subsequent permit applications in the same street or ensemble.
Are roof terraces allowed in densely built neighborhoods?
Yes, roof terraces are encouraged to improve living quality, but they must comply with privacy regulations and specific distance requirements from the facade to minimize visual impact from the street.
What does the 'Kapverplichting' entail?
The Kapverplichting is a legal requirement in certain zones, particularly the historic center, to finish buildings with a sloped roof rather than a flat roof to preserve the traditional roofscape.
Where are the best locations for green roofs in Haarlem?
Green roofs are desirable city-wide, particularly in stony inner-city areas where they help with rainwater buffering and cooling. They are especially promoted for flat roofs of extensions and industrial buildings.
How are dormer dimensions regulated outside protected areas?
Outside protected areas, dormers should follow local 'trends' or standard municipal measurements; they must remain subordinate to the roof plane and align horizontally with neighboring structures in a block.
Can utility installations like air conditioning be placed on any roof?
Installations must be integrated into the building design or clustered out of sight. In protected areas, they must not be visible from the street level.
