Nota Parkeernormen Heusden 2016 – Municipal Parking Standards Policy
The Nota Parkeernormen Heusden 2016 is a formal policy rule (beleidsregel) established by the municipal council of Heusden, Netherlands. Issued under the authority of artikel 4:81 Algemene wet bestuursrecht, this document translates national Dutch parking guidelines into specific local requirements for the municipality. It became effective on the day following its official publication, based on a council decision dated May 17, 2016. The policy sits within the broader legal framework of the Woningwet and the Algemene maatregel van bestuur regarding spatial planning.
The scope of this document covers all nieuwe ontwikkelingen (new developments) within the municipality, including new construction, the splitting of existing residences, and the partial or total renovation of buildings involving a change of use. It establishes the regulatory requirements for both car and bicycle parking, defining the number of spaces required to be realized on private property (eigen terrein). The policy utilizes the CROW-publicatie 317 (October 2012) as its technical foundation, adapting those national benchmarks to Heusden's specific urbanization level, which is officially classified as weinig stedelijk (low urbanity).
Structural elements of the policy include specific zoning maps for the centers of Drunen, Heusden, and Vlijmen, alongside detailed calculation tables in the appendices. It defines various spatial zones such as Centrum, Schil/overloopgebied, Rest bebouwde kom, and Buitengebied, each with distinct parking norms adjusted for local automotive density and public transport availability.
Applicability and Project Categories
The parking norms apply to specific project types that are expected to generate additional parking demand. These include:
- Nieuwbouw: New construction projects.
- Splitsing: Dividing a single residence into multiple housing units.
- Functiewijziging: Changes in building use that attract more traffic.
- Vergroting: Physical expansion of a building leading to increased capacity requirements.
Existing parking deficits are not required to be compensated for during a change of use; only the net increase in parking demand resulting from the new function must be addressed.
Calculation Methodology and Rounding
Parking requirements are calculated to one decimal point, but the final required number of spaces is always afgerond naar boven (rounded up to the nearest whole number). For example, a calculated need of 4.1 spaces results in a requirement of 5 spaces. For projects with mixed functions, the document provides aanwezigheidspercentages (occupancy percentages) to allow for shared use of parking facilities throughout the day and week.
Calculations for parking on private driveways use the following values:
- Enkele oprit: 1.0 space (minimum 5.5m deep).
- Lange oprit: 1.5 spaces (minimum 10.5m deep).
- Dubbele oprit: 2.0 spaces (minimum 5m wide).
- Garagebox: 0.5 spaces (if not attached to the dwelling).
Deviations and Public Space Utilization
If a developer cannot realize the required parking on their own terrain, two alternative methods for deviation exist under artikel 4:84 Algemene wet bestuursrecht:
- Bestaande parkeerruimte: Utilizing existing public parking, provided the occupancy rate in the surrounding area does not exceed 80% including the new project demand.
- Aanleg in openbare ruimte: Constructing new parking spaces in public areas at the developer's expense, subject to environmental quality and walking distance constraints.
Walking Distance and Accessibility Standards
The document specifies maximum acceptable walking distances (loopafstanden) between the parking facility and the destination to ensure sustainable usability:
- Wonen: 100 meters for residents.
- Werknemers: 200 meters for employees.
- Bezoekers: 200 meters for visitors of shops, supermarkets, and healthcare facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the parking requirement rounded in Heusden?
The total required number of parking spaces is always rounded up to the nearest whole number, regardless of the decimal value.
What is the urbanization level of Gemeente Heusden for parking calculations?
Heusden is classified by the CBS and this policy as weinig stedelijk (low urbanity).
Are bicycle parking standards included in this policy?
Yes, Chapter 4 and Annex 3 define specific bicycle parking norms for functions like schools, offices, and shops based on CROW guidelines.
Can existing public parking be used for new developments?
Yes, but a parking balance must demonstrate that the occupancy rate in the vicinity will remain below 80% after the project is completed.
What is the maximum walking distance for residential parking?
The maximum acceptable walking distance from a parking space to a residence is 100 meters.
How are driveways with a garage counted in the parking balance?
A single driveway with a garage (minimum 5.5m deep) counts as 1.0 parking space in the calculation.
