Welstands- en reclamenota Assen 2012 – Building and Advertising Appearance Guidelines
The Welstands- en reclamenota Assen, published in January 2012 by the Gemeente Assen, serves as the official regulatory framework for the aesthetic assessment of building projects and outdoor advertising within the municipality. This document is rooted in the Woningwet (Housing Act) and the Wet algemene bepalingen omgevingsrecht (Wabo), ensuring that all physical developments contribute positively to the spatial quality of the city and its surrounding districts. It establishes a clear legal basis for the Commissie Ruimtelijke Kwaliteit (Spatial Quality Commission) to evaluate architectural designs and signage.
The scope of the document encompasses all external modifications to the built environment, including new constructions, renovations, and the placement of commercial advertising. It categorizes projects into gewoon (ordinary) and bijzonder (special) cases, where the latter requires more rigorous scrutiny due to their location in sensitive areas or their unique architectural nature. The regulatory structure is divided into several thematic chapters: criteria for small-scale building plans, area-specific aesthetic requirements, general aesthetic principles, advertising standards, and an enforcement protocol for visual excesses.
Specific zones defined in the document include the Beschermd stadsgezicht (Protected Cityscape), the historic village core of Loon, and various industrial and residential districts. These guidelines provide architects, developers, and property owners with a predictable set of standards regarding materiality, color, and structural massing to preserve Assen's cultural and spatial identity.
Criteria for Small Building Plans
Small-scale building projects are assessed based on a concrete and measurable set of criteria to simplify the permit process. These standards apply specifically to common modifications that are often permit-exempt but must still align with reasonable aesthetic expectations.
- Bijbehorende bouwwerken: Criteria for extensions and outbuildings on the voorerfgebied (front yard) and achtererfgebied (back yard), focusing on height and alignment with the main building.
- Dakkapellen: Standards for dormer windows, requiring alignment with the trendsetter (established architectural precedent) or specific placement rules such as a minimum distance of 1.0 meter from the roof edges.
- Erf- of perceelafscheidingen: Fences and boundary markers are limited to a maximum height of 1.0 meter in front yards and 2.0 meters in back yards.
- Zonnepanelen en collectoren: Guidelines for the placement of solar panels, emphasizing integration into the roof's slope and color scheme.
Area-Specific Aesthetic Criteria
The municipality is divided into ten distinct area types, each with its own gebiedsbeschrijving (area description) and specific aesthetic requirements. This ensures that new developments respect the existing character of the neighborhood.
- Historische binnenstad: High requirements for the city center and the Vaart, where preservation of monumental values and historic streetscapes is paramount.
- Assen-Oud-Zuid: Focus on maintaining the identity of villa-style architecture and the green, spacious character of the area.
- Planmatig opgezette wijken: Regulations for residential neighborhoods like Marsdijk and Kloosterveen, focusing on repetition of themes and collective coherence.
- Landelijk gebied: Standards for the rural areas and the Oude dorpskern van Loon, where agricultural heritage and landscape openness are protected.
Advertising and Signage Standards
Advertising is regulated to prevent visual clutter and protect the public space. The document defines five advertising zones (R1 to R5) and a specific category for public spaces (R6).
- Binnenstad en wijkcentra (R1): Limited number of signs per facade, focusing on high-quality materials and avoiding window blocking.
- Bedrijventerreinen (R2): More flexibility for industrial zones, provided signs are integrated into the building's architecture.
- Sportterreinen (R3): Rules for sponsorship boards, distinguishing between internally and externally oriented signs.
- Wonen (R4): Strict limitations for home-based businesses, typically allowing only one sign of modest dimensions.
General Criteria and Excess Regulation
When specific area or small-plan criteria are insufficient, the Algemene welstandscriteria provide a fallback. These are based on universal architectural principles such as the relationship between form, use, and construction.
The Excessenregeling (Excess Regulation) allows the municipality to act against existing buildings or structures that have fallen into such a state of neglect or aesthetic conflict that they severely damage the spatial quality. This includes extreme color usage, severe material decay, or aggressive advertising. According to Artikel 12a lid 1 van de Woningwet, the mayor and aldermen can order the owner to rectify such visual disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a welstand assessment mandatory in Assen?
An assessment is required for all building activities that require an omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit). Permit-exempt works must still comply with the general excessenregeling standards.
What is the difference between a 'gewoon' and 'bijzonder' plan?
Gewoon plans fit within established criteria and are handled administratively, while bijzonder plans involve unique designs or sensitive locations and are assessed by the Commissie Ruimtelijke Kwaliteit.
Are there specific rules for dormer windows in Assen?
Yes, dormers must typically follow a trendsetter plan or adhere to specific dimensions, such as a maximum width of 30% of the roof's width and a height of no more than 1.5 meters.
What are the rules for fencing in the front yard?
Boundary markers in the voorerfgebied are generally limited to a maximum height of 1.0 meter.
How is the 'Beschermd stadsgezicht' area handled?
In areas designated as Beschermd stadsgezicht, such as the historic center, all building plans are considered bijzonder and require a detailed assessment to protect cultural-historical values.
Can I use bright signal colors for my commercial signage?
No, the Algemene reclamecriteria prohibit the use of signal colors or fluorescent materials that conflict with the surroundings or distract traffic.
What is the 10% tolerance rule mentioned in the document?
Measurements in building criteria allow for a maximum deviation of 10% if the standard is not formulated as an absolute, rigid rule.
Who assesses building plans in the rural district of Loon?
Plans in the Oude dorpskern van Loon are subject to area-specific criteria focused on preserving the village character and are assessed by the municipal quality commission.
