Welstandsnota Stadskanaal 2015 – Building Aesthetics and Planning Guidance
The Welstandsnota Stadskanaal 2015 is the official aesthetic policy document issued by the Gemeente Stadskanaal, effective from March 1, 2015. It serves as the legal framework for assessing the architectural and aesthetic quality of building permit applications within the municipality. This document sits at the end of the spatial planning hierarchy, following the bestemmingsplan (zoning plan) and the Bouwverordening (building ordinance). It ensures that new developments and modifications contribute positively to the visual quality of the public domain and the landscape.
The scope of this regulation encompasses four primary aesthetic categories: Positie op de kavel (positioning on the plot), Hoofdvorm (main building mass), Architectuur (architectural style), and Kleur- en materiaalgebruik (color and material use). The document applies specific assessment criteria to distinct geographic zones within the municipality, including Waterland, Barkelazathe, Bedrijventerreinen (Industrial areas), Parkrand, Centrum Stadskanaal, Kanaalbebouwing (Canal-side housing), Smeerling, Onstwedde, and the Buitengebied (Rural areas). Assessment is carried out by the welstandscommissie, with advisory services provided by Libau.
This document also details the Excessenregeling, a repressive supervision mechanism for buildings that do not require a permit but significantly detract from the local environment. It provides specific thresholds for shop signage, roof extensions, and the preservation of historic farmhouses.
General Aesthetic Criteria
Aesthetic assessment is divided into four main components to ensure a building does not detract from the spatial quality of its surroundings when viewed from public space or the open landscape.
- Positie op de kavel: Buildings must align with the existing rooilijn (building line). In residential areas, the front facade must be at a distance comparable to neighboring properties.
- Hoofdvorm: The building mass must harmonize with adjacent structures. In Waterland, single masses are required, while Barkelazathe allows more complex, villa-style compositions.
- Architectuur: Designs must contribute to a balanced streetscape. Corner locations require higher detail levels and orientation toward both streets.
- Kleur- en materiaalgebruik: Earth tones are standard. In the Kanaalbebouwing, reddish brick and ceramic tiles are preferred.
Zone-Specific Regulations
Different parts of Stadskanaal are subject to specialized criteria based on their historical or functional character.
- Smeerling and Kerkgebied Onstwedde: Historical structures dictate the positioning. Significant open spaces between buildings must be preserved.
- Bedrijventerreinen: Buildings in industrial zones like Nautilusweg must have a professional character, with parking shielded from public view where possible.
- Boerderijen: For farmsteads, outbuildings like barns must be subordinate, placed behind the rear facade, and maintain a compact site layout.
- Woonschepen: Houseboats at the Oosterkade must maintain the character of historic commercial vessels such as barges or tugboats.
Excess Policy and Enforcement
The Excessenregeling allows the municipality to intervene when buildings—including permit-free structures—seriously conflict with reasonable aesthetic requirements under Article 19 of the Woningwet.
- Visual Closure: Boarding up or taping windows and doors is prohibited if visible from the road.
- Neglect: Intervention occurs if buildings show extreme maintenance failure, such as broken glass, peeling plaster, or missing roof tiles.
- Incompatible Materials: Use of poor-quality materials or inappropriate bright colors in sensitive areas like the Kanaalzone or Smeerling is considered an excess.
- Temporary Structures: Objects with the characteristics of a romneyloods (Nissen hut) or sea containers are generally not permitted unless for short-term construction use.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an aesthetic assessment required in Stadskanaal?
Assessment is mandatory for all projects requiring an omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit). Permit-free buildings are only reviewed if they violate the excessenregeling after construction.
What are the rules for shop signage and advertising?
Façade signs may not exceed 60% of the building width or a height of 0.50 meters. They must consist of individual letters and be placed at least 2.50 meters above ground level.
Are there specific requirements for dormer windows (dakkapellen)?
Yes, dakkapellen must be subordinate to the main roof. Sufficient roof surface must remain around the dormer; if not possible, the extension must be integrated into the main building form.
What are the restrictions for buildings in the Smeerling protected area?
In Smeerling, buildings must follow historical structures. Only buildings with a clear roof shape (kapvorm) are permitted, and the use of bright colors is strictly prohibited.
Can I use a shipping container as a permanent structure?
No, structures with the appearance of sea containers or romneyloodsen are explicitly prohibited, except for limited, object-defined periods during infrastructure works.
Can the municipality deviate from the advice of the aesthetic committee?
Yes, the Mayor and Aldermen can deviate from Libau's advice on substantive grounds or for compelling economic or social reasons under Article 2.10 of the Wabo.
