Actualisering van de normen ten aanzien van bezonning en windhinder – The Hague Sunlight and Wind Standards
The document Actualisering van de normen ten aanzien van bezonning en windhinder (reference DSO/2009.2144 - RIS 170509) is an official policy letter issued by the Gemeente Den Haag (Municipality of The Hague). Dated February 9, 2010, and authored by the Wethouder van Bouwen en Wonen (Alderman for Building and Housing), this document updates the technical standards for sunlight access and wind nuisance originally established in January 1996. It serves as the primary municipal framework for evaluating urban development plans, zoning changes, and building permit applications within the jurisdiction of The Hague.
The scope of these regulations covers the assessment of shadow impact and wind comfort for new construction projects, particularly high-rise developments and significant urban densification efforts. The document integrates the national NEN 8100 standard for wind nuisance and defines specific local criteria for sunlight, known as the Haagse bezonningsnorm. Key regulatory elements include mandatory research thresholds based on building height, defined study areas for impact analysis, and specific measurement protocols for building facades and recreational public spaces.
This framework ensures that urban densification under the Agenda voor de Haagse Verdichting respects established environmental quality standards. It provides clear technical benchmarks for developers and planners to mitigate the negative effects of shadowing and wind acceleration in the built environment.
Sunlight Norms and Calculation Criteria
The municipality utilizes the Haagse bezonningsnorm, which is derived from the former lichte TNO-norm (light TNO norm). This standard establishes a minimum threshold for sunlight access on building facades to protect residential living quality.
- Minimum Duration: At least two potential sunlight hours per day.
- Assessment Period: From February 19 to October 21.
- Sun Angle: Calculations must assume a sun height of more than 10 degrees.
- Measurement Point: A representative point on the facade located at a height of 0.75 meters in the center of the facade.
- Combined Totals: Sunlight duration on the front and rear facades may be summed to meet the requirement.
Mandatory Research Thresholds for Sunlight
A formal sunlight study (bezonningsonderzoek) is required for specific project categories to evaluate the decrease in sunlight on surrounding properties.
- Height Threshold: Projects with a building height exceeding 25 meters.
- Proportional Height: New construction that is at least 1.5 times the average height of its immediate surroundings.
- Existing Streetscapes: Significant height increases in existing streets, such as rooftop extensions (dakopbouwen) or extra floors that conflict with the current zoning plan.
- Zoning Requirements: Any project where the local zoning plan (bestemmingsplan) contains specific sunlight provisions.
Wind Nuisance and NEN 8100 Standards
The municipality has replaced its local 1996 wind standards with the national NEN 8100 standard (Windhinder en windgevaar in de gebouwde omgeving). This provides a uniform methodology for assessing wind comfort and safety.
- Quality Classes: Wind comfort is categorized from Class A (best) to Class E (worst) based on exceedance probabilities.
- Activity Categories: Requirements are linked to activities such as walking (Category I), strolling (Category II), or long-term sitting (Category III).
- Minimum Quality: A 'moderate' (matig) wind climate is the minimum target; 'poor' (slecht) climates are only permitted in exceptional cases under strict conditions.
- Wind Danger: The 'dangerous' (gevaarlijk) qualification must be avoided in principle.
Spatial Scope and Study Areas
To ensure legal certainty and technical accuracy, the document defines specific boundaries for impact studies.
- Sunlight Study Radius: For specific building plans, the study area is limited to a radius of three times the height of the proposed building.
- Wind Influence Sphere: The study area for wind effects extends to a radius of six times the building height, with a maximum limit of 300 meters.
- Excluded Areas: The standards do not apply to the public highway, balconies, private gardens, or subordinate extensions such as single-story garages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum sunlight requirement for residential facades in The Hague?
The requirement is at least two hours of potential sunlight per day between February 19 and October 21, assuming a sun height above 10 degrees.
At what height is a building required to undergo a sunlight impact study?
A study is mandatory if the building height exceeds 25 meters or if it is at least 1.5 times the average height of the surrounding buildings.
Which wind standard does the Gemeente Den Haag follow?
The municipality follows the national NEN 8100 standard for wind nuisance and wind danger in the built environment.
Where is the measurement point for sunlight on a building facade located?
The measurement point is an imaginary point in the center of the facade at a height of 0.75 meters.
Are private gardens and balconies protected under the sunlight norms?
No, the sunlight norms specifically apply to the facades of main residential buildings and recreational public spaces, not to private gardens or balconies.
What is the required wind climate quality for building entrances?
Building entrances must at least meet the quality level associated with the 'strolling' (slenteren) activity class.
What is the maximum study radius for a wind nuisance investigation?
The study area extends to six times the height of the building, up to a maximum distance of 300 meters.
Can a project be refused if it does not meet these sunlight or wind standards?
Yes, these norms form the assessment framework; if a project fails to comply, it can be refused or approved only under specific mitigating conditions.
