Beleidsregel natuurinclusief bouwen gemeente Groningen – Policy for Nature-Inclusive Construction
The Beleidsregel natuurinclusief bouwen gemeente Groningen conform Omgevingswet is a municipal policy established by the College of Mayor and Aldermen of Groningen. Valid from 16 February 2024, it functions under the legal framework of Article 4:81 of the Algemene wet bestuursrecht and the Dutch Omgevingswet (Environment Act). The policy mandates specific biodiversity-enhancing measures for spatial developments that require an environmental permit for out-of-plan activities (buitenplanse omgevingsplanactiviteit).
The regulation applies to defined Bouwplannen (building plans), including the construction of residential buildings, non-residential primary buildings, and significant extensions or renovations. Specific thresholds trigger the policy, such as residential extensions exceeding 1,000 m2 of Bruto-vloeroppervlakte (Gross Floor Area) or renovations of office and retail functions exceeding 1,500 m2 GFA. It utilizes a point-based system (puntensysteem) to determine the level of nature-inclusive measures required across categories such as building-integrated features, roof-mounted installations, and yard-level landscaping.
The document provides detailed technical appendices, including measure tables for Grondgebonden woningen (ground-bound houses), Complexen (complexes), and Bedrijfsgebouwen (business buildings). These appendices define qualitative requirements for elements like nesting boxes, green roofs, and unpaved garden spaces to ensure ecological effectiveness and climate resilience within the municipality of Groningen.
Scope and Applicability
The policy applies to building plans involving new construction or specific large-scale renovations that deviate from the existing environment plan. Regulated project categories include:
- Residential buildings: Construction of one or more buildings with a residential function.
- Extensions: Additions to residential buildings with a minimum GFA of 1,000 m2.
- Commercial renovations: Converting or renovating offices, shops, or catering facilities with a cumulative GFA of at least 1,500 m2.
- Industrial buildings: Specifically those located in designated strategy work locations within Groningen.
The Point System (Puntensysteem)
Projects are classified into four categories based on plot area (Kaveloppervlak) and building height (Hoogte). Each category must achieve a minimum total score by implementing approved measures:
- Kleine ontwikkeling (Small): Plots up to 500 m2 and heights up to 15 meters require 7 points.
- Middelgrote ontwikkeling (Medium): Plots between 500 and 2,000 m2 or heights between 15 and 30 meters require 14 points.
- Grote ontwikkeling (Large): Plots between 2,000 and 10,000 m2 or heights exceeding 30 meters require 21 points.
- Extra grote ontwikkeling (Extra Large): Plots exceeding 10,000 m2 require 28 points.
Points must be distributed across three sub-categories: measures in the building, measures on/at the building, and measures on the yard or direct surroundings.
Technical Measures and Qualitative Requirements
Measures are detailed in Annex 5 and must meet specific ecological standards to qualify for points. Key requirements include:
- Nesting facilities: Specific dimensions and orientations for Gierzwaluw (swift), Huismus (house sparrow), and Vleermuis (bat) boxes.
- Green roofs: Options range from sedum (1 point) to roofs with shrubs and small trees (4 points), requiring specific water retention levels.
- Unpaved areas: Minimum of 20% of the non-built plot area must remain unpaved to support biodiversity.
- Lighting: Requirements to prevent light pollution, favoring amber-colored lighting in the 590-780 nm spectrum for bat protection.
Exceptions and Deviations
Under Article 5, the municipal college may deviate from the point scores in specific circumstances. This includes developments within a Beschermd stads- of dorpsgezicht (protected cityscape) or projects involving a Rijksmonument or Gemeentelijk monument. If measures cannot be achieved within one sub-category, they may sometimes be compensated in another, provided the total score target remains the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a building plan considered nature-inclusive in Groningen?
A plan is nature-inclusive if it applies measures in, on, or around the building that meet the minimum point score required for its size category as defined in Table 1.
What is the minimum GFA for a residential extension to trigger these rules?
The policy applies to extensions of residential buildings with a minimum gross floor area (GFA) of 1,000 m2.
How many points are required for a building higher than 30 meters?
Buildings with a height exceeding 30 meters fall into the 'Grote ontwikkeling' category and must achieve at least 21 points.
Can points from flora and fauna protection count toward the score?
Yes, measures applied by an applicant for flora and fauna protection under the Omgevingswet count toward the total required point score.
Are there specific requirements for bat stay facilities?
Yes, summer and winter bat stays must be placed at a minimum height of 3 meters and located away from artificial light sources and predators.
What is the point value for a green roof with herbs?
A green roof consisting of herbs with a water retention of 55-80% provides 2 points according to the measure tables.
How is 'Small development' defined for the point system?
A small development is defined as having a plot area up to 500 m2 and a building height up to 15 meters.
Are monuments exempt from the nature-inclusive point system?
Monuments are not automatically exempt, but the college may deviate from the point requirements in specific cases involving national or municipal monuments.
