Nota parkeernormen 2020 – Parking Standards for the Municipality of Lochem
The Nota parkeernormen 2020 is the official regulatory framework established by the Gemeente Lochem (Municipality of Lochem) to determine quantitative and qualitative parking requirements for spatial developments. Published and effective from December 3, 2020, this document serves as a policy rule (beleidsregel) under Article 4:81 of the Algemene wet bestuursrecht (General Administrative Law Act). It was developed following an amendment to the Woningwet (Housing Act) which mandated that parking standards be integrated directly into zoning plans (bestemmingsplannen) or linked dynamically to municipal policy documents rather than the general building ordinance.
The document governs the determination of the parkeereis (parking requirement) for various activities, including nieuwbouw (new construction), verbouw/uitbreiding (renovation or expansion), and wijziging van functies (functional transformation or change of use). It relies on the technical guidelines provided in the CROW publication 381, specifically adapted for Lochem’s classification as a 'moderately urban' (matig stedelijk) area. The standards differentiate requirements based on specific geographic zones, including town centers, regular built-up areas, vulnerable neighborhoods, and locations outside the built-up area.
Professional users, including architects and developers, utilize this document to calculate the minimum number of car and bicycle parking spaces required for a permit. The framework also details implementation rules regarding on-site realization, financial contributions to the municipal mobility fund, and specific technical requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Legal Status and Implementation
The Nota functions as a formal assessment framework for omgevingsvergunningen (environmental permits). Since July 1, 2018, municipal building ordinances may no longer contain urban planning regulations; therefore, the standards in this document are legally anchored through references in individual zoning plans or an overarching paraplubestemmingsplan.
- Article 4:81 Awb: Establishes the document's status as a formal policy rule.
- Dynamic Reference: Allows zoning plans to refer to this document for current parking norms.
- Hardship Clause: The municipal board (College) may deviate from these norms in cases of disproportionate consequences or specific unusual functions.
Zoning and Norm Differentiation
Parking requirements vary based on the location of the project within the municipality. Lochem categorizes zones into four main types to balance developmental feasibility with public space quality:
- Centrum (Center): Characterized by lower parking needs due to higher functional density; norms are based on CROW 'center' guidelines.
- Regulier (Regular): Standard residential and mixed-use areas within the built-up zone, based on 'shell area' (schilgebied) norms.
- Kwetsbaar gebied (Vulnerable area): Designated residential zones already experiencing high parking pressure, where higher norms apply to prevent spillover.
- Buiten de bebouwde kom: Areas outside the built-up zone where the highest parking norms are enforced.
Calculation of the Parking Requirement
The calculation of the parkeereis is based on the intended function of the building and the number of units or gross floor area. The document permits the offsetting of existing parking demand under specific conditions.
- Settlement of existing demand: The parking requirement of the previous/current function is deducted from the new requirement, provided the building has not been vacant for more than 5 years.
- Double usage: If multiple functions (e.g., office and residential) share parking, a parkeerbalans (parking balance) can be calculated using presence percentages for different times of the day.
- Rounding: The final calculated parking demand is always rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Alternative Realization and Mobility Options
While the primary objective is realization on eigen terrein (own plot), the Nota provides pathways for alternative compliance when on-site parking is technically or financially unfeasible.
- Shared cars: Implementing a shared car scheme (deelauto's) can reduce the parking requirement for households.
- Mobility Fund: In the regulated center of Lochem, a financial contribution of €2,500 per parking space can be made to the municipal mobility fund if on-site realization is impossible.
- Public space utilization: In exceptional cases, the use of existing public rest capacity or the creation of new public spaces may be permitted, subject to a parking survey showing occupancy remains below 85%.
Technical Infrastructure and Sustainability
In alignment with the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD III), the document mandates specific infrastructure for electric vehicle charging.
- Residential buildings: New or majorly renovated residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces must install cable ducting for every parking spot.
- Utility buildings: For projects with more than 10 spaces, at least 1 charging point and ducting for 1 in every 5 spots must be provided.
- Existing utility buildings: From 2025, all existing utility buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must have at least one charging point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum walking distance allowed for off-site parking?
For off-site parking on private plots or public spaces, the maximum distance to the main entrance is 500 meters in center zones and 200 meters in regular or vulnerable zones.
Can I get a discount on parking requirements for using shared cars?
Yes, the use of shared cars (deelauto's) is considered a valid alternative that can reduce the local parking pressure and the total required spaces for a development.
What happens if a building has been vacant for a long time?
If a building has been vacant for more than 5 years, the historical parking credit is set to zero, and the full parking requirement for the new function must be met.
What is the fee for the Lochem mobility fund?
Within the regulated center of Lochem, the financial contribution is set at €2,500 per required parking space that cannot be realized on-site.
Are there specific requirements for disabled parking spaces?
At least 1 in every 50 parking spaces must be designed and designated as a general disabled parking space, located as close as possible to the main entrance.
Does this Nota apply to bicycle parking?
Yes, the document includes requirements for bicycle parking and references the ASVV guidelines for dimensions and accessibility.
When is a parking survey required?
A survey is required when an applicant wishes to use rest capacity in the public space; the survey must show that peak occupancy remains below 85% after the project is completed.
Are there exemptions for small-scale projects?
Plans with a parking requirement of maximum 2 spaces may be eligible for an exemption in specific zones where on-site realization is not feasible.
