Nota Parkeernormen Assen – Municipal Parking Standards and Regulations
The Nota parkeernormen Assen is the official regulatory framework issued by the Municipality of Assen, Netherlands, to assess parking requirements for building projects. Published in February 2021 and effective as of June 15, 2021, this document replaces the 2018 parking policy. It functions within the legal framework of the bestemmingsplan (zoning plan) and is applied during the evaluation of applications for an omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit). Since July 1, 2018, the assessment of parking capacity has transitioned from the building ordinance to these specific zoning regulations.
The policy governs a wide range of regulatory domains, including residential housing, commercial services, retail, education, and healthcare. It categorizes the municipality into four distinct zones: centrum Assen, schil rond het centrum, overige bebouwde kom, and the buitengebied. The standards are primarily derived from the CROW publication 381 (November 2018) guidelines, adapted to the local context of Assen. The document defines specific calculation methods for car and bicycle parking, visitor shares, and double-use percentages to ensure efficient land use.
The following sections detail the specific spatial classifications, technical dimensions for parking facilities, and the procedural criteria for deviations or sustainability requirements such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure and disabled access.
Spatial Zones and Classifications
Assen applies different parking standards based on the urban density and location of the function. The municipality is divided into four main zones, with the Havenkwartier specifically categorized under the standards for the schil rond het centrum (the belt surrounding the center).
- centrum Assen: The central core where public transport alternatives are most prevalent.
- schil rond het centrum: The transitional area immediately surrounding the urban core.
- overige bebouwde kom: Other built-up urban areas within the municipal boundaries.
- buitengebied: Rural or outlying areas with the lowest density.
Residential and Commercial Standards
Parking requirements for residential units are differentiated by housing type, size, and social status. For non-residential functions, the average value between the minimum and average CROW bandwidth is typically applied.
- Apartments: Standards vary by size, such as units >100 m2 gbo requiring higher ratios than units <50 m2 gbo.
- Social Housing: Specific lower thresholds apply to social rental units with a rent below the allowance limit.
- Visitor Share: For residential projects in the center and the belt, a visitor share of 0.2 parking spaces per unit is mandated; in other areas, this rises to 0.3.
- Commercial Services: Requirements are calculated per 100 m2 bvo (gross floor area), with specific visitor percentages defined (e.g., 20% for office-related services with a counter function).
Technical Dimensions and Execution
The document specifies minimum dimensions for parking spaces on private property to ensure usability and safety, referencing ASVV and NEN 2443 standards.
- Surface Parking: Minimum width of 2.50 meters and length of 5.00 meters.
- Garage Boxes: Minimum width of 2.80 meters and length of 5.50 meters.
- Access Clearances: Throughways must maintain a minimum width of 2.30 meters.
- Bicycle Parking: Storage must be provided on-site, with residential storage governed by the Bouwbesluit (Building Decree).
Deviations and Sustainability
Developers may apply for exemptions or deviations under specific conditions, particularly when a project has a low impact or promotes sustainable mobility.
- Small Scale Exception: Projects where the calculated requirement (after correction) is no more than 2 parking spaces may be exempted.
- EV Charging: Residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces must provide charging infrastructure for every spot; utility buildings with more than 10 spaces require at least one charging point.
- Disabled Access: At least 1 disabled parking space must be realized for public buildings, located within a maximum distance of 50 meters from the main entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard dimensions for a parking space in Assen?
For surface parking on private property, spaces must be at least 2.50 meters wide and 5.00 meters long. Garage boxes require a minimum width of 2.80 meters and a length of 5.50 meters.
How is the visitor parking requirement calculated for apartments in the center?
For apartments in the 'centrum' and 'schil' zones, the visitor share is 0.2 parking spaces per dwelling. This share must remain accessible to visitors at all times.
What is the maximum acceptable walking distance for parking in the center?
For visitors in the center of Assen, the maximum acceptable walking distance is 300 meters, while for residents and long-term workers, it is 650 meters.
When is a project exempt from providing additional parking spaces?
A project may be exempt if the calculated parking need (corrected for the existing situation) does not exceed 2 parking spaces, provided this exemption hasn't been used for the same location in the last 5 years.
Are bicycle parking spaces mandatory for new residential builds?
Yes, adequate bicycle storage must be provided on-site as regulated by the Building Decree (Bouwbesluit), and for non-residential functions, CROW guidelines are used to estimate the required capacity.
Which standard applies to the Havenkwartier district?
The Havenkwartier follows the parking standards assigned to the 'schil rond het centrum' zone.
