Parkeerbeleidsplan Zwartewaterland 2023-2030 – Parking Policy and Standards
The Parkeerbeleidsplan Zwartewaterland 2023-2030 is the official municipal parking policy document issued by the Gemeente Zwartewaterland. This document provides the legal and strategic framework for managing parking demand and supply within the cores of Genemuiden, Hasselt, and Zwartsluis. It functions as a specific elaboration of the Gemeentelijk Verkeers- en Vervoersplan (GVVP) 2022-2030 and aligns with the broader Omgevingsvisie (Spatial Vision) to balance accessibility, livability, and sustainability.
The plan governs a wide range of regulatory domains, including parking standards for new developments, management of high parking pressure in shopping districts, and provisions for specific transport modes. It defines concrete rules for Parkeerschijfzones (blue zones), electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and heavy goods vehicle (vrachtwagenparkeren) management. The document utilizes quantitative research, including parking pressure measurements and the CROW national standards, to define requirements for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
This policy framework serves as the basis for municipal decisions regarding permit procedures, enforcement via Handhaving (BOAs), and the future expansion of parking capacity at designated edge-of-center locations like De Koppel and Diamanten Bolwerk.
Parking Standards for New Developments
The municipality applies national parking indicators from CROW Publication 317 ('Kencijfers parkeren en verkeersgeneratie') to determine the required number of parking spaces for new construction and renovation projects. For classification purposes, the Gemeente Zwartewaterland is categorized as Weinig stedelijk (low urban density).
- Centrum: The historical core area with the highest density.
- Schil centrum: The transition zone surrounding the center.
- Rest bebouwde kom: The remaining residential and industrial areas within built-up limits.
- Average standards: Developers must generally meet the average value within the CROW bandwidth.
Property developers are responsible for realizing the required parking capacity on their own terrain. For residential developments, a specific visitor parking norm of 0.3 spaces per dwelling must be provided in the public space.
Management of Center Areas and Blue Zones
To prioritize short-term visitors in shopping areas and prevent long-term parking by employees or residents, the municipality maintains Parkeerschijfzones with varying maximum durations:
- Hasselt: Monday to Saturday, 08:00 – 18:00 (maximum 1 hour).
- Genemuiden: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00 (maximum 1.5 hours).
- Zwartsluis: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 – 18:00 (maximum 2 hours).
A parking occupancy rate of 85% is used as the critical threshold. When pressure exceeds this level, searching traffic increases, negatively impacting livability. Long-term parkers are directed to peripheral parking lots such as Havenplein or Havendijk.
Specific Vehicle Categories and Charging Infrastructure
The document outlines specific regulations for non-standard vehicles and sustainable mobility infrastructure to ensure public space remains accessible and safe.
- Electric Vehicles: Charging stations are deployed based on the Integrale laadafweging en plaatsingsbeleid. Areas with over 90% parking pressure may see restrictions on reserving spots exclusively for EVs.
- Disabled Parking: A minimum of one general disabled parking spot per 50 regular spots is required for large facilities.
- Heavy Goods Vehicles: A general ban on parking large vehicles (>6m length or >2.4m height) applies within built-up areas, except at designated sites like Schering and Sasdijk.
- Recreational Vehicles: Campers, caravans, and trailers are permitted on public roads for a maximum of three consecutive days according to the APV (General Municipal Ordinance).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parking norms apply to new construction in Zwartewaterland?
The municipality uses the average values from CROW publication 317, based on the 'low urban' (weinig stedelijk) classification for the specific zone (center, shell, or rest of area).
What is the visitor parking requirement for new homes?
Developers must account for a visitor norm of 0.3 parking spaces per dwelling, which should be facilitated in the public space.
How long can I park in the shopping center of Hasselt?
In the designated Parkeerschijfzone in Hasselt, the maximum parking duration is 1 hour between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday through Saturday.
Can residents get a permit for the blue zones?
Currently, residents and employees generally do not receive exemptions for the parking disc zones, although some specific spots in Genemuiden are assigned to permit holders.
What is the rule for parking company vans in residential areas?
Vans exceeding 6 meters in length or 2.4 meters in height are prohibited from parking in public spaces where they damage the town's appearance or take up excessive space.
How many disabled parking spots must be provided in large parking lots?
The guideline follows CROW standards, requiring at least one general disabled space for every 50 standard parking spaces.
Where are trucks allowed to park in Genemuiden?
Heavy vehicles are directed to designated industrial areas such as Schering, Sasdijk, and De Blokmat to prevent nuisance in residential zones.
What happens if a developer cannot meet the parking demand on-site?
The municipality is investigating a Parkeerfonds (parking fund) where developers could pay a financial contribution if physical realization on-site is impossible.
