Parkeernota Brunssum 2022 – Municipal Parking Policy and Standards
The Parkeernota Brunssum 2022 is the official regulatory document governing parking policy within the municipality of Brunssum, Netherlands. Issued by the Gemeente Brunssum, this policy serves as an extension of the Mobiliteitsplan Brunssum 2022 - 2032 and officially replaces the previous 2005 parking memorandum. It establishes the legal and technical framework for parking requirements in spatial developments, ensuring accessibility and liveability as the municipality transitions toward the new Omgevingswet (Environment Act) and its integrated Omgevingsplan.
The document is structured into three primary components: the Juridisch beleidskader (Legal Framework), the Parkeerbeleid (Vision and Policy), and the Toepassingskader parkeernormering (Application Framework for Parking Norms). It governs a wide range of regulatory domains including residential parking, commercial parking standards, bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The framework relies on national standards from CROW, specifically Publicatie 381 for parking figures, ASVV 2021 for traffic facilities, and Leidraad Fietsparkeren for bicycle storage requirements.
This policy defines specific requirements for different urban zones, distinguishing between the Centrum (highly urban) and the Rest bebouwde kom (moderately urban). It outlines the procedures for calculating parking needs, the conditions for deviating from standards via a Hardheidsclausule (hardship clause), and the implementation of regional charging infrastructure goals. The following sections detail the technical application of these regulations for developers and planners.
Legal Framework and Implementation
The parking standards defined in this document are legally binding for citizens, developers, and the municipality. They are directly linked to bestemmingsplannen (zoning plans) and the future omgevingsplan. When applying for an omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit), applicants must demonstrate how they meet the specific parking requirements.
- Parkeereis: The requirement to realize parking capacity within the boundaries of a development project.
- Hardheidsclausule: A provision allowing the municipality to deviate from car and bicycle parking requirements if compliance leads to disproportionate hardship.
- Parkeerfonds: The 2006 parking fund is abolished in favor of anterieure overeenkomsten (prior agreements) for financing public parking when onsite realization is impossible.
- Overgangsregeling: There is no general transition period; the 2022 norms apply to all new permit applications unless prior urban planning frameworks already specify fixed standards.
Parking Vision and Zone Management
The municipality categorizes parking management into two main themes: the town center and residential neighborhoods. Brunssum explicitly rejects betaald parkeren (paid parking) to maintain the center's attractiveness, opting instead for time-limited regulation.
- Blauwe zone: Parking disc zones are used to manage duration in high-demand areas like Lindeplein, Doorvaartplein, and Koutenveld.
- Centrum (The Egg): Inside the central zone, known as the Ei, the priority is to avoid increasing public parking surface area, favoring private solutions for new developments.
- Mindervaliden: General disabled parking spaces are provided at public facilities, and individual residents with a gehandicaptenparkeerkaart can request a reserved space within 100 meters of their home.
- Trottoirparkeren: Parking on sidewalks is prohibited by law, but can be legalized through specific signage (E08b) if a minimum passage of 90cm remains for pedestrians.
Technical Standards and Calculations
Parking needs are calculated based on the stedelijkheidsgraad (urbanity level) and specific function categories. Brunssum applies an average of the CROW bandwidth for most functions, with specific exceptions for the center.
- Centrum Zone: Classified as Sterk stedelijk (strongly urban), requiring a minimum of 1.0 parking space per dwelling.
- Rest bebouwde kom: Classified as Matig stedelijk (moderately urban), with higher standard ratios for residential and commercial functions.
- Loopafstanden: Maximum walking distances are defined by function, such as 100 meters for residents and 200–800 meters for workplaces.
- Salderen: When a building's function changes, the parking demand of the previous function is subtracted from the new requirement, provided the building has not been vacant for several years.
Bicycle and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The 2022 policy introduces mandatory standards for bicycle parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aligning with regional Parkstad agreements and national climate goals.
- Charging points: 7% of newly realized parking spaces must be equipped with a charging point, and an additional 3% must be prepared for future installation.
- Laadpaal volgt auto: A reactive policy where residents without private parking can request a public charging station if no existing point is within 300 meters walking distance.
- Fietsparkeernormen: New developments must solve bicycle parking on private property according to the Leidraad Fietsparkeren standards.
- Ehubs: Locations for shared sustainable transport, such as electric shared cars and e-bikes, are facilitated by the municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brunssum have paid parking in the center?
No, the municipality has decided against paid parking to maintain the center's accessibility; instead, time-limited blauwe zones requiring a parking disc are utilized.
What is the minimum parking requirement for a new house in the center?
For residential developments in the center zone, a minimum of 1.0 parking space per dwelling is required.
What is the maximum walking distance for a resident to their parking spot?
The maximum acceptable walking distance for residents is 100 meters from the entrance of the home to the parking space.
Are developers required to provide electric vehicle charging stations?
Yes, for new developments, 7% of the required parking spaces must be equipped with an active charging point and 3% must be prepared for future use.
Can I request a reserved disabled parking space near my home?
Residents with a valid gehandicaptenparkeerkaart can apply for a reserved spot, which the municipality will attempt to realize within 100 meters of the residence.
What happens if a developer cannot meet the parking requirement on-site?
The Parkeerfonds has been abolished; developers must now enter into anterieure overeenkomsten to arrange financial contributions for alternative public parking solutions.
How is the urban density of Brunssum classified for parking norms?
The municipality distinguishes two areas: the Centrum is classified as Sterk stedelijk (strongly urban), while the Rest bebouwde kom is Matig stedelijk (moderately urban).
Is parking on the sidewalk allowed in residential streets?
Generally, sidewalk parking is prohibited, but it can be legalized by the municipality through marking and signage (E08b) if at least 90cm of sidewalk width remains clear.
