Parkeerplan Meierijstad – Municipal Parking Policy and Building Norms
The Parkeerplan Meierijstad is the official regulatory framework issued by the Gemeente Meierijstad, North Brabant, Netherlands, governing the management and development of parking infrastructure for both cars and bicycles. Valid from August 8, 2025, this document translates the municipality's Duurzame Mobiliteitsvisie 2022 (Sustainable Mobility Vision) into concrete spatial requirements and operational rules. It functions alongside the Nota Parkeernormen Meierijstad 2025, which serves as the technical annex defining the mandatory parking ratios for new construction, renovations, and changes in building use under the Omgevingswet (Environment Act).
The policy covers the entire municipal territory but establishes differentiated regimes for the centers of Veghel, Schijndel, and Sint-Oedenrode. It regulates parking demand through a structured categorization of areas based on urban density (Stedelijkheidsgraad) and proximity to public transport hubs (Multimodale knopen). The document details specific chapters on current parking pressure measurements (2024), vision-led steering levels, and technical quality requirements for bicycle storage, including NEN 2443 standards and FietsParKeur certification. Professional users will find precise spatial calculations, walking distance thresholds (Loopafstanden), and legal safeguard mechanisms such as the Kettingbeding (perpetual clause) and BROP-regeling.
This framework establishes the mandatory steps for calculating parking requirements during the permit application process, moving from a normative demand assessment to the implementation of mobility corrections and shared mobility solutions.
Geographical Area Categorization and Urban Density
Parking norms are determined by the location of a project within one of six defined zones, each reflecting a specific urban density or functional role within the municipality:
- Gebied A: Centers of Veghel and Schijndel, characterized by high-density mixed-use development.
- Gebied B: Transition zones (Schil) and overflow areas surrounding the Veghel and Schijndel centers.
- Gebied C: Remaining built-up areas within Veghel and Schijndel.
- Gebied D: The historic center of Sint-Oedenrode.
- Gebied E: Remaining built-up areas of Sint-Oedenrode and the smaller villages of Erp, Boerdonk, Keldonk, and others.
- Gebied F: The rural outskirts (Buitengebied).
Urban density is measured in addresses per square kilometer. Veghel and Schijndel are classified as matig stedelijk (moderately urban) with approximately 1,143 to 1,213 addresses per km², while Sint-Oedenrode is categorized as weinig stedelijk (low urbanity) with 694 addresses per km².
Parking Standards for New Developments
The Nota Parkeernormen 2025 defines the minimum number of car and bicycle parking spaces required for building projects. The baseline requirement is that parking demand must be solved on the developer's own property (Parkeren op eigen terrein).
- Residential norms: Based on Gross Floor Area (BVO) per NEN 2580. For example, a detached house in Gebied A requires 1.5 spaces for residents and 0.1 for visitors.
- Visitor parking: For residential functions, these must remain publicly accessible and are calculated separately (e.g., 0.1 to 0.3 per unit depending on the zone).
- Non-residential functions: Includes specific ratios for offices, retail, sports facilities, and healthcare, often expressed per 100 m² BVO.
- Shared mobility corrections: A maximum reduction of 10% on residential parking demand is possible if a professional Deelmobiliteitsplan (shared mobility plan) is implemented near a multimodal hub.
Bicycle Parking and Storage Quality
Project developers must adhere to the Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving (Bbl) requirements for bicycle storage, supplemented by local quality standards in Bijlage 9.
- Dimensions: Standard bicycle stalls must be at least 200 cm long, 120 cm high, and 65 cm wide.
- Residential storage: Units larger than 50 m² must have a private, lockable storage room of at least 5 m².
- Accessibility: Ramps for bicycle access must not exceed a 22% gradient, while stairs with gutters should ideally not exceed 18%.
- Charging infrastructure: New residential buildings with more than 10 parking spots must provide conduit for electric charging at every spot.
Legal Safeguards and Permit Procedures
Compliance with parking requirements is secured through the Omgevingsvergunning (environmental permit). The municipality utilizes specific legal instruments to ensure long-term functionality of parking solutions.
- BROP-regeling: The Beperkt Recht Op Parkeren (Limited Right to Park) excludes residents of new developments from eligibility for public parking permits or blue zone exemptions.
- Kettingbeding: A legal clause must be included in rental or purchase agreements to inform users of shared mobility obligations and parking restrictions.
- POET-lijst: An internal municipal list (Parkeren Op Eigen Terrein) tracks addresses with on-site parking to prevent the unauthorized issuance of parking permits.
- Hardheidsclausule: The Board of Mayor and Aldermen may deviate from standard rules if strict application leads to unreasonable consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum walking distance allowed for residential parking in Veghel Center?
In Centrum Veghel (Gebied A), the maximum acceptable walking distance for residents to their parking facility is 300 meters.
Are bicycle parking requirements mandatory for renovated buildings?
Yes, fietsparkeernormen apply to functiewijzigingen (changes of use) and building enlargements where an environmental permit is required.
What are the standard operating hours for blue zones in Meierijstad?
The standard operating hours for blue zones are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, including Friday evenings until 21:00 in certain areas.
Can I reduce the required number of parking spaces by offering shared cars?
Yes, a reduction of up to 10% is possible in high-density areas (Category 1) if at least one shared car is provided per 25 units for a minimum of 10 years.
Is parking in the blue zone free for visitors?
Yes, parking in the blue zone is free of charge, provided a parkeerschijf (parking disc) is used and the maximum time limit (usually 2 hours) is respected.
What is the BROP regulation for new housing projects?
The BROP-regeling ensures that residents of new buildings, who are required to have parking on-site, cannot claim a permit for public street parking.
How is the Gross Floor Area (BVO) calculated for parking norms?
BVO is calculated according to the NEN 2580 standard, measuring the outer perimeter of all floor levels, excluding inaccessible attics or balconies.
What is the minimum number of disabled parking spaces required?
For buildings with a public function where more than 50% of parking is for visitors, at least 2% of the total spots must be designated as general disabled parking spaces.