"Parkeren doen we zo!" Parkeerbeleidsplan Gemeente Geertruidenberg – Municipal Parking Policy
The Parkeerbeleidsplan Gemeente Geertruidenberg, titled "Parkeren doen we zo!", is a definitive regulatory framework issued by the municipality of Geertruidenberg, Netherlands. Valid from March 24, 2016, this document was developed by Accent adviseurs to establish a structured assessment framework for parking demand resulting from new spatial developments and to address parking-related complaints in existing residential and commercial areas. It functions as a formal policy rule (beleidsregel) that integrates with municipal zoning plans (bestemmingsplannen) and the broader environmental planning framework.
The scope of this policy covers residential, commercial, and public utility projects, defining specific parking requirements based on urbanization levels and geographic zones. It utilizes national guidelines from CROW publication 317, 'Kencijfers parkeren en verkeersgeneratie', adapted to the local context of Geertruidenberg, Raamsdonksveer, and Raamsdonk. The document details administrative procedures for parking balance calculations, exemptions through a dedicated Mobiliteitsfonds (Mobility Fund), and specific regulations for bicycles, electric vehicles, and heavy transport.
Professional users, including developers and planners, utilize this document to determine the required number of parking spaces for specific functions and to understand the criteria for parking regulation instruments such as the Blauwe zone (blue zone) or the implementation of the Wegsleepverordening (towing ordinance).
Urbanization and Geographic Zoning
Parking standards in Geertruidenberg are calculated based on a fixed urbanization level and specific spatial zones. The municipality is classified under Stedelijkheidsklasse 3 (matig stedelijk or moderately urban), which dictates the baseline for all parking calculations.
- Centrum: The historical or commercial heart where high density and mixed-use functions are prevalent.
- Schil centrum: The edge of the center, acting as a transition zone to residential areas.
- Rest bebouwde kom: The remaining built-up areas, primarily consisting of residential neighborhoods.
- Buitengebied: Rural areas outside the primary urban boundaries where lower parking density is permitted.
Parking Standards for New Developments
The policy mandates that new construction and changes in building use must provide sufficient parking on-site. Standards vary by housing type and location. For residential units, the municipality applies a fixed standard at the top of the CROW bandwidth to prevent future capacity issues.
- Detached houses (vrijstaand): Requirements range from 2.2 spaces in the center to 2.8 in rural areas.
- Social housing (sociale huur): Standards range from 1.7 in the center to 2.0 in the rest of the built-up area.
- Driveway Calculation Factors: A single driveway without a garage is counted as 0.8 spaces, while a garage with a double driveway is counted as 1.8 spaces to reflect actual usage patterns.
The Mobiliteitsfonds and Exemptions
If a developer cannot realize the required parking spaces on-site, the Mobiliteitsfonds serves as a financial instrument for off-site compensation. This fund allows the municipality to invest in public parking solutions or supporting mobility measures within a ten-year window.
- Exemption Criteria: Possible only if a Parkeerbalans (parking balance) shows that nearby public spaces have sufficient residual capacity.
- Financial Compensation: Developers pay a contribution per missing parking space into the fund.
- Refund Policy: If the municipality fails to realize parking or mobility improvements within ten years, the contribution is returned to the applicant.
Regulation for Specific Target Groups
The document defines specific rules for high-priority user groups to ensure accessibility and safety throughout the municipality.
- Disabled Parking: Large parking facilities must provide one designated space per 50 regular spaces.
- Electric Vehicles: Charging stations should ideally be placed within a 300-meter radius of the applicant's residence.
- Large Vehicles: Parking for vehicles longer than 6 meters is restricted under the Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening (APV), with specific prohibitions on workdays between 19:00 and 07:00.
- School Zones: At primary schools, a 100% occupancy rate is acceptable for 15 minutes during drop-off and pick-up times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which urbanization class does Geertruidenberg fall under for parking norms?
The municipality is categorized as Stedelijkheidsklasse 3, which is defined as matig stedelijk (moderately urban).
What is the acceptable walking distance for residents to their parking space?
The policy defines the acceptable walking distance for the residential function as 100 meters.
When can a Blue Zone (Blauwe zone) be implemented?
A blue zone may be considered in center areas if the parking pressure reaches a minimum of 75% during the hours of regulation.
How are private driveways calculated in the parking balance?
Driveways are not counted as full spaces; for example, a single driveway counts as 0.8 spaces and a garage with a long driveway counts as 1.3 spaces.
What is the required bicycle parking for a primary school?
The norm is 4.3 to 6.2 places per 10 pupils, depending on the total school size.
How often is parking pressure measured in the municipality?
The policy recommends conducting parking pressure measurements every three to four years to keep data current.
