Welstandsnota Noordwijk 2019 – Building Aesthetics and Zoning Regulations
The Welstandsnota Noordwijk 2019 is the official regulatory framework for building aesthetics established by the Gemeente Noordwijk. Effective from January 1, 2019, this document harmonizes the previous aesthetics policies of the former municipalities of Noordwijk and Noordwijkerhout following their administrative merger. It is issued under the authority of Articles 12 and 12a of the Woningwet (Dutch Housing Act) and serves as the primary assessment instrument for the College van burgemeester en wethouders when evaluating building permit applications for architectural and spatial quality.
The document's scope covers all permit-required construction activities within the municipal boundaries, as well as providing an excessenregeling (excesses scheme) for permit-free structures. It is structured into four primary chapters: Algemeen (General principles and heritage), Kleine Bouwwerken (Small building works such as dormers and fences), Specifieke Gebouwen (Specific building types like bulb sheds and farms), and Gebieden (Area-specific criteria for 19 distinct zones). It defines the Noordwijkse Stijl (Noordwijk Style) as a specific set of architectural characteristics for coastal development and classifies the municipality into four distinct welstandsniveaus (aesthetic levels) ranging from simple to protected status.
This regulatory framework operates in conjunction with local bestemmingsplannen (zoning plans) and specific beeldkwaliteitplannen (visual quality plans). While zoning plans dictate the function and volume of a building, the Welstandsnota governs the appearance, material usage, and integration of a project within its historical or landscape context.
Small Building Works and Minor Installations
Chapter 2 establishes standardized criteria for frequently requested small-scale projects. These rules are designed to provide applicants with immediate clarity on acceptable dimensions and materials.
- Dakkapellen (Dormers): Maximum height of 1.50 metres on the front roof slope and a width not exceeding 60% of the roof plane. They must be placed at least 0.50 metres from the roof edges.
- Erfafscheidingen (Fencing): A maximum height of 1.00 metre is permitted in the front yard, while up to 2.00 metres is allowed in the rear yard.
- Bijbehorende bouwwerken (Annexes): These must be subordinate to the main building, typically consisting of a single storey with a rectangular footprint.
- Installaties (Installations): Technical units like air conditioning or heat pumps must be clustered and placed out of sight from the public domain where possible.
Specific Heritage Building Types
Chapter 3 focuses on architectural typologies that are characteristic of the region's cultural history. These structures are often subject to a Bijzonder welstandsniveau (Special assessment level).
- Bollenschuren (Bulb Sheds): Preservation of original drying doors and vertical window orientation is required. Extensions must be subordinate to the main volume.
- Boerderijen (Farms): Assessment focuses on the traditional layout of the yard, the use of brick, and the maintenance of a clear distinction between the living quarters and the operational barn section.
- Strandbebouwing (Beach Pavilions): Pavilions must be oriented towards the sea with a representative all-around appearance. Use of natural tones and wooden materials is preferred.
Area-Specific Quality Levels
The municipality is divided into 19 distinct areas, each assigned one of four assessment levels to reflect the spatial importance and vulnerability of the zone.
- Beschermd (Protected): Applies to the Beschermd gezicht Noordwijk Binnen. Assessment is highly detailed and focused on preserving monument-grade characteristics.
- Bijzonder (Special): Targets areas like the Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard and Villabebouwing, where high-quality architecture is required to strengthen the resort's allure.
- Normaal (Normal): Focused on maintaining the existing basic quality in residential and business areas.
- Eenvoudig (Simple): A simplified regime for areas with limited impact on the public streetscape, such as rear yards in certain neighborhoods.
The Noordwijk Style (Kustarchitectuur)
The document defines the Noordwijkse Stijl to give the coastal area a unique identity. This style is based on several architectural principles applicable to new developments near the sea.
- Tripartite Façade: Division into a distinct base, middle section, and top/roof termination.
- Roof Forms: Caps and slanted roofs are preferred over flat roofs to create a welcoming resort atmosphere.
- Materiality: Usage of brick, wood, and light-colored plasterwork, combined with ceramic tiles or zink for roofing.
- Window Expression: Windows are treated as 'eyes' with frames providing depth (the negge) and detailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum height for a fence in the front garden?
According to the criteria in Section 2.5, a fence in the front yard area (voorerfgebied) may have a maximum height of 1.00 metre.
Are bulb sheds protected under this policy?
Yes, Bollenschuren are designated as specific building types in Section 3.1 and are generally subject to a special assessment level (bijzonder welstandsniveau) to preserve their cultural-historical value.
What is the 'Noordwijk Style' mentioned in the regulations?
It is a set of coastal architectural principles defined in Section 1.3, emphasizing tripartite façade construction, vertical window orientation, and specific material palettes like white frames and brick.
How is a dormer assessed if it is visible from the street?
Dormers on the front roof slope are assessed strictly; they must not exceed 1.50 metres in height and must remain at least 0.50 metres away from the roof edges and ridges.
When does the 'excesses' rule (excessenregeling) apply?
The excessenregeling applies to permit-free structures that are clearly in conflict with the aesthetics of their surroundings, such as using poor materials or clashing colors.
What are the rules for solar panels in protected village views?
In the Beschermd gezicht Noordwijk Binnen, solar collectors must be placed in a standard diagonal pattern, align with the underlying window rhythm, and must not exceed one-third of the total roof width.
