Uitvoeringsplan klimaatadaptatie 2021-2026 – Zaanstad Climate Adaptation Execution Plan
The Uitvoeringsplan klimaatadaptatie 2021-2026 is the primary regulatory framework issued by the Gemeente Zaanstad to address the impacts of climate change within the municipality. Developed following a mandate from the College of Mayor and Aldermen on June 30, 2020, this document establishes a concrete roadmap for a climate-resilient Zaanstad by 2050. It operates within the wider national and regional contexts of the Deltaprogramma Ruimtelijke Adaptatie (DPRA) and the Nationale AdaptatieStrategie (NAS), providing specific municipal directives for urban development, landscape management, and public space design.
The document focuses on four primary climate risks: extreme precipitation (extreme wateroverlast), increasing heat stress (hittestress), drought and soil subsidence (droogte en bodemdaling), and storms or high water (stormen en hoog water). Its scope extends to both public and private domains, governing how new developments are permitted and how existing urban fabric is retrofitted. Regulatory standards are integrated through the Wegwijzer Inrichting Openbare Ruimte Zaanstad (WIORZ) and the Basisveiligheidsniveau klimaatbestendige nieuwbouw 2.0 as defined by the Metropoolregio Amsterdam (MRA).
Structured into five implementation tracks (sporen), the plan provides technical guidelines for existing neighborhoods, new construction projects, and the surrounding peat-meadow landscapes. It defines requirements for water storage, shade coverage, and soil protection to ensure infrastructure remains functional during climate-related crises.
Track 1: Existing City Resilience
For existing urban areas, the focus is on managing water storage and reducing heat buildup through targeted infrastructure upgrades and maintenance cycles.
- Water Storage: Increasing the capacity to handle rainfall of 70mm in one hour and 100mm over two days.
- WIORZ Integration: Mandatory application of the Wegwijzer Inrichting Openbare Ruimte Zaanstad for all replacement investments.
- Rainwater Decoupling: Targeted disconnection of rainwater from the sewage system where efficient, redirecting it to surface waters.
- Wadi Guidelines: Implementation of guidelines for the construction and maintenance of bioswales and permeable paving.
Track 2: Standards for New Developments
New construction must comply with stringent climate-adaptive criteria to prevent future damage and ensure livability in densifying areas.
- Basisveiligheidsniveau MRA: Adherence to the regional safety levels for heat and water resilience.
- On-site Storage: New builds must provide temporary storage for all precipitation falling within 48 hours on the plot or within the building itself.
- Green Coverage: Requirements for green roofs and facades to mitigate urban heat island effects.
- Ground Clearance: A minimum clearance (drooglegging) of 0.8 meters is required for terrain to support healthy tree growth.
Track 3: Landscape and Soil Management
The peat-meadow landscapes, including Polder Westzaan and Polder Oostzaan, require specialized management to prevent oxidation and subsidence.
- Water Level Management: Implementation of 'function follows water level' (functie volgt waterpeil) to protect wooden pile foundations from rotting.
- Green-Blue Services: Development of financial and legal instruments for farmers to provide water storage on agricultural land.
- Subsidence Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of soil levels and salinity in rural areas surrounding Zaanstad.
Financial Framework and Planning
The municipality has allocated specific budgets to facilitate these adaptations through 2026.
- Structural Budget: €240,000 per year for strategic advice, communication, and direct subsidies for residents.
- Sewage Levy: €500,000 annually reserved within the Gemeentelijk Rioleringsplan for managing extreme water flooding.
- Impulsregeling: Access to regional funds from the Deltafonds, with approximately €1.5 million available for Zaanstad projects through 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum shade requirement for new public spaces?
There must be at least 30% shadow coverage for important slow-traffic routes and seating areas during the highest sun position in summer.
How far should residents have to walk to reach a 'cool spot'?
A cool spot of at least 200m² should be present within a walking distance of 300 meters from any given location.
What are the rules regarding rainwater for new residential developments?
New neighborhoods must utilize separate sewage systems, and rainwater must be stored on-site or discharged directly to surface water within the polder's limits.
How is tree crown cover regulated in the city?
The goal is to achieve an average tree crown cover of 20% across the city, increasing to 30% at designated cool spots and meeting places.
What happens if building foundations are threatened by drought?
The municipality continues to stimulate foundation recovery (funderingsherstel) for homes with wooden piles to prevent damage caused by low groundwater levels.
Are there subsidies available for climate adaptation in Zaanstad?
Yes, subsidies are available for rain barrels, green roofs, green facades, and measures for businesses to combat heat stress and flooding.
