Woonvisie Schiedam – Housing Strategy for Urban Growth and Inclusion
The Woonvisie is the official housing strategy issued by the Gemeente Schiedam in September 2020. This document outlines the municipality's course for the next twenty years, succeeding the previous 2012 policy framework. It serves as a regulatory and strategic guide for urban development, sitting under the broader legal framework of the Dutch Omgevingsvisie and regional agreements such as the Woondeal Zuidelijke Randstad.
The strategy governs diverse regulatory domains including residential construction targets, sustainability transitions, and neighborhood liveability. It establishes a concrete ambition to add 6,000 new dwellings and replace at least 1,000 existing units by 2030. Key structural elements of the vision include the Plankaart Woningbouwambitie, which identifies specific development zones like Schieveste and Nieuw Mathenesse, and the Leefstijlkaart, which categorizes residential preferences into eight distinct profiles such as Vriendelijk & gezellig and Respectvol & weloverwogen.
The following sections detail the municipal requirements for building quality, strategic development locations, and the management of the existing housing stock to ensure a balanced distribution of housing types across the city.
Housing Ambitions and Growth Targets 2030
The municipality prioritizes a richer and more diverse housing supply to accommodate all income groups. The core targets for the year 2030 are as follows:
- New Construction: Addition of 6,000 new homes to the total stock.
- Replacement: Replacement of at least 1,000 units from the existing social housing stock.
- Planning Buffer: A planning supply of 130% (approximately 7,800 units) to ensure targets are met despite complex development processes.
- Senior Housing: Realization of 2,000 suitable dwellings specifically for seniors through new builds and adaptations.
Strategic Development and Transit-Oriented Growth
Growth is concentrated around public transport hubs and specific area transformations to maintain city-wide accessibility and efficiency.
- Schiedistrict, Schieveste: Development of approximately 3,500 high-quality homes near the central station.
- Nieuw Mathenesse: Transformation of industrial sites into a residential-work environment with roughly 1,000 new homes.
- OV-knooppunten: Intensified development around Station Nieuwland and the future Station Kethel.
- Park Harga: Continued development of 300 family homes and apartments in a green environment.
Quality Standards for New and Existing Dwellings
The document sets strict quality and sustainability requirements for all residential projects to prevent fragmentation and ensure long-term value.
- Minimum Size: New dwellings must generally have a minimum gebruiksoppervlak (GBO) of 70 m². Units between 50 and 70 m² are only permitted near high-quality public transport hubs.
- Energy Transition: Ambition for gas-free neighborhoods, with Groenoord targeted as the first district to transition to a heat network (warmtenet).
- Servicepunt Woningverbetering: A municipal service point providing guidance on foundation repair (funderingsherstel) and sustainability measures for private owners and Verenigingen van Eigenaren (VvE).
Housing Stock Management and Regulations
To protect liveability, the municipality utilizes the Verordening woonruimtevoorraadbeheer to regulate the modification of existing buildings.
- Woningvorming: Structural splitting of homes is restricted and prohibited in certain neighborhoods to prevent a surplus of small units.
- Kamerverhuur: Room rentals are subject to strict rules and are excluded in specific areas to prevent nuisance; a minimum of 18 m² per person is required.
- Opkoopbescherming: Implementation of self-occupancy obligations (zelfbewoningsplicht) for new builds on municipal land to protect against buy-to-let investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum floor area for new apartments in Schiedam?
The standard minimum usable floor area (gebruiksoppervlak) is 70 m². Smaller units between 50 and 70 m² are only allowed in the immediate vicinity of high-quality public transport hubs and high service levels.
How many new homes does Schiedam plan to build by 2030?
Schiedam aims to add 6,000 new homes to its stock and replace at least 1,000 existing social housing units, totaling a goal of 7,000 homes.
Is the Starterslening still available in Schiedam?
Yes, the municipality continues to offer the Starterslening to help first-time buyers bridge the gap between their maximum mortgage and the purchase price of their first home.
Which neighborhood is planned to become the first gas-free district?
The Groenoord district is currently under investigation to become the first gas-free neighborhood in Schiedam through the implementation of a sustainable heat network (warmtenet).
What are the rules for room rentals (kamerverhuur) in Schiedam?
Room rentals require a conversion permit (omzettingsvergunning). In several neighborhoods, these permits are no longer issued to protect liveability, and a minimum of 18 m² of space per person is mandated.
What is the function of the Servicepunt Woningverbetering?
It serves as a municipal desk where private homeowners and VvEs can receive technical advice and financial guidance for foundation repairs, maintenance, and sustainability improvements.
