In the coming years, at least 25,000 new homes will be built in the city. This is urgently needed because there is a significant shortage of housing. All these new residents cannot park on the street: there is too little space for that. Parking must therefore be in new garages. If developers who have to build incur these costs, they will be added to the housing projects, making the new homes unaffordable.
Therefore, the municipal council decided on March 31, 2025, that the municipality will build and operate these garages itself. This will stimulate housing construction, as it will make it easier for developers to secure financing for the homes, keeping the momentum in housing construction.
Proposal: Paid Parking
In the immediate vicinity of the new parking garages, the college wants to introduce a mild form of paid parking - in consultation with residents and stakeholders. This is necessary to prevent new residents from parking on the street where current residents park instead of in the garages. Current residents can purchase an inexpensive permit (also for a second or third car). Residents of the new homes will not be eligible for such a parking permit.
The introduction of paid parking, even in this mild form, contributes to the operation of the garages. By slightly increasing the parking rates in areas where paid parking already exists, we can achieve a balanced parking operation.
When determining the parking rates, a distinction is made between areas, the type of parking solution (street or garage), and the type of user (resident, visitor, social tenant).
This link provides access to the complete council proposal with the various rates..
Next Steps
Later this autumn, the municipal council will discuss this proposal and make a final decision. Most new parking rates will apply from January 1, 2027. Paid parking in the new neighborhoods will be phased in afterwards, in conjunction with the completion of the homes and garages. Prior to this, the municipality will consult with stakeholders in the relevant areas about accessibility and area boundaries, among other things. There will also be discussions with retailers and sports organizations to prevent any economic damage due to displacement behavior. These discussions will also address updating existing agreements regarding free parking at neighborhood shopping centers.
