Getting started with a garden facade, insect hotel, root zone, public green space, planter or bench

These rules apply to all initiatives:

• The land remains the property of the City of Leeuwarden.
• The local authority will not be liable in the event of any damage, including damage caused by moving things.
• The local authority and utility companies are always entitled to access to the land.
• The local authority may temporarily or permanently remove the initiative if necessary.
• You yourself are responsible for the costs and maintenance.
• Consult with your neighbours first. If they object to it, you will not be able to implement your initiative.
• Make sure you do not cause any nuisance for others.
• Make sure street gutters, drains and grates are not blocked.
• Additional rules apply in the city centre. Contact your local authority. Or send an email to: bewonersinitiatieven@leeuwarden.nl.
• If you decide to end the initiative, pass this on to the local authority.

The local authority may terminate or remove the initiative if you do not comply with the conditions.

A façade garden is a narrow garden along the façade of your house, on local authority land.

Conditions:

• Are you renting the house? Ask the owner of the house for consent.
• Width: 30 to 45 cm (1–1.5 pavement slabs).
• The remainder of the pavement must be at least 1.20 metres wide.
• You can use removed slabs to mark the border.
• If you come across pipes or cables, contact the local authority, your landlord or the utility company.
• Prevent branches from extending beyond the facade garden.

After you have submitted the application, the local authority will inspect the location. Once it has given its approval, the local authority will remove the pavement and create a border.
After that, you can start creating your facade garden. Replace the sand with garden mould. You will find more information about suitable plants on the website Groen leeft in Leeuwarden.

An insect hotel is a place where insects can take shelter and live.

Conditions:

• Consultation on the location with the local authority.
• Height of no more than 1 metre. If it is higher, you must consult with the local authority.
• Use material that suits the surrounding environment.
• Place it at a distance of at least 2 to 4 metres from trees, bushes, poles, signs, benches, rubbish bins, playground equipment, etc.
• Place it at a distance of at least 1 metre from fire hydrants, pipes and cables.
• The hotel may not block any passageways.
• If the hotel is placed on grass, you must also maintain the grass around it.

A root zone is the ground around a tree trunk. You can create a small garden here. If the local authority gives its approval, it will add a white tile to your root zone.

Conditions:

• Check that the soil quality is good.
• You can raise the ground level by a maximum of 10 cm.
• Do not create an edge around it.
• Do not damage any of the tree’s roots.
• Water the area regularly.

The local authority may allow you to organise and maintain some local authority land (maximum of 50 m²). If the local authority gives its approval, it will add a white tile to this land. The local authority may take back the management rights if the situation calls for it. You will be notified of this.

Conditions:

• Submit a street plan with your application (using Google Maps, for example).
• The root zone is intended for your own use and should not be rented out to or used by others.
• Keep the space open and green: do not place any fences or paving stones.
• Choose trees or bushes with shallow roots.

A planter box will make the street greener and more pleasant.

Conditions:

• Maximum size of 1 x 1 x 1 metres.
• The box must be suitable for its environment.
• The box must be visible in the dark (reflective).
• It must be possible to move the box.
• Make sure the remaining pavement is at least 1.20 metres wide.
• Make sure the walking route is open for the blind and visually impaired.
• Ensure a distance of at least 2 metres from corners, crossings, bus stops and green areas such as trees, hedges and fields of grass.
• Ensure a distance of at least 1 metre from fire hydrants and electrical enclosures.

Standard bench via the local authority

The local authority can place a bench for you. You will pay the associated costs, and the municipality will take care of its maintenance. There are several options:

Own design of bench

You may also choose to design your own bench and decide on a location for it in the public space. The Platform for Residents’ Initiatives will assess your proposal. Arrangements will be laid down in an agreement. Do you bring the bench in every night? In that case, no application is required.

Conditions:

• You will pay for the bench and take care of its maintenance, including the area of 1 metre around the bench.
• You will take care of its placement once you have obtained the local authority’s approval.
• Place a bench that fits in well with its surroundings. The bench’s size can be a maximum of 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres.
• The bench must be visible even in the dark.
• The bench must be moveable.
• If there are any complaints, you will be notified and expected to take action. If you fail to do so, the local authority will remove the bench.
• Dangerous situations? The local authority will remove the bench following a consultation.
• The place must be safe and easily accessible, including for lawnmowing purposes.
• The bench will remain for 5 years, except in the event of construction work or the area being redesigned. The bench will then be moved in consultation with you.
• If the bench has been broken several times, we will look into whether a different location might be better.

You can apply for a grant for your residents’ initiative. For example, you can do this via the  neighbourhood or village panel or the Living Together, Healthy Together scheme.

Do you want to get started on a facade garden, insect hotel or root zone? Would you like to design and maintain public green space? Or would you like to place a planter box or bench? Submit an online application to us first, including in the event that you want to cancel your initiative.

Are you unwilling or unable to apply or cancel online?

Download and complete the form Apply for/Cancel a facade garden, insect hotel, root zone, public green space, planter, bench. Send the form to the City of Leeuwarden. You can also hand it in at the Town Hall.

You can find more information about residents’ initiatives on the page Residents’ initiatives for a better neighbourhood.