COBRACE – Exemption from the number of parking spaces
Exemption in the number of parking spaces under COBRACE
In the Brussels Region, the number of parking spaces associated with office activities is limited as part of the COBRACE. However, each company can request an exemption to benefit from additional parking spaces. However, it is necessary to be able to justify precisely why these additional places are necessary.
Like many other European cities, Brussels seeks to promote alternative modes of transport to the private car, especially for commuting between home and work.
“One of the measures taken in this regard, established in the Brussels Air, Climate and Energy Management Code (COBRACE), aims to reduce the number of parking spaces available near offices, explains Charlotte Deloge, Project Manager at ABV Development, specialist in mobility and parking issues. This device concerns off-street parking, defining a maximum number of locations. This depends on two factors: the floor area of the offices and the area of accessibility by public transport. ”
COBRACE sets a limited number of parking spaces according to the zones
COBRACE distinguishes between three types of areas in the Brussels region (A, B or C), depending on how they are served by public transport.
For example, for an office area of 600 square meters located in zone A, well served, COBRACE admits 4 parking spaces. The same area, in zone C, which is more difficult to access via public transport, is authorized to have 10 parking spaces.
The COBRACE parking component applies to any application for an environmental permit or permit extension submitted after February 5, 2014.
Can we benefit from an exemption in the number of locations?
As part of the permit application, the company may request additional parking spaces to the authorized number.
However, they are subject to a tax per location, defined as the environmental burden associated with them, the amount of which varies according to the area. This tax currently varies from 250 euros (zone C) to 450 euros (zone A) per additional seat. “These amounts are expected to be increased over time (10% per year), explains Charlotte Deloge. There is therefore an interest for businesses in obtaining an exemption for these additional locations.”
In some cases, it is also possible to benefit from an exemption.
“There are indeed particular situations, due to specific activities, a specific need for company vehicles or even delayed schedules, which may justify a need for additional parking spaces”, comment Charlotte Deloge.
How do I submit a request for an exemption?
Depending on the number of additional parking spaces required, the procedure to be carried out differs. For more than 3 additional parking spaces, a parking impact assessment must be attached to the permit application. When the application contains between 3 and 10 excess locations, the applicant can carry out the evaluation himself
Beyond 10 additional parking spaces requested, the impact assessment must be conducted by an authorized office, such as ABV Development.
“The impact assessment under COBRACE must in particular present the activity of the site and highlight the mobility and accessibility aspects, Commenting Charlotte Deloge. It must also put forward the arguments to justify such a request, allowing the Brussels Environment Administration to rule on the admissibility of a possible derogation.”
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The administration is very attentive to these aspects, deciding on a case-by-case basis. To hope to benefit from an exemption, it is necessary to be able to justify each additional location in light of the needs of the activity carried out.