Visitor Parking

A Well-Intentioned Amenity

Visitor parking (bezoekersparkeerplaats) refers to a limited number of parking spaces within a private residential complex or on its grounds that are specifically designated for the temporary use of guests. The intention is to provide a convenient solution for visitors in areas where on-street parking is difficult or requires payment. In theory, this amenity makes it easier for residents to host friends and family without forcing their guests to search for a public parking spot. These spaces are typically marked with signs indicating their specific purpose and any time limits that may apply.

Scarce, Abused, and Unenforced

The practical reality of visitor parking for tenants is almost always one of frustration. The core problem is scarcity: developers and Owners' Associations (VvE's) invariably allocate far too few visitor spots to adequately serve the number of apartments in the building. This limited supply is then subject to constant abuse, most commonly by residents themselves. A household with two cars but only one assigned parking space will often use a visitor spot as a permanent home for their second vehicle. Other residents may use them for their own convenience to avoid a long walk from their assigned spot. Enforcement of the rules is typically weak to non-existent. The building management or VvE is often reluctant to enter into conflicts with residents by ticketing or towing vehicles. As a result, the visitor spots are almost perpetually occupied by the same cars. For a tenant, this means you can never rely on a visitor spot being available when you expect guests. A more reliable method in many cities is the digital visitor parking permit system offered by the municipality, which allows residents to register their guests' license plates online for a reduced hourly rate.