Private bench in public space

• Ask your neighbours how they feel about it. If they do not agree to install a bench, your initiative cannot go ahead.
• Place a bench that fits in well with its surroundings. The size of the bench is maximum 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres.
• The bench should be visible to passers-by. Also in the dark. You will therefore need to place reflective material on the bench.
• The bench must be moveable. This could also be with a forklift truck.
• The person installing the bench is responsible for its maintenance. This also applies to the area up to 1 metre around the bench.

A private bench. In front of the house. On local authority land.

Do you want to install your own bench? More information and the application form can be found on the ’Residents initiatives’ page.

A standard bench (possibly for a special situation). On local authority land. For public use.

• The bench can have an inscription, which makes it a memorial bench.
• The cost of buying and installing a bench are for your own account. You pay these costs once and are approximately € 1.000,-.
• The City of Leeuwarden orders, installs and maintains the bench.
• A loan agreement will be concluded with you, setting out a number of arrangements.
• For a memorial bench, consider what should be engraved on the bench.
• An employee of the City of Leeuwarden will contact you. You discuss where best to place the bench.
• It is certain that the bench will remain in this place for the next five years. An exception may be made for new unforeseen redevelopment and/or construction projects. The bench will then be moved in consultation with you.
• Do you want to apply for a bench? This can be done with a Residents’ Initiative. More information and the application form can be found on the ‘Residents’ initiatives’ page.

A non-standard bench. On local authority land. For public use.

• This could be a home-made bench. For example, made from a tree trunk.
• Do you bring the bench in every night? In that case, no application is required.
• Will the bench stay out in the evening too? In that case you need to submit an application. This can be done with a Residents’ Initiative. More information and the application form can be found on the ‘Residents’ initiatives’ page.
• You pay the cost of buying and installing the bench yourself.
• You install and maintain the bench yourself.
• If there are complaints about the bench, they will be forwarded to you.
• A loan agreement will be concluded with you, setting out a number of arrangements.

Examples of a standard and non-standard bench

The following document shows photos of a standard and non-standard bench. On local authority land. For public use.

• Examples of standard and non-standard benches (PDF, 323.56 KB)

• Do you want to place the bench in the city centre? Contact the City of Leeuwarden. Different rules may apply due to, for example, limited space and protected townscape.
• At least 1.20 metres of walking space should be left free.
• Do not place a bench in the walking route for the blind and visually impaired.
• The bench should be placed further than 2 metres from:
  • The street corner;
  • A pedestrian crossing;
  • a bus stop;
  • trees and green spaces (hedges, parks and lawns). This is because machine mowing must be possible.
• The bench should be placed further than 1 metre from objects such as:
  • underground and above-ground fire hydrants;
  • valves;
  • e.g. utility distribution boxes.
• Keep access clear to homes, institutions and businesses next to and above the bench.
• Keep street gutters and drains clear for rainwater runoff.
• The land on which the bench stands remains the property of the City of Leeuwarden.
• The local authority and utility companies always have free access to the land on which the bench stands. If necessary, the bench can be moved.
• The local authority is not responsible for damage caused by moving the bench.
• If the ground is needed for something else, the bench can be removed. You will be notified of this in advance.
• Have you placed a bench but not made an application? Or did you not follow the rules? The bench can be removed without notice.