Flagpole heights in Belgium: which length suits
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
This page is an English translation of the Dutch original. Where the two versions differ, the Dutch text is the original.
The height of a flagpole determines how far the flag can be seen, which flag size suits, how much wind the pole catches and which rules apply. In Belgium there is no legal standard height. The choice depends on the surroundings, the building and the region.
Common heights
| Situation | Common length above ground |
|---|---|
| Façade pole on a house | 1.5 to 2 metres |
| Garden of a house | 6 to 8 metres |
| Association, sports club, school | 7 to 10 metres |
| Business or shop | 8 to 12 metres |
| Public building or square | 10 metres and more |
A rule of thumb in the trade is that the pole rises above the ridge or parapet of the neighbouring building, so that the flag can fly freely and be seen clearly. Where a pole stands close to trees, it is customary for the flag to clear the treetops.
Height and flag size
A Belgian flag supplier uses the rule of thumb that the height of the flag is about a quarter of the pole length. For 6 to 7 metres that gives a 150 × 225 cm flag, for 8 to 9 metres 200 × 300 cm. The flag size calculator shows the size for each length.
The stated length of a pole is usually its height above ground. With poles in a ground sleeve or foundation, part of the pole is below ground. More on this is in the guide on flagpole installation.
Height and wind
The taller the pole, the stronger the wind at the top, and the greater the force on the pole and the foundation. The Belgian national annex to the Eurocode on wind actions, NBN EN 1991-1-4 ANB, uses a reference wind speed of 23 to 26 m/s: according to Odisee University of Applied Sciences, 26 m/s in Bruges and 23 m/s in Arlon. The terrain also plays a part, from open coastland to a built-up town centre.
Manufacturers design their poles for a given wind speed and flag size. That rating determines which flag the pole can safely carry, and it takes precedence over any rule of thumb.
Height and permits
Height plays a part in whether a permit is needed, and the rules differ by region:
- Brussels: the decree of 13 November 2008 exempts installations for domestic, recreational or decorative use in the garden zone up to a height of 3 metres, and in the front setback up to 1 metre, subject to conditions.
- Flanders: the exemption decree of 16 July 2010 does not mention flagpoles as such. Among other things, it exempts small garden structures and technical structures on a house up to three metres above the ridge.
- Wallonia: the list of exempt works in article R.IV.1-1 of the CoDT does not mention flagpoles as such either.
The municipal planning department can answer for a specific case. More on this is in the guide on flagpole installation.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a flagpole at a house usually?
Poles of 6 to 8 metres are common at homes. A Belgian flag supplier pairs them with flags of 150 × 225 cm to 200 × 300 cm. Poles at businesses and public buildings are often taller.
Does the permit depend on the height of the pole?
It can. In Brussels, installations for domestic, recreational or decorative use in the garden are exempt up to 3 metres high, and in the front setback up to 1 metre. In Flanders and Wallonia, the exemption lists do not mention flagpoles as such. The municipality can answer for a specific case.
Does the wind zone play a part in the height?
Yes. The taller the pole, the greater the wind load. The Belgian national annex to the Eurocode on wind actions, NBN EN 1991-1-4 ANB, uses a reference wind speed of 23 to 26 m/s, depending on the location. Manufacturers state the wind zone and flag size each pole is designed for.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Dutch:
- Zo kies je het juiste formaat vlag bij jouw vlaggenmast – DVC Signstore (flag supplier)
- Wind en windbelasting begrijpen (NBN EN 1991-1-4 ANB) – Odisee University of Applied Sciences (Lirias, KU Leuven)
- Besluit van de Brusselse Hoofdstedelijke Regering van 13 november 2008 over de handelingen en werken vrijgesteld van stedenbouwkundige vergunning – Justel (FPS Justice)
- Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 16 juli 2010 tot bepaling van stedenbouwkundige handelingen waarvoor geen omgevingsvergunning nodig is – Justel (FPS Justice)
Related guides
- Flag sizesCommon flag sizes in Belgium, the 2:3 and 13:15 proportions of the tricolour, the rule of thumb for a flag on a pole and flags on façade poles.
- Flag size calculatorCalculator for the flag size on a flagpole in Belgium: the standard size of a Belgian supplier, the rule of thumb and the same flag in the 13:15 proportion.
- Flagpole installationInstalling a flagpole in Flanders, Wallonia or Brussels: exemptions by region, protected heritage, KLIP and KLIM-CICC plan requests and the foundation.
- Types of flagpolesThe types of flagpoles in Belgium: ground poles, façade poles, roof poles, banner poles, telescopic and mobile poles and internal halyards.