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On allocation and management
of addresses in compliance with the Cadastral law
Address guide
On allocation and management of addresses in compliance with the Cadastral law
– address guide
The guide is developed by a work group consisting of:
Finn E. Isaksen (Group Leader) – Norwegian Mapping Authority (20062009)
Inghild Lier Andersen – Oslo/Bærum municipality (2005 – 2009)
Tove Fagerbæk – Siljan municipality (2005 – 2009)
Per Nordbø - Skien municipality (2005 – 2009)
Stein Krokmyrdal – Bergen municipality (2005 – 2009)
Frode Wold – Posten Norge (2006 – 2009)
Hege Kvernberg Dahl – Norwegian Mapping Authority (2009)
Trond Olav Vassdal – Norwegian Mapping Authority (2008 – 2009)
Tore Bø - Norwegian Mapping Authority (2005)
Håvard Hågård Norwegian Mapping Authority/Dekar (2005 – 2006)
Illustrasjonene er laget av:
Peter Juel Jeppesen – Byplantegnestuen, 3D illustrations
Kristoffer Kristiansen – Norwegian Mapping Authority, 2D illustrations
Layout:
Øivind Mehlum – Norwegian Mapping Authority
Log history:
Address guide
Version
Date
1.2.2
18.11.2015
Grethe Thoresen
17.7.1. Detailed annotations to
the various tasks
21.06.2012
Lena Helleren
Grethe Thoresen
Translation
Image editing & translation
Performed by
Canges
2
 Preface
On allocation and management of addresses in compliance with the
Cadastral law is the Norwegian Mapping Authority's guide to establishing
and managing a common address system for the whole country in
accordance with the provisions of the Law on property registration
(Cadastral law). According to § 21 of the law, the municipality is the official address authority and this guide should therefore be of primary importance to them in this work. But the guide should also be of importance to
other address users in understanding the allocation and management of
addresses.
The guide is based on earlier guides, among others:
• Adresser og stadnamn (Addresses and geographical names), part 1,
Handbok i kommunal adressetildeling (Handbook for municipal address
allocation), published by the Norwegian Mapping Authority, the Ministry
of the Environment and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional
Authorities, August 1986.
• NOU 1977: 46 Address allocation
• RiksGAB registration regulation
The guide is also based on Regulations for property registration (Cadastre
Regulations) with annotations.
Further good ideas are taken from Guide and Examples for Determination
of Addresses, published by Erhvervs- og Boligstyrelsen in Denmark, April
2004.
Suggestions, contributions and questions from users in the municipalities
and other address users have also been helpful in the development of the
guide. The Norwegian Mapping Authority thanks everyone who has contributed in this way.
The guide provides a background for and describes an address system with
a division of administrative and political tasks within the municipalities as
official address authorities. It should also be useful for other public and
private operators for use with their client/address systems and for locating
relevant buildings, objects or places.
It is important that the guide is used in conjunction with and as a supplement to the Law and the Regulations with annotations.
The guide is published exclusively on the internet. Updates will be continuously incorporated in the internet edition available at www.kartverket.no.
Supplemental instructions will also be made available here.
We are happy to receive views and ideas for improvement on email
(firmapost@kartverket.no).
Address guide
3
Contents
Preface
3
Introduction and overview
7
1. The purpose of and requirements for a good address system 7
2. The address system – an overview
9
2.1. Address parcels (roads)
9
2.2. Address parcels with address numbers (house
numbers)
10
2.3. Address parcels with address- and unit numbers​­
(dwelling number)
10
Principles and guidelines
11
3. Address area
4. Address parcel
5. Address code
6. Geographical name and name usage in addresses
6.1. Legal bases
6.2. Choice of geographical names 6.2.1. Existing or new geographical names
6.2.2. Notes on spelling
6.3. Determining spelling through formal naming
proceedings
6.4. Using the Geographical Name Service
6.5. Reporting to SSR (the Central Register of Geo
graphical names) 6.6. Address name
6.6.1. Principles for choosing address names
6.6.2. Address name are permanent fixtures
6.7.
Additional address names
6.7.1. Holding names
6.7.2. Institutions- or buildings names
6.8. District names
6.9. Cadastre address name
6.9.1. Choosing cadastre address name
11
Address guide
12
15
15
15
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
18
18
19
19
20
21
21
22
4
7. Allocating address numbers
7.1.
Principles for numbering along roads
7.1.1. The edge principle
7.1.2. The distance principle
7.1.3. Address number is allocated from official
access point
7.1.4. Multiple access points
7.1.5. Additional letter
7.1.6. Special buildings and properties
7.2. Principles of numbering in areas with no clear road
system ("Area addresses")
8. Allocating unit numbers
8.1. When are unit numbers determined?
8.2. Floor specification
8.3. The unit's number on the floor
8.3.1. Main principles for allocation of unit numbers
8.3.2. Changing unit numbers
8.3.3. Some examples
8.4. Unit identification 22
22
22
26
27
29
29
30
35
37
37
38
39
39
40
40
43
9. Districts and localisation of addresses
9.1. Address point and localisation with coordinates
9.2. Districts
9.2.1. Municipality
9.2.2. Basic statistical unit
9.2.3. Constituency
9.2.4. Parish
9.2.5. Urban area
9.2.6. Postal code area
44
44
45
45
45
45
45
45
10.Cadastre addresses
11. Signage
11.1. Division of responsibilities
11.2. Placement and use of signs
11.3. Address sign and -labels
11.3.1.Address name signs (sign 729 of the Signage
regulations)
11.3.2.Area sign
11.3.3.Address number signs
11.3.4.City block signs
11.3.5.Direction signs
11.3.6.Address labels for unit numbers
11.4. Placement of signs (signage plan)
43
43
46
46
46
47
47
49
50
51
52
54
55
Address guide
5
12. Address style, abbreviations etc
12.1. Abbreviation of names
56
12.2. Presentation Rules
56
12.3. Postal address
57
13. Local regulations
13.1. Content of regulations
14. Change of address
57
58
58
14.1. New name for existing parcel
58
14.2. Change of access road
59
14.3. Division or merger of parcels
59
14.4. Insertion of new numbers
59
15. Parties-in-interest right to be heard
60
15.1. Right to be heard
60
15.2.Complaint
60
16. Reporting new, changed or deleted roads and addresses
Organisation and processing
17. Organisation and processing
60
62
62
17.1. The municipality is the address authority
17.1.1. The content of address administration
17.1.2. Legal basis for address administration – two
legislations
63
17.2. The municipality's starting points
17.2.1. No Street addresses, i.e. only cadastral addresses
17.2.2. Street addresses in urban areas only
17.2.3. Street addresses throughout the municipality
63
63
63
63
17.3. Organisation
17.3.1. Political tasks
17.3.2.Administrative tasks
63
64
65
17.4. Inter-municipal cooperation
65
17.5. Outsourcing tasks
66
17.6. Coordination when municipalities merge
67
17.7. Addresses- and processing
17.7.1. Detailed annotations to the various tasks
68
69
18. Definitions
Address guide
56
62
62
74
6
 Introduction and overview
1. The purpose of and requirements for a good address
system
The purpose of a good address system is specified in § 49 of the Cadastre
Regulations:
"Addresses and signs should ensure that everyone easily can locate
and identify buildings, homes and other objects or places that it is
important to locate. The address should also serve as localisation
object and key to relevant information in private and public registries
and archives. Entering of addresses into the Cadastre Registry should
contribute to a common address system for the whole country".
To succeed in this, there are several important and necessary factors.
Address guide
7
Logical and easily understandable
A good address system has to be structured in a logical and easily understandable way and follow the same rules that the address users are used
to and comfortable with, while at the same time being common for the
whole country. One must, however, accept a degree of discrepancy in
some municipalities due to routines and rules established over a long
period of time that may be difficult to change (e.g. even/odd numbers on
the right or left side of the road, respectively).
It is of prime importance that it is logical and easy to understand in order
to achieve a quick and efficient distribution, which is especially significant
for the emergency services "when the seconds count".
Use of street addresses
Using street or road addresses as opposed to cadastre addresses is
important for a well functioning address system. Traditionally, cadastre
addresses have been used in sparsely populated areas but this is disadvantageous in a modern address system and will therefore only be
discussed in chapter 10.
Visible addresses
In order to make buildings, houses and other objects or places easy to
find, it is important that a requirement to make addresses visible through
signs for address names, address numbers, unit numbers etc. is included
in the address system regulations. Good signage will substantially increase
the value of the municipal work with addresses for many of its users.
Clearly defined administrative routines
There must be clearly defined guidelines for the division of responsibilities
and tasks within each area of the address work process. This includes
clarification of what is administrative and what is the political responsibility, and clarity of responsibilities and procedures in accordance with the
Law of The Geographical Names and Cadastral Law.
Ongoing maintenance
It is required that as soon as the decision on the choice, establishment or
change of an address name or additional address name is made it should
be registered in the Cadastre and the central register of geographic
names. The same requirement applies for assigning or change of an
address number, section number, etc.
Access, distribution and information
It is of prime importance to other address users that there is ongoing
maintenance of the Cadastre and the Central Register of Geographical
Names, whether they get access through the Norway Digital Partnership
or some other way. It is also important that routines are in place for how
and to whom it is expedient or necessary to give notices or information
from the address authority.
Key information in other systems and solutions
Address is the concept known to the public, and everyone knows their
own address. Therefore it is an important key into the other systems, for
example juridical registration, condominium (housing cooperative) register
or property registers. Address is also an important key to the consumers’
registers, post and distribution registers, and other location and position
services. All this requires a good and well-functioning system for address
provision and management in the municipalities.
Address guide
8
2. The address system – an overview
The address system is built around the municipalities and important terms
that make up an address are defined in § 2 of the Cadastre directive and
in the annotations notes to chapter 12 of the directives. As registry addresses will eventually be replaced by street addresses, the following is
mainly concerned with street addresses. (For cadastre addresses: see
chapter 10)
The address system of the official addresses is built up on three levels:
1. address parcels (roads)
2. address parcels with address number (house number)
3. address parcels with address and unite numbers (dwelling number )
A sketch of the address system might look like this:
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Municipality number
Street address
Address name
Adress code
Adress number
Unit number
Additional address
name
Coordinates
Codes for:
District name
Basic statistical unit
Constituency
Postal code area
Parish
Urban area
Figure 2-1 Diagram of the structure of the three levels of the address system. Address parcel, which denotes the first level, encompasses address name and address code as well as municipality number, the next level includes address number
while unit number denotes the third level, where applicable. Also shown is what
is covered by the term street address. The dotted line indicates that unit number
and/or additional address name may be included in the address.
2.1. Address parcels (roads)
An address parcel is a road or a section of a road in areas with official
addresses that has been allocated an address code with an associated
address name. The term address parcel also includes streets, squares and
sites cf. annotations to chapter 12 of the Cadastre directives. Longer
thoroughfares/ road sections within a municipality may be divided into
Address guide
9
several address parcels, with associated address name.
An address parcel extending through several municipalities is given a different address code in each municipality but the same address name. The
term road parcel is a more technical term connected to construction and
maintenance of roads or parts of roads and is not used in connection with
addresses.
2.2. Address parcels with address numbers (house numbers)
This is a street address that indicates the access address of each property,
building, home or other object or place (e.g. Storgata 12B). The street
address should indicate an approved access point for these units, cf. § 50,
section 4 of the Cadastre directives.
A set of geographical coordinates should be linked to the street address,
which then form the basis for associated official district data: parish, electoral district, basic statistical unit, town, postal code area, cf. § 56 of the
Cadastre directives
An additional address name can also be associated with the street address
(holding name, name of institution or building) in accordance with § 54, 1
& 2 of the Cadastre directives (e.g. Fjellveien 25, Tveit).
2.3. Address parcels with address and unit numbers (dwelling
numbers) This is a detailed address that indicates the access address of each unit
of a building (e.g. Storgata 36-H0203). The unit number consists of a
floor designation plus a number within the floor, see chapter 8 for further
details.
Unit number as part of an official address is used only when there are
several units in a building that share the same street address.
Address guide
10
 Principles and guidelines
3. Address area
An address area is a geographical area that forms a natural unit in the
address system. An address area may thus be one municipality or covering whole or parts of several municipalities cf. Figure 3-1. If the area
covers multiple municipalities, the municipalities involved should begin
their collaboration at an early stage.
The reason it may be appropriate to establish addressing areas common
to several municipalities, is primarily due to the fact that the public, emergency agencies, distribution and transport perceive them as natural units,
geographical and communication purposes, regardless of municipal boundaries.
It is therefore important that this is coordinated so that address names
are unambiguous and the numbering follows a common system within the
area, cf. chapter 6. Even when no formal agreement on a common address area has
been made,
it might be
expedient to
define roads
that cross
municipal
boundaries as
one address
parcel with
the same
address name
in all municipalities (but
with different address
codes), and
with continuous address
numbering, cf.
annotation to
§ 12 of the
Main address parcel
Cadastre
Municipal boundary
directives.
Boundary address area
It will in
Built up area
this case be
necessary to
Urban area, population > 1000
determine in
which municipality the
numbering
should begin.
Figure 3-1, Address area may cover multiple municipalities.
Address guide
11
4. Address parcel
Division into address parcels make up the pattern in an address area.
Address parcel could also include corresponding random roads and paths,
places and areas, see notes to Chapter 12 of the Cadastre Directives. This
is especially relevant for:
• Institution areas, businesses, etc., where the road network is unclear
• Cabin areas without roads and trails
• Communities and areas with no trails and roads such as smaller islands
Correct division into address parcels is important in order to achieve a
well functioning and useful address system. Having many short address
parcels may lead to cumbersome and difficult route-finding. It also creates
extra sign maintenance work. Long address parcels may make accommodating road changes and adding new address numbers more difficult.
Main address parcel
Begin numbering
Direction of numbering
End numbering
Municipal boundary
Boundary address area
Built up area
Urban area, population > 1000
Figure 4-1 Top level address parcels are indicated with a startingand end point, and the direction of numbering. (The dotted square
indicates area shown in more details in the following figure.)
Address guide
12
It may also be expedient to assign address parcels to stretches of road
where no address numbers are planned (e.g. along main roads without
direct access out).
It will often be natural to start with major roads or motorways when
creating address parcels, but whether the road is an E-road, a national,
county, municipal or private road, does not matter. An address parcel
should constitute a unit with a starting point and an ending point located
at natural geographical spots, like intersections, junctions by bridges and
other distinct, natural spots. It is natural to start with the largest roads.
For address parcels comprising areas with ambiguous or non-existent road
systems, it will often be natural to base parcels around public car parks,
wharves etc.
National road
County road
Municipal road/
private road
Small road without
its own address name
Begin numbering
Direction og numbering
End numbering
Municipal boundary
Figure 4-2 When the main road network has been divided into appropriate address
parcels, address parcels for smaller roads are assigned.
Address guide
13
When the main roads are defined the work continues on a more detailed
level.
Figure 4-3 When assigning address parcels for small roads, it might
be expedient to work with a detailed map showing existing houses /
address points.
When deciding whether a side road should constitute its own address
parcel, the following factors should be kept in mind:
• length of the side road (preferably more than 2 km in sparsely populated areas)
• number of address units connected to the side road (preferably more
than 2-4 address units in sparsely populated areas, more than 10-20 in
built-up areas)
• future expansion of the side road
• length of the main road
• uneven numbering along the main road if the side road is included in
the main road's address parcel
• limiting address changes
Address guide
14
5. Address code
Each address parcel is allocated an address code. Address codes must be
a number between 1000 and 99998 and allocated consecutively, independent of location or address parcel name. The address code is allocated by
the municipality in the Cadastre. In address areas covering multiple municipalities with address parcels crossing municipal boundaries, each municipality will assign a different code. The address code in conjunction with the
municipality number is nationally unique. Expired address codes should
not be reused. When changing the address name of an address parcel, the
address code is retained.
6. Geographical names and name usage in addresses
6.1. Legal bases
Address name, additional address name (farm-, building- or institution
name), registry address name and district name are all geographical
names according to the definition in § 2 of the Law on Geographical
Names.
With the exception of additional address names, according to § 54, 1st
section of the Cadastre directives, and certain district names, it is the
municipalities that choose which names are to be used in addresses, while
the spelling is determined based on the regulations of the Law on Geographical Names. The main principle for the spelling of geographical names
is set out in § 4 of the Law on Geographical Names, which reads:
Where nothing else is indicated in this law, the spelling of geographical
names should be based on the traditional local pronunciation. The spelling
should adhere to accepted spelling principles for Norwegian and Sami. For
geographical names in the Kven language, the spelling should adhere to
accepted spelling principles for Finnish. Finnish geographical names in Eastern Norway may be adapted to Norwegian spelling principles.
When the same name is used for different name objects in the same area,
the spelling for the primary function should be, as a rule, normative for
the spelling of the other functions. Two or more spellings of the same
name for the same name object may be allowed if one or more of these
conditions are met:
a) The name has more than one accepted pronunciation because the
locality covers a broad geographical region or is located in a dialectical or
administrative border area.
b) Two or more spellings of the name are already well established.
c) There is a strong local interest in having two or more spellings.
6.2. Choice of geographical name
It is important that a name is chosen as quickly as possible during the
address work process. Especially when there in certain cases may become
necessary to institute formal naming proceedings. Collection and registration of potential geographical names should therefore begin as early as
possible, preferably before the final allocation of address names to
address parcels.
Address guide
15
6.2.1. Existing or new geographical names
When choosing geographical names in connection with addresses, it must
be determined whether the names are already in official use in connection with some other function (such as landscape names, farm- or holding
names etc.). If such existing names are to be used, alone or as part of a
compound name, it is important that the following is kept in mind:
1) If a formal decision regarding the spelling of the name has been made
in accordance with the Law on Geographical Names, the adopted spelling
should be used in the address name, or be adapted in accordance with
conjugation rules in cases of compound names, e.g. Brekkesvingen, from
Brekka; Viksvegen, from Vika. The Geographical Name Service can provide advice on proper compound forms, see chapter 6.5.
2) If no formal decision regarding the spelling has been made, but the
name was in official use before 1/7/1991 (when the Law on Geographical
Names came into force), "public bodies [...] may continue to use the
spellings that are used by public authorities when the Law comes into
force, as long as a resolution to change the spelling has not been made",
cf. § 9, third section of the Law. If these names/ spellings can be found in
the Central Register of Geographical Names, their status will be approved.
It is however still important to make appraisals of these "approved" spellings and how they conform to the intention and regulations of the Law.
The Central Register of Geographical Names might for instance have a
name unit spelled Vollslykkja while the cartographical series uses the
spelling Woldsløkken. In such cases it is the spelling used in the "name
unit" in the Central Register of Geographical Names, which must serve as
a guideline, see § 15, last section, the Law on Geographical Names:
When a name has not been processed according to the regulations of the
Law on Geographical Names, and two or more spellings of the name in the
same language is in use by public authorities and are registered with the
Central Register of Geographical Names (SSR) as approved spellings, then
one should use the SSR's "name unit" spelling for official purposes.
If there is doubt regarding which spelling to use, the Geographical Name
Service may be consulted or formal naming proceedings instituted in order
to determine a single spelling. In general, it is unfortunate if a decision is
made on an "approved" spelling of an address name, which is then later
changed during formal naming proceedings.
If there is a wish to use a spelling that has not been previously "approved",
formal naming proceedings must be instituted to determine whether this
is possible.
In order to use completely new names in addresses, formal naming
proceedings must in general be instituted in order to establish the spelling.
For exceptions, see chapter 6.5 below.
6.2.2. Notes on spelling
As mentioned above, the Geographical Name Service may be consulted on
the spelling of names and spelling in general.
There are also many guidelines available at the Norwegian Language
Council's website (www.sprakrad.no) under "Rettskrivning og ordlister",
among other things on:
- Historical names – king Håkon or king Haakon?
- Accents – acute accent: André, allé; grave accent: Genève, òg (=også);
circumflex: Rhône, fôr (=dyrefôr)
- Apostrophes – no apostrophe for Astrids veg, apostrophe for Vesaas' veg
Address guide
16
- Capitalisation – not Olavs Veg but Olavs veg
- Abbreviations, see also chapter 12.1.
Also note the Norwegian rule that geographical names in the definite form
ordinarily loses the definite form suffix when compounded with another
name item. For example, we say Nesodden but Nesoddtangen, Vålerenga
but Vålerengtunnelen, Oslofjorden but Oslofjordtunnelen. Also note the
usage of joining-s and joining-a, such as in Lærdalstunnelen and Gudvangatunnelen.
Furthermore, the name Hesselbergsvegen will ordinarily indicate that the
road ends by Hesselberg while Hesselbergs veg indicates that the road is
named for the person Hesselberg. Lammers' gate indicates that the street
is named for the person Lammers, while Lammers gate is named for the
person Lammer (no s).
6.3. Determining spelling through formal naming proceedings
§ 5 of the Law on Geographical Names specify who is eligible for instituting formal naming proceedings. Regarding the decision-making authorities
is says:
The municipality decides the spelling of official addresses and names
of towns, villages, municipal roads, streets, squares, urban districts,
residential areas, industrial sites etc.
The Norwegian Mapping Authority decides the spelling of other geographical names as long as no other law or regulation states otherwise.
§ 6 have further regulations regarding the procedure, among other things
on advice from the Geographical Name Service and on who has a right to
be heard. See also chapter 17.7.1, item 6.
As shown above in § 4, it is important in formal naming proceedings to
clarify what the primary function of a name is. According to § 8 of the
regulations of the Law on Geographical Names, the spelling of the primary
function should be decided first. Since farm names/holding names/landscape names etc. often will be primary in addresses, it will be necessary to
clarify the primary spelling before the municipality decides on the spelling
of the name in relation to the address. The opinion of the Geographical
Name Service must weigh heavily when deciding what the primary
function is.
6.4. Using the Geographical Name Service
Before the municipality decides on address names, the regional
Geographical Name Service should receive the suggested names in order
to make a statement in accordance with § 6, first section, last item of
the Law on Geographical Names. Spellings that the Geographical Name
Service find unproblematic in relation to the regulations of the Law, do
not need to be processed in a formal naming proceeding, see chapter 6.5
below.
The Geographical Name Service may also advice on choice of address
name.
Name of contacts, addresses etc. for the Geographical Name Service's
departments, can be found on the website of the Norwegian Language
Council (www.sprakrad.no under "Tema, Stedsnavn").
Address guide
17
6.5. Reporting to the Central Register of Geographical Names
All formal decisions regarding the spelling of geographical names, must,
according to § 12 of the Law on Geographical Names, be reported to the
Central Register of Geographical Names by the person that made the
decision and according to the routines set out in the Law on Geographical
Names (for the time being, to the relevant county mapping office of the
Norwegian Mapping Authority).
Geographical names that are used as address names without a formal
decision on spelling, should also be reported to the Central Register of
Geographical Names. When formally approved names are used as the initial name item in, for instance, -vegen, it is not necessary to make a new
resolution on the spelling, but the composition (for instance if there should
be a joining-s) should be assessed by the Geographical Name Service.
6.6. Address name
All address parcels shall be assigned an address name that is unique
within the municipality or a common address area. Until the address name
is determined the address code can be used as an address name (and it
can be referred to, for example road 2335).
6.6.1. Principles for choosing address names
The address name is important alongside the address number since it is
the concrete, visible expression of the address. It is therefore important
to find good and lasting names. Some names have been shown to be more
popular among suggestion-makers, executive officers and decision makers
than others. It should therefore be noted that § 3 of the Law on Geographical Names contains a name protection. This might set a geographical
boundary for the extent to which forms of good geographical names can
be used in address names.
When choosing names, the following principles should be kept in mind:
• The name must fit a unified address system
• The name should be based on and carry forward the tradition of local
names
• The name should fit the area
• The name should not be offensive or comical
• The names should be varied
• The name should be easy to write, read and pronounce
• One should avoid using names of living persons and at least five to ten
years should have passed since the person's death before using the
name. Names of persons living in recent times should be spelled the
way the person spelled the name. In general, restraint in the use of
personal names is advised.
• Category Name (concentration of significant groups) may be used when
it seems expedient, however this way you may easily get a stereotypical
character and this form of choosing names should not be exaggerated.
Further advice on good naming practice can be found in "Adresser og
stadnamn Del 2: Stadnamn i offentleg og privat bruk" (only in Norwegian
edition).
6.6.2. Address names are permanent fixtures
Address names should be established on the basis that they will be lasting
and able to endure changing circumstances. It is costly and often difficult
to change an established address name. One should consequently avoid
period specific address names, names based on political circumstances,
living persons etc.
Address guide
18
One should also avoid names that are connected with the ownership of
buildings or similar in the area, e.g. company names. If such a company
changes names or moves from the area, the address name will usually be
inappropriate for the new users.
The same goes for special project names, names of housing cooperatives
etc. To make sure such names are not adopted unofficially, the municipality should allocate addresses early and emphasise that this is the address that should be used in marketing. Historical names, old geographical
names or other names connected with the cultural history of the area are,
on the other hand, suitable as bases for naming.
6.7 Additional address names
According to § 54 of the Regulations, street addresses may have an additional name, additional address name, as part of the official address. The
reason for this is a wish to preserve holding names of cultural and historical value so that these will remain in common usage through official
addresses. The same applies to names of especially well known institutions or buildings.
The additional address name may apply to a single or a handful of street
addresses, cf. annotations to § 21, 4th section of the Law, and is an addition to the street address with address name and address number.
6.7.1. Holding names
In § 54, 1st section of the Cadastre Regulations, it states:
"When the address belongs to a farm, the farm's legal owner has the
right to demand that the official address should include the farm's
holding name, as long as the name coincides linguistically and geographically with a traditional geographical name, cf. Law on Geographical
Names".
In § 2, letter c of the Law on Geographical Names, holding name is defined
as: "name of property with one or more holding numbers or lease numbers under one farm number".
Traditional geographical name is defined under letter d of the same
section as: "a geographical name that has been handed down orally or in
written form from earlier generations".
So this is something the owner of a farm can demand, but it is the municipality that determines whether the conditions for such an additional address name are met. Some discretion will be necessary here. By farm, it is
not necessarily meant a currently operational farm. An additional address
may also be added to the street address of an original farmyard that has
become a regular residential lot. The main guideline should be the heritage value of the holding name.
When assessing whether a holding name is a traditional geographical
name, the main rule is that it must be in use today as the name of the
farm. It is further required that the name has been "handed down orally
or in written form from earlier generations'. Names present in the Cadastre
Register as of 1903-07 and in use today, will in most cases be traditional
geographical names. Newer names may also be accepted as traditional
geographical names following a heritage-evaluation of the name. For such
Address guide
19
an evaluation, the draft Cadastre of 1950, public maps, documents and
oral traditions may be relevant sources. This means that holding names
that were new when the farm was established as a Cadastre unit may still
be considered traditional geographical names. New farms may also be
allowed additional address names if the existing, traditional geographical
name is used as holding name, such as the name of the stretch of land or
natural formation on which the farm i situated. Provisions have thus been
made to allow holding names that coincide linguistically and geographically with a traditional geographical name to be used as additional address
names regardless of when the farm became an independent Cadastre unit,
e.g. smallholdings and new farms.
It is the Norwegian Mapping Authority that decides the spelling of these
holding names, cf. § 8 and § 5, third section of the Law on Geographical
Names as well as comments to § 5 of the Law on Geographical Names in
Rettleiing til forskrift om skrivemåten m.m. av stadnamn:
The municipalities are also responsible for deciding the spelling of all
names used in official addresses with the exception of holding names.
Their spelling should be decided in accordance with § 8, cf. § 4, 2nd
section on primary function.
An example of the use of additional address names as part of an official
address in running text might be: Tveit, Fjellveien 25 – where Tveit is the
holding name of a farm.
In addition to what is mentioned in chapter 6.2 regarding spelling, the following should be kept in mind regarding holding names:
1. Separate additions indicating direction, size etc. (Østre, Store etc.)
should be included if they are part of the holding name (i.e., can be found
in the Cadastre Registry/conforms to local name usage). It will then in
general be placed ahead of the main name in accordance with Norwegian
normalisation rules.
2. Additional words (farm etc.) should in general not be used unless they
are specified as part of the holding name.
The holding name will for the time being be registered in the Cadastre
and to some extent in the Central Register of Geographical Names. In
the future, the Central Register of Geographical Names will be the main
site for storing and managing holding names. Other useful sources for
information about holding names are the Cadastre draft from 1950 and O.
Rygh: Norske Gaardnavne, both of which can be found under the project
dokpro.
6.7.2. Institution- or building names
In § 54 of the Regulations, it states:
"When the address belongs to an especially well known institution or
building, the municipality may, up on the request of the property's
legal owner, set the official address to also include a name for the
institution or building, as long as general considerations suggest that
this is expedient".
In this case, it is the municipality that decides whether an additional name
should be used, and also decides the spelling. In the annotations to
§ 21, 4th section of the Law, it is stated that "the municipality must
in both cases (holding name and building- or institution name) freely
Address guide
20
measure any proposal from the owner to change or remove address
names against all counter-indications". Based on this, the municipality has,
on their own initiative and with the consent of the legal owner, the option
to decide that the name of a building or institution should be part of the
official address when the municipality finds this expedient.
Whether general considerations indicate that an additional name should be
included, may be determined by considering the following:
• How well known is the institution or building?
• Will the name endure if the current occupant changes names or moves?
What is the likelihood?
• Will the name make the address easier to find?
Examples of such names might be: City Hall, Fylkeshuset, Ibsenhuset and
University of Stavanger.
6.8. District names
According to § 56 of the Cadastre Regulations, the official districts include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Municipality
Basic statistical unit
Constituency
Parish
Urban area
Postal code area
Municipalities are also allowed to manage other districts or zones in the
Cadastre Registry, should they have the need, such as school districts,
city districts etc. In such cases, the municipality may also allocate names
within these districts.
In general, the same rules and guidelines as for address names and other
geographical names apply when choosing district names and their spelling,
see above.
.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is responsible for choosing the names and spelling of municipalities (§ 3 of the Law
on municipalities and counties (the municipality law)) and the Church of
Norway through the Bishops' Conference for parishes (§ 2 of the Law of
the Norwegian church (the Church law) and letter from the Ministry of
Church Affairs, Education and Research to the dioceses regarding delegation, dated 19/7/1996). The municipalities are responsible for choosing the
names of constituencies, Statistics Norway for basic statistical units and
towns, and Norway Post for postal code areas. The spelling of the
latter is decided by the Norwegian Mapping Authority in accordance with
the regulations of the Law on Geographical Names.
6.9. Cadastre address names
All registry addresses should have an additional name as part of the
official address. If no additional address name has been allocated as farm-,
building- or institution name in accordance with § 54, first or second
section of the Cadastre Regulations, the municipality decides according
to § 55, third section which registry address names can be used within
specified geographical areas (polygons). The use of such an additional
name in the registry address is in most cases necessary in order to find
the address, since the registry address itself, consisting only of a farm-
Address guide
21
or holding number, and, where applicable, lease number, will often be
unknown and in many contexts not used at all.
6.9.1. Choosing cadastre address names
Names should be chosen that are already in official use and well known
locally, such as landscape names or settlement names. Names already in
use as farm- or village names will often be suitable as registry address
names as well.
For further guidance on registry addresses: see chapter 10
7. Allocating address numbers
When address parcels have been determined, it is important to allocate address numbers where these are applicable. This in order to avoid
owners/residents choosing unofficial address numbers for themselves.
Address numbers may be allocated before the address name. If deciding
on an address name is taking too long, the address code may be used as
address name (e.g. Veg 2468).
It is also important that the allocation of address numbers adheres to
certain principles. In areas with ambiguous road systems, for instance on
small islands and in some holiday areas, these will be somewhat different
from those of ordinary street addresses.
7.1. Principles for numbering along roads
As a general rule, numbering should start at the centre of the largest town
in the address area or at some other natural starting point. Otherwise, the
following principles, discussed in detail below, should be adhered to
•
•
•
•
•
The edge principle
The distance principle
Address number is allocated from official access point
Multiple access points
Additional letter
7.1.1. The edge principle
The numbering follows the edge of the road, turning in side roads, courtyards and open gateways, and, when viewed from the starting point, with
odd numbers on the right and even numbers on the left as a main rule, cf.
§ 52-1 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations. The numbering along both
sides of the road should progress as parallel as possibly. To achieve this,
it might be necessary to have leaps in the numbers. Numbers should be
reserved for areas where it is likely to be future development or rezoning.
Address guide
22
8
(Undeveloped)
4
Villavegen
7
5
10
(E.g. cemetery)
9
10
5
12
10
11
8
6
7
n
1
16
14
)
ege
king
Tun
v
(par
Storgaten
3
2
6
8 10
12
5 3
7 9 11
16 18 20
15 (Undeveloped
lot)
13
1
14
32
Langgaten
13
15
Villavegen
12
4
14
21
27
23
29
25
31
33
Figure 7-1 An example of address allocation in a built-up area, with even numbers
on the left and odd numbers on the right. Note how numbers have been reserved for
the undeveloped lots. Tunvegen illustrates address allocation around an open space.
Figure 7-2 Two alternative ways of allocating addresses around an open
space/"roundabout". In either case, good signage is important.
Address guide
23
Figure 7-3 If side roads are included in the same address parcel as the main road,
it may lead to uneven numbering along the main road, as shown along Granittveien in the illustration on the left. The illustration on the right shows another way
to allocate numbers. Here, the side road has been given its own name, Bergveien.
Address guide
24
Figure 7-4
Here a decision must
be made
on which
access point
from Bygata
should be
used for
number
allocation
for the rear
building. The
edge principle is otherwise followed
normally.
Figure 7-5
The numbering ordinarily turns
in through
the gateway
and continues along
the buildings in the
courtyard.
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25
Figure 7-6 The numbering will run along side roads and pedestrian streets to the
apartment blocks. This might lead to uneven numbering along Skogfaret. To avoid
this, it might be expedient to omit numbers, cf fig. 7.3 above.
7.1.2. The distance principle
I In sparsely populated areas, address numbers might be allocated based
on the distance to the road's starting point, indicated in units of ten
meters. A distance of 430 meters would then make the address number 43, 42 or 44. When side roads are included in an address parcel with
distance-based numbering, distances for the side road are calculated from
the beginning of the side road.
The main advantage of the distance principle is that numbers will automatically be reserved as well as always be parallel. This might be helpful
for locating an address, as long as it is known that this principle has been
employed.
The distance principle may be used in conjunction with ordinary numbering along the same road. An example might be when a road begins in a
built-up area with ordinary numbering and continues into a more sparsely
populated area. It might here be expedient to change over to distance
numbering.
It may be problematic; however, if several side roads belong to the same
address parcel as a main road with distance numbering, see figure 7-7
next page.
Address guide
26
Figure 7-7 Here the distance principle is employed for all main roads. Due to the
address allocation of the side road from Fjordvegen, the distance principle is "broken" at numbers 44/45. This could have been avoided by making the side road a
separate address parcel.
7.1.3. Address number is allocated from official access point
The address should be associated with the road recognised as the
property's or the building's official access point, cf. § 50-4 of the Cadastre
Registry Regulations. This is especially important when a property or
building can be accessed from multiple roads or entrances, but where one
specifically is the official access point (ordinarily one accessible by car).
Address guide
27
Figure 7‑8
The house in
the middle
has
Sjøvegen as
its official
access point
even though
access is
also possible from
Strandvegen (south
west in the
image).
If no official access point has been specified, the municipality should
associate the address with a drivable road, street or square.
If this still does not clarify the address, answering questions such as:
what does the owner consider his main access point; where is the letter
box; where is the doorbell? This might be helpful.
Figure 7-9
This property
does not have
an official
access point
and access by
car is possible from two
roads. What
the owner considers her main
access point,
may serve as
a guide. Here,
the access
point is then
associated with
Inngjerdinga.
Address guide
28
7.1.4. Multiple access points
A property or building may be given multiple street addresses. If a building has multiple main entrances recognised as official access points, each
entrance should in general be given its own address. All entrances that
are access points to residences should have a unique address. A residence
may only have one street address.
Figure 7-10
This shows an
ordinary apartment block with
multiple entrances and associated street addresses.
7.1.5. Additional letter
According to § 52 third section of the Cadastre Registry Regulations,
address numbers may contain an additional letter in order to avoid
re-numbering of previously allocated addresses. Letters should thus not
be used for address numbers in new areas.
Figure 7-11
The before-situation with ordinary
numbering.
Number 2 is reserved for possible
future development.
Address guide
29
Figure 7-12
The after-situation.
The new lot has
been allocated the
address number 4A
in accordance with
the edge principle.
Number 4 originally,
has become 4B.
When using additional letters, all addresses with the same number should
in general be given a letter, with continuous lettering in ascending order.
When a letter is used in addition to the address number, capital letters
should be used. The letters I, O, Q, Æ, Ø and Å may not be used. In running text and on signs, there should be no space between the number and
the letter, cf. notes to chapter 12 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations.
7.1.6. Special buildings and properties
Below are examples of address allocation for special buildings and properties where the basic principles for road addresses have still been adhered.
7.1.6.1 Shopping Centres
A shopping centre will often have multiple "main access points" and often
several smaller access points directly to individual stores. It may be expedient to allocate a "main address" to the centre itself, but this does not
preclude individual addresses for store access points.
Figure 7-13
This shopping
centre has been
given one address
associated with its
main entrance from
Torggata, but units/
premises with direct
access from Skomakergata have also
been given individual addresses.
Address guide
30
7.1.6.2 Buildings with access through external stairs
One fundamental guideline in such instances, apart from the edge principle itself, is that "the address coordinates should be placed on the stairway
at ground level", cf. notes to § 50-first section of the Cadastre Registry
Regulations. What this means in practice is that residences on the ground
floor in general will be allocated unique street addresses while residences
on the first floor and above, in general will have a shared street address
with individual unit numbers as part of the official address. Good signages
of unit numbers will here be important.
Figure 7-14
Example
showing
stairways
shared
between
unit pairs
on the first
floor. A unit
pair's official
addresses
may be then
be Bøgata
4-H0201
and Bøgata
4-H0202.
Figure 7-15
Example
showing a
building with
two stairways
for all
residences on
the first floor.
Only one of
the stairways
is however
recognized
as an official
access point
and the
addresses
are allocated
accordingly.
That the
shared
stairway has
been allocated the address Bøveien 4, may be considered a break with the edge
principle, but was in this case nevertheless deemed expedient. The edge principle
and the principle of unit numbering have otherwise been adhered to, see chapter
8.3.1 for detailed information of the latter.
Address guide
31
Figure 7-16
An alternative
way to allocate addresses in Bøveien
with two
official access
points. The
edge principle
is followed
for the street
addresses
with a discretionary exception made for
the two stairways. The
residences on
the first floor
are allocated
unit numbers
associated with one of the two stairways (Bøveien 4 or 18, respectively).
The same principle is followed for buildings with multiple floors and a common entrance and for buildings with external entry to residences via
a balcony or portico.
Each residence on the ground floor, as well as the common stair tower, is
allocated a regular street address. The residences on the remaining floors
are allocated unit numbers as part of their official addresses in accordance
with standard guidelines.
Figure 7-17
Here we see
an example of
a three-storey
building with a
common stair
tower. The residences on the
ground floor
are allocated
regular street
addresses.
The residences
on the first and
second floors
share the street
address of the
stair tower and
have individual
unit numbers
as part of their
official
addresses.
Address guide
32
7.1.6.3 Houseboats etc.
In wharf areas with accommodation for live aboard-boats/house boats,
address numbers should be associated with mooring points along the
wharf. Signs for address numbers must be placed on the wharf, not the
boat.
Figure 7-18
Here we see an
example of a
wharf area with
accommodation
for live aboardboats/house
boats.
7.1.6.4 Squares
Open squares defined as separate address parcels may have the surrounding buildings and other address objects associated with them. This requires that adjacent address parcels end outside the square.
Figure 7-19
Address
allocation
around an
open square.
The square
has been
divided and a
starting point
for address
numbering
defined,
which determines the
allocation of
even and odd
numbers.
Address guide
33
7.1.6.5 Areas with several small internal roads
In some neighbourhoods, it might be necessary to consider in how many
address parcels the area should be divided. This is especially important in
areas with many small, internal roads, often with common car parks.
Figure 7-20 Here two alternative solutions are shown for address allocation in an area with many small, internal roads. In the
alternative below, Heges vei leaves out numbers 5-11 in order to
achieve even numbering on both sides of the road. In either case,
good signage (area signage) at access points would be important.
Address guide
34
7.1.6.6 Technical facilities
These may include transformer kiosks, pumping stations, bomb shelters
etc. The most important question is whether to allocate these facilities
their own specific addresses. Discretion must be used in these instances.
7.2. Principles of numbering in areas with no clear road system
("area addresses") The address principles employed in such areas should as far as possible
follow regular address principles and addresses should have the same
structure as Regular Street addresses, with address code, address name
and address number. However, address parcels in such areas will cover
broader tracts due to the absence of a clear road system. This would be
relevant especially for spread-out cabins, shacks and farms in the mountains, for communities on islands without a road network, for the grounds
of institutions, isolated farming areas and single houses.
Natural and traditional boundaries should be considered when defining
individual address parcels, as well as common car parks, wharves, harbours etc. Address number allocation for each parcel, however, should be
associated with paths or regular access points for the individual address
units wherever this is possible.
Figure 7-21 The cabins are allocated addresses in the normal way along the access
path with one of the car parks as the starting point. Numbers have been reserved in case of future development. Placing area signs at both car parks would be
expedient.
Address guide
35
Figure 7-22 Here, two area names have been used and the cabins allocated
addresses consecutively in the normal way along the access paths, with starting points at the two car parks. Numbers have been reserved in case of future
development. Placing area signs at both car parks would be expedient.
Figure 7-23 Here too, addresses have been allocated in the normal way along the
path, with even/odd numbers on the left and right hand sides, respectively. An
area sign at the car park would be expedient also here.
When allocating addresses in these types of areas, it will be important to
place area signs at main access points (the car park, the wharf etc.)
In wide forest- and mountain areas, the principle for area addresses will
be the same. When using area names as address names here, it must
be decided whether to divide the mountain area into currently used area
names, such as farm names, or define larger areas covering multiple
cabin-/farm areas. As logical, a numbering as possible should be striven
for also here. If the municipality wishes cabin/farm owners to put up signs
with both address name and number, it may express this desire, but it
may only demand that owners put up address numbers (cf. § 57 of the
Cadastre Registry Regulations). Note however that addresses in these
areas will still be accessible as addresses for navigation services even if
there are no roads in the area.
Address guide
36
The same considerations must be made for address allocation on islands.
One must decide either the island should have an address name or be
divided into multiple areas. In addition, one must decide where the numbering should start. If there is an obvious wharf/quay, this should be used,
if not one may decide to begin the numbering at the island's northern
point and follow the strand clockwise, using the distance principle or
available paths.
In newer holiday areas, regular roads to individual houses are becoming
more common. In these areas, it makes sense to use ordinary street
addresses.
If it is desirable that an area without a road network be associated with a
road, car park, wharf etc., it is necessary in Vbase to add a short road link
with the area's address code. This is then input for the area's access road.
When using a navigation system, one will then be guided to this "junction
point".
8. Allocating unit numbers
Unit number is the general term for the individual units of a building and
consists of a code for floor type, floor number and the unit's number
within the floor (e.g. H0203). With this code is associated information
about unit type (residence, holiday home etc.) in the Cadastre Registry.
Unit number was previously known as dwelling number.
When multiple residences share the same street address, the residences'
unit numbers must be part of the official address, cf. notes to official
addresses in chapter 12 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations. If nonresidential units share the same street address, unit numbers may be part
of the official address. Separate apartments in detached houses with only
one entrance, should have unique addresses with unit numbers. In buildings with multiple residences/apartments with individual external
entrances, each external entrance should have its own street address.
Notification of allocated unit number is given in the form of an address
label sent out by the Norwegian Mapping Authority. The address label
should be put up where it is visible on or next to the front door of the unit.
See figure in chapter 11.3.6.
8.1. When are unit numbers determined?
Unit numbers are allocated in conjunction with registration of building
regulation applications. When the unit number is part of the official
address, the unit number should be verifiable and it may therefore be
expedient and necessary to note it on the construction blueprints.
Address guide
37
8.2. Floor Spesification
As is stated in § 53 of the Cadastre
Registry Regulations, the floor spesification consists of a letter, which
indicates the floor, and two digits
making up a number within each
floor type. Detailed definitions of
floor types can be found in Føringsinstruks for matrikkelen (see www.
kartverket.no).
L01
H03
H02
H01
U01
K01
K02
Figure 8-1 Standard floor indication.
Mentioned in the guideline is the general rule that floors should be designated equally within each level of a building. An exception to this may be
acceptable for large buildings/apartment blocks on sloping terrain, as
shown below.
3rd floor
4th floor
4th floor
5th floor
2nd floor
3rd floor
3rd floor
4th floor
1st floor
2nd floor
2nd floor
3rd floor
Gnd.
floor
1st floor
1st floor
2nd floor
Gnd.
floor
Gnd.
floor
1st floor
Gnd.
floor
Figure 8-2
Alternative floor
designation on
sloping terrain.
Address guide
38
8.3. The unit's number on the floor
8.3.1. Main principles for allocation of unit numbers
Number allocation within a floor should start on the left hand side when
viewed from the top step of the stairway and continue clockwise to the
right (the "clockwise principle"). he Norwegian Mapping Authority may
allow a different numbering based on special considerations.1
Figure 8-3
The main principle
for unit number
allocation.
Main floor 02
Residence 03 from the
left, clockwise
L01
H04
H03
H0202
H0201
H0203
H0204
H02
Access
entrance
H01
U01
Stairway to the floor
K01
K02
Figure 8-4
Allocation of unit numbers
for a building with two access
points.
• For buildings with multiple access points leading to the same unit, the
unit is associated with the access point designated as the main access
for the unit.
• In buildings where lifts are the main method of access, the stairway
should still be the starting point for unit number allocation.
• When registry addresses are used, the registry address should be
associated with the unit in the same way as a street address.
• In detached houses and farmhouses (building type 111-113), the main
residence should be associated with floor H01 even if access is through,
for instance, the basement.
1
For Oslo and Bærum municipalities, numbering principles differing from the main rule in item
8.3.1 on unit numbering within the floor have been approved. In these two municipalities,
numbering begins on the left hand side when viewed from the external entry, and continues
clockwise. This means that H0201, H0301 etc. are positioned directly above H0101 when the
floors are similarly divided.
Address guide
39
8.3.2. Changing unit numbers
If a unit is removed, thus creating a gap in the unit numbers, the gap is
maintained. Subsequent numbers are not altered.
If a new residence is created, for instance by splitting up an existing
residence, subsequent unit numbers must be shifted to retain the correct
numbering order. If unit number H0102 is split in two, the two residences
are given the numbers H0102 and H0103, while the original unit H0103
is changed to H0104 etc. This means that the official address is changed
and that a new address label is sent out with the information about this
change. Such a change must be treated as an address change and information must be sent out in the same way as with other address changes.
8.3.3. Some examples
Here is shown the main principle for allocating unit numbers. Numbering
starts on the left hand side when
viewed from the stairs to the floor
and continues clockwise to the
right. In this instance, one stands
on the top step of the stairs leading to the first floor and allocates
numbers according to the main
principle.
Figure 8-5 Number allocation in an
ordinary stairwell.
Figure 8-6 Number
allocation in a stairwell
with lift.
This figure shows number allocation in building with both stairs and lift.
The main principle is to start at the stairway and allocate from left to right,
clockwise.
Address guide
40
Figur 8‑7
Number
allocation
in a large
building with
a single main
entrance.
The figure shows an example of number allocation in a large building with
a single main entrance. In this instance, the first floor is accessed via
stairs. Beginning at the stairs, the edge principle is followed and numbers
allocated from left to right.
Figure 8-8
Number
allocation
in a large
building
with two
main
entrances.
This is a similar building to the previous figure but here two main entrances are present and given the address numbers 10 and 12, respectively.
There is, however, no physical boundary/wall defining which units belong
to which entrance. In this instance, the municipality has made a discretionary decision and defined an imaginary boundary before allocating numbers according to the edge principle. Associated with address number 10
are units H0201-H0208 and with address number 12 units H0201-H0206.
Address guide
41
Figure 8-9
Number
allocation in a
building with
two wings
and a shared
entrance.
The figure shows an example of a building with two wings but a shared
entrance (Storgata 12). Employing the edge principle, numbers are
allocated left to right, clockwise, beginning with the left wing and continuing without interruption in the right wing. Even though the principles
for unit numbering have been adhered to, it might be expedient to place
referral or information signs by the entrance.
Figure 8-10
Building
with a common stairwell.
The figure shows a building with a common stairwell and a left hand and a
right hand hallway, closed off by doors. The edge principle is followed and
numbers allocated consecutively from left to right.
Address guide
42
Figure 8-11
Number
allocation
in a building with
entrance via
balcony.
The figure shows a stairway to an entrance balcony for each floor. Number
allocation follows the edge principle from left to right, clockwise, starting
at the top step of the stairs leading to the floor.
8.4. Unit identification
According to § 54 third section of the Cadastre Registry Regulations, all
new units must be labelled on or close to the unit's entrance.
Further discussion of these regulations can be found in chapter 11 of the
Address guide, regarding signage.
9. Districts and localisation of addresses
All official addresses should be localised with approved geodetic coordinates and automatically associated with the location's official districts when
entered into the Cadastre Registry.
9.1. Address point and localisation with coordinates
The coordinates of an address describe the address's geographical point,
ordinarily placed at the entrance to a building, residence or other object or
place.
If an address belongs to only one building with one address, the address
point is placed inside the outline of the building, right by the entrance/
access point. The same is true when multiple addresses are associated
with multiple entrances/access points to a building. The address points are
placed right by the respective entrances/access points inside the outline
of the building. The address point is placed on the stairs closest to ground
level for buildings with balcony or portico access to individual residences
via external access stairs. Configure notes to § 50 first section of the
Cadastre Registry Regulations.
If an address is not linked to the building or entrance/access to the building, the address point is placed where it is natural to get to the object or
property, or the centre of the object/property.
Address guide
43
Figure 9-1 Here is shown the placement of the address coordinates for street
addresses – just inside the building by the entrance/access point and on the stairs
closest to ground level.
9.2. Districts
Official district boundaries are maintained in the Cadastre Registry. This
applies to the boundaries of municipalities, basic statistical units, electoral
districts, parishes, towns and postal code areas.
Municipalities may also manage other districts. These may include school
districts, urban districts and other districts or zones the municipality
needs.
Districts are geographical zones used for administrative or statistical
purposes and allocated individual codes and names for each district type
according to the regulations of the Cadastre Registry. All official addresses
should have associated information regarding which official districts they
fall within. Regarding the spelling of district names, see chapter 6.8.
Further information about routines for the maintenance and changing of
districts can be found in Føringsinstruks for matrikkelen, see
www.kartverket.no.
9.2.1. Municipality
Please refer to the regulations of the Law on determination and changing
of the boundaries of municipalities and counties (the Boundary Law), see
www.lovdata.no.
Address guide
44
9.2.2. Basic statistical unit
The smallest district unit is the basic statistical unit and, should in general,
form the basis on which the remaining districts within a municipality are
divided. Statistics Norway (SSB) is formally responsible for the statistical
unit division while the Norwegian Mapping Authority, according to an
agreement with SSB, maintain the digital basic statistical unit-database.
"The purpose of dividing municipalities into basic statistical units is to
have stable geographical units that can form a flexible basis for working
with and presenting regional statistics. A basic statistical unit consists of a
geographically cohesive area that is as homogeneous as possible in terms
of nature, industry, communications and building structure" (SSB's definition).
9.2.3. Constituency
Constituencies should in general be based on basic statistical units.
The municipalities are responsible for the management of electoral
districts. Information concerning electoral district associated with an
individual address in the Cadastre Registry is transferred to the Register
of Residents and forms the basis for the electoral roll.
9.2.4. Parish
Parishes should in general be based on basic statistical units.
The Norwegian Church, which has the formal responsibility for the management of the parish division, has delegated this to the Diocesan Council.
9.2.5. Urban areas
The borders of urban areas are defined by SSB's definition of town (population at least 200 and no more than 50 m between houses), and SSB is
formally responsible for the management. The borders are automatically
generated and maintained based on data in the Cadastre Registry and the
Register of Residents.
9.2.6. Postal code area
Postal code areas with information about postal codes and postal districts
for individual addresses in the Cadastre are managed by Norway Post.
Changes in postal code areas are effected each year on 1 October.
10. Cadastre addresses
In general, official addresses should be street addresses. In accordance
with § 55 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations, however, the municipality
have the right to decide that official addresses for some areas of the municipality will for a limited time consist of farm- and holding numbers, as well
as lease numbers where applicable. With the registry address there should
be associated a registry address name, see chapter 6.7 for further information.
If multiple address units share the same registry number, sub-numbers
are allocated according to the following principles:
• address object no. 1 is not allocated a sub-number (usually the main
house)
• address object no. 2 is allocated the sub-number 1
• address object no. 3 is allocated the sub-number 2 etc.
If there are many sub-numbers under the same cadastre number, the
principles mentioned in chapter 7.2 should be followed as far as possible.
Address guide
45
11. Signage
Good signage for roads, houses and other address objects is important for
addresses to serve their purpose. It is thus important that signs are designed, placed and maintained in such a manner that they are easily readable,
also at night.
11.1. Who is responsible?
Section 57 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations lists the responsibilities of
the municipality, the owner, the leaser and the resident, respectively, for
signage and labelling of addresses with address name, address number
and unit number. According to § 29, item 1 of the Regulations for traffic
signs, road markings, traffic lights and referral signs (the signage regulations), it is the regional road office of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration that is the authority for road- and street name signs (address name
signs) along national and county roads. This is also emphasised in § 57
first section of the Cadastre Registry Regulations. As the signage authority for road- and street name signs along national and county roads, the
Norwegian Public Roads Administration is also responsible for the procurement, placement and mounting of signs. It is therefore important that the
municipality, as the address authority, maintain dialogue with the
Norwegian Public Roads Administration in order to ensure the best and
most practical signage solutions. The possibility of using shared posts
where expedient should for instance be considered.
Figure 11-1
Example of
a combined
address
name sign
and yield
sign.
According to § 5 of the Traffic Law, "the relevant authority […] on private
and public property [has] the right to set up public traffic signs, signals,
equipment for controlling traffic and the mountings for such devices and
to carry out road marking. Damages and inconveniences caused by such
work are compensated on a discretionary basis".
11.2. Placement and use of signs
Signs serve a very important function and their placement must therefore
be planned carefully. Considerations must in particular be made regarding
how much time motorists have to read the signs and the fact that signs
cannot always be placed on the ideal spot. When placing street name
signs, considerations must be made regarding other traffic signs nearby so
that attention is not diverted from these.
Signs should be placed so that they are easily visible and readable. Signs
Address guide
46
must not be blocked by other traffic signs, branches or bushes, billboards
etc. Signs should be freestanding wherever possible. Address number
signs and street name signs in cities are placed on walls where freestanding signs would be problematic due to space considerations. If there is
a space between the carriageway and the pavement or footpath/bicycle
lane, or between the pavement or footpath/bicycle lane and the buildings,
the sign should be placed within this area.
Signs should be placed outside the shoulder and the pavement. Where
traffic islands exist between footpaths/bicycle lanes and the carriageway,
or separating carriageway lanes, signs may be placed on these.
Freestanding signs should be placed 1.8 – 2 m above ground as long as
this does not inconvenience pedestrians or cyclists (higher in areas prone
to vandalism). Other signs and signs on walls should be placed at least 2.2
m above ground. Street-/road maps may be placed lower.
On using abbreviations, see chapter 12.1.
11.3. Address signs and -labels
The following address signs and -labels may be used:
• Address name signs (sign 729 "Street-/address name sign" in the
Signage regulations)
• Area signs
• Address number signs
• City block signs
• Referral signs
• Unit address labels
Only the first sign is mentioned in the Regulations for traffic signs, road
markings, traffic lights and referral signs (the signage regulations). The
design and placement of these signs along national and county roads
adhere to the relevant guidelines.
The design and placement of address signs and -labels is discussed in
detail below.
11.3.1. Address name signs (sign 729 of the Signage regulations)
For placement along national and county roads, see Regulations for traffic
signs, road markings, traffic lights and referral signs (the signage regulations), which contain detailed regulations on placement and design (colouring, fonts and font size etc.). It makes sense to base the design of similar
signs along municipal and private roads on the same regulations. The
municipalities, through local regulations, may define guidelines for alternative designs of address name signs, which may still be easily readable. This
could for instance be due to historical or antiquarian considerations.
Figure 11-2 Standard address name sign.
Address guide
47
Figure 11‑3
Address name sign
on a post.
Use of signs
Address name signs should ordinarily be placed at each arm of an intersection. If it is obvious which the thoroughfare is, the name of the intersecting road is set up alone.
Signs on walls should be as close to the intersection as possible and on
corners pointing into the intersection.
Freestanding signs should be placed as indicated on figure 11-13. The specific placement of signs and any simplifications must be considered in each
instance based on the particulars of the location.
Size and design
The signs should be white with black fonts. Signs with font size 105 mm
should be used on roads that have a speed limit above 50 km/h and on
important thoroughfares (main and long-distance roads) to indicate intersecting roads. Otherwise, 70 mm fonts should be used.
The most important dimensions are listed below:
Font size (H)
70 mm
105 mm
Sign height
160 mm
230 mm
Sign length
500 mm (8)
700 mm (7)
Sign length
700 mm (12)
900 mm (10)
Sign length
900 mm (16)
1150 mm(13)
Sign length
1100 mm (20)
1400 mm (17)
Sign length
1650 mm (20)
Dark border
10 mm
15 mm
Light edge
5 mm
10 mm
Digits in parentheses indicate number of letters
No sign should be shorter than specified above. If a sign must be longer
due to a long name, the sign must be designed specially. If the name is
longer than 22 letters, it should be split into two lines.
Address guide
48
Figure 11‑4: Address name sign
Address name signs with arrows may be used as referral signs, see
chapter 11.3.5.
11.3.2. Area signs
N
6
5
Nes Hageby
7
4
8
P
3
2
1
1 Nesveien
2 Nursing home
3 Nestunet
4 Skoleveien
5 Kindergarten
6 School
7 Blåbærstien
8 Shooting range
P Car park
Area sign
Blind alley
Lake
100 m
Figure 11-5, Example of an area sign with road network.
This sign is a useful information board located at access points to large
areas such as the grounds of institutions, residential areas, holiday areas
etc. The sign will ordinarily include an overview of the road system and
occasionally famous or significant buildings. However, it can also be used
in areas without a road system. The sign should be oriented so that it is
easily interpreted and read. The sign should be placed at the area's access
points.
Use of signs
Area sign may be used to explain the road network of smaller areas closed
to (protected from) through traffic or in places where driving to certain
destinations is especially complicated. The sign will as such be used in
connection with traffic restructuring, car free zones, pedestrian areas and
complicated one-way systems. If desired, road names may be included.
The sign must only be used following careful consideration. In particular,
the placement must be such that the sign does not cause traffic problems.
Signs should be placed by roads leading into the area. There should be space to
park near the sign for drivers who need to stop to orient themselveves.
Size and design
The size of the sign is decided in each individual case. Ordinarily, a font
size of H = 105 mm would be suitable for the heading, H = 70 mm for
Address guide
49
other important names and numbers, and H = 35 mm for street-/road
names. Street-/road network is usually indicated with lines 30 mm or 20
mm thick, symbols may be approximately 100 mm. The white border may
be 20 mm and the blue 10 mm.
Map scale and the direction of north should be indicated. Dead ends and
other roads closed to cars may be indicated with a red triangle (40 x 20
mm), see sign 308 "Dead end". Pedestrian roads, footpaths or other areas
closed to cars may be indicated in green. If desired, lakes may be indicated with white hatching (10 mm lines).
The sign should have a blue background and white text and be otherwise
designed as sign 636 "Tourist information map". For especially complicated road networks, it might be necessary to use multiple colours. The sign
may indicate relevant road signs in miniature.
11.3.3. Address number sign
The address number sign indicates an individual access point. The sign
should be placed where it is easily visible. If the address object is some
distance from the road, there should be a sign by the road. There should
still be a sign on the house however. One should avoid putting up signs on
gates etc. that will be hidden from view when open.
Figure 11-6 Standard address number sign.
According to § 59 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations, the municipalities
may define further rules for the design and placement of address number
signs.
Use of signs
The address number sign is the last link of the address-finder chain. It is
important that all houses be numbered. The signs should be easily visible
and placed where people expect to find them. They should thus be placed
by gates and entrances. Different locations may be acceptable for private
roads leading to the property. Signs should be placed on the left hand side
of gates, doors etc.
Normally, properties on the right hand side of the road, when viewed
toward ascending numbers, are odd numbered. The left hand side will
then be even numbered.
Size and design
Usually, font size H = 105 mm and sign size 150 mm is used. Sign width
varies with the number of digits and should be 150 mm for single-digit
numbers, 220 mm for double-digit numbers and 280 mm for triple-digit
numbers.
Address guide
50
Figure 11-7
Address number
sign with measurements.
11.3.4. City block signs
City block signs are used for indicating which address numbers belong to
the block as well as the direction of numbering. The sign is usually placed
on a wall below the address name sign. On the opposite side of the block,
the sign is flipped, see figure.
Figure 11-8 Standard city block
sign.
Use of signs
City block signs may be used as needed to indicate which address numbers belong to a block as well as the direction of numbering. Careful considerations should be made regarding whether using this sign would compromise the general awareness of motorists in the intersection. The signs
should be white with black numbers. The signs should be placed below
address name signs. The figure shows an example of how city block signs
are used.
Size and design
Numbers should be of the same size as the letters on the address name
sign. Otherwise, the same rules for height, borders and distance between
the dark border and the numbers/text apply as for address name signs.
Figure 11-9 City block sign with
measurements.
Address guide
51
Figure 11-10 Use of quarter signs.
11.3.5. Direction signs
Direction signs are used to indicate which addresses belong to the area
the Direction sign is pointing to. Direction signs should be used for
branching roads to make clear which addresses belong to which branch,
and for address objects located such that they are, easier to find if such
a sign is present.
Figure 11-11 Direction signs with address name sign.
Before putting up a Direction sign, it should be considered whether
changing the address instead would be a better solution.
Direction signs may be designed in two ways: either similar to city block
Address guide
52
signs or with an arrow, see figure below. In many instances, it will not be
necessary to include the address name sign.
Figure 11-12 Direction signs
without address name sign.
In some instances, it may be expedient to include a note on even or odd
numbers, see figure below.
Figure 11-13 Direction signs with
additional information.
11-17
Odd numbers
L i ve g
en
Lo v e
gen
Figure 11-14 Standard address name sign on a post with an address name direction sign.
Address guide
53
11.3.6. Address label for unit numbers
For unit numbers in multiple-residence buildings, the Norwegian Mapping
Authority mails out address labels ordered through the Cadastre Registry
system. The address label should be placed on/by the entrance to the unit
so that the unit number is easily visible.
Figure 11-15 Standard address that is sent from the Norwegian Mapping Authority.
The figure shows a standard address label mailed out by the Norwegian
Mapping Authority (two stickers). The street address or cadastre address
is at the top and the unit number directly below in order to emphasise and
highlight the unit number. Length: 120 mm - width 25 mm. 3 mm enclosing border.
Alternatively, signs/labels of metal, plastic or similar may be used as long
as they do not deviate significantly from the standard layout.
Figur 11-16 The address label should be placed where it is visible, on or next to
the unit entrance.
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54
11.4. Placement of signs (signage plan)
The placements of signs matter. They should be easy to spot and look
fairly similar everywhere.
Figur 11‑17 Examples on signage plan for the location of the address name signs.
The purpose of a signage plan is:
• To ensure good signage
•That signs are placed where they are needed
•To ensure uniform practice
•To coordinate with the road authority
It may be expedient to make more detailed signage plans for intersections
and along roads, especially when other bodies than the municipality's
address authority carry out the actual erection, or when carrying out work
that is more extensive.
Figure 11-18 Example of a signage plan with placement details.
Address guide
55
12. Address style, abbreviations etc.
The spelling of geographical names in addresses should adhere to the
regulations in the Law on Geographical Names; see detailed discussion
in chapter 6. In this regard, all geographical names should be spelled out
completely without abbreviations. On signs and in other places it may
however be necessary and expedient to abbreviate a geographical name.
When registering a geographical name with more than 22 characters in
the Cadastre Registry, an abbreviated form should also be registered. It
is a good idea to apply a standard style to addresses. This is discussed
further below.
12.1. Abbreviation of names
For general guidelines, see the Norwegian Language Council's guide to
abbreviating words ­(www.sprakrad.no under "skriveregler og
grammatikk").
Ut fra dette vil de mest aktuelle være:
• gate, gaten, gata: g.
• vei, veg, veien, vegen: v.
• terrasse: terr.
• plass: pl.
Address name endings are abbreviated first. If this is not enough, the
title/name is abbreviated, either in addition to abbreviating the ending or
instead of it.
For personal names in addresses, the following rules should be followed:
Title is abbreviated first.
First/middle name is then abbreviated.
Surname should not be abbreviated as a rule.
There should be a full stop after an abbreviated title and a space after the
full stop. There should be a full stop after an abbreviated first name but
there should not be spaces in the case of multiple given names. There
should be a space before the surname.
Examples:
Dr. Martha Persens gate
Th. Kittelsens vei
P.A. Munchs gate.
12.2. Presentation rules
In regular running text, street addresses should be written like this:
Storgata 20: 1 space between address name and address number.
Storgata 20B: no space between the number and the letter of the address
number.
A street address with additional address name should be written like this:
Heggen, Vikavegen 225; e.g. the additional address name, comma and
one space before the street address.
A street address with unit number and additional address name should be
written like this:
Heggen, Vikavegen 225-H0304; the address name, comma and one space
Address guide
56
before the street address, en-dash and unit number.
In regular running text, cadastral addresses are written like this:
Hovden, 37/15: additional address name or cadastral addresses name,
comma and one space before farm number/holding number.
Hovden, 37/15/3: additional address name or cadastral addresses name,
comma and one space before farm number/holding number/lease number.
Hoven, 37/15/3-2: additional address name or cadastral addresses name,
comma and one space before farm number/holding number/lease numbersub-number.
Hoven, 37/15-5: additional address name or cadastral addresses name,
comma and one space before farm number/holding number-sub-number.
A registry address with sub-number, unit number and additional address
name or registry address name, is written like this:
Hovden, 37/15/3-2-H0402; additional address name or registry address
name, comma and one space before farm number/holding number/lease
number-sub-number-unit number.
12.3. The postal address
The postal address consists of the street address plus postal code and
postal code area name. Properties without a street address use a geographical name plus postal code and postal code area name as postal
address. The geographical name used in a postal address without a street
address will often be the property's registry address name. More information about postal addresses can be found at the website of Norway Post:
www.posten.no
13. Local regulations
According to § 59 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations, the municipalities
have the right to define additional regulations regarding address allocation. The purpose of local regulations is to regulate elements of address
allocation that are not mentioned in relevant the laws or regulations. Local
regulations may state which of the recommendations in the address guide
should be implemented in the municipality.
In "Veileder: Lovteknikk og lovforberedelse", published by the Ministry of
Justice and the Police, it says in ch. 14.7 that "resolutions are made when
the body that has the authority to adopt the regulation, actually makes
the resolution". This means that the municipality makes the resolution to
adopt its own regulation. According to § 38, first section, letter c of the
Administration Law, regulations should be announced in Norsk Lovtidend.
They should be submitted to Norsk Lovtidend the day the resolution to
adopt is made. If no date has been set for when the regulation should
be adopted, the regulation comes into force a month after it has been
announced in Norsk Lovtidend (cf. § 3 of the Law on Norsk Lovtidend etc.,
see www.lovdata.no).
Rules are defined for how hearings should be conducted in chapter 5 of
the Assessment directive (Directive on assessment of consequences,
submissions and hearings in relation to public processes of assessment,
regulation, proposition and notices to Parliament, see www.lovdata.no). As
the professional body for addresses with responsibility for address legislation delegated by the ministry, the Norwegian Mapping Authority should
together with the county governor act as consultative body for local
Address guide
57
address regulations. The consultation period should normally be three
months and no less than six weeks. During the hearing it is expected that
the county governor functions as the expert on chapter 7, "On regulations", of the Administration law, while the Norwegian Mapping Authority
functions as the expert on addresses.
13.1. Content of regulations
Below are mentioned some elements of what local address regulations
might include.
• Address authority. Defines where the municipality's address authority
lies and which tasks fall within the authority's scope
• Name authority. Defines where the municipality's name authority lies
and which tasks fall within the authority's scope
• Rules/principles for address number allocation
• Rules/principles for choosing address names
• Signage
Who is responsible for erecting various signs?
Sign design, which materials to use in signs, sign placement
• What the public may file complaints about
• Implementation
When determining whether the municipality should adopt local address
regulations and what they should cover, an assessment should be made
of the municipality's needs. In that regard, the municipality should also
consider whether guidelines developed for the address work process are
sufficient. It should in this regard be noted that a guideline expresses a
municipality's address policy. It does not give the authority to implement
measures. If the authority to implement measures in a consistent manner
is needed, local regulations must be adopted.
14. Change of address
Changing an already established address will often create extra work both
for the address users and for the address authority. It should therefore
be considered carefully whether better signage might be enough to avoid
changing an address. Of most importance, however, is ensuring a good
address system for its users and the municipalities must make the required changes even if it is inconvenient in the short term. In any case, information and a thorough explanation presented in a reasonable time before
a change, is very important.
When changing an address, it usually impacts several users and registers.
When changing certain addresses, it should therefore be considered how
this impacts other registers or administrative divisions. If the access road
for an address parcel is changed, for instance, it should be considered
whether district boundaries should be adjusted to maintain natural
borders. See chapter 9.2 on districts.
14.1. New name for existing parcel
If an address parcel changes name without any other changes, the address code is not changed. Address numbers already allocated remain the
same unless changing these at the same time is desirable. Name changes
are a good opportunity for also change address numbers.
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58
14.2. Change of access road
If an address parcel's access road is changed and all the address objects
naturally have the new road as their access road, the name, code and
numbers should be kept as far as possible, as long as this does not break
with established address principles. This also applies to address numbers
based on the distance principle, even when the distance from the starting
point is somewhat altered.
If the old road is still in use and some address objects keep it as their
access road, these should keep their old addresses. The new address may
then be given its own name or become part of the old one.
14.3. Division or merging of parcels
When address parcels are divided, one part should keep the old address
name and -code. This should be the part that to the furthest extent is able
to keep the old numbering. The other parcel may be given a new address
name and -code. To minimise changes, an addition may be made to the
old address name to differentiate it. For instance a different ending, e.g.
-stubben, see figure 14-1 below, or adding a prefix, e.g. Nordre or Nye
Ørnebakken (as an alternative to Ørnestubben).
224
222
224
222
Storfossveien
Storfossveien
22
2
1
3
6
5
8
10
Kindergarten
12
23
16
14
21
Ør nebak ken
9
15
13
25
17
19
1
2
1
3
Ør
5
ne
6
ba
k ke
n
8
10
Kindergarten
11
9
Ør nes
12
13
Green area
7
9
2
4
tub
10
ben
6
8
Green area
Figure 14‑1 Example of road division (Ørnebakken).
When a side road grows, either in length or in its number of address
objects, to the point where it becomes natural that it should be its own
address parcel, it must be given a new name, code and numbering. The
rest of the old parcel keeps its addresses as long as this does not break
with established address principles.
When two address parcels are merged, they should be given one name. If
either of the original names should be used, the address code should also
be kept. One should then use the name of the address parcel that will be
able to keep its numbering.
A side road merged with a main road must be given the name of the main
road. One should as far as possible keep the old numbering except for the
numbers along the side road.
14.4. Insertion of new numbers
Available address numbers may be used as long as they can be inserted
in the regular address system. Letters should, according to § 52-3 of the
Cadastre Registry Regulations, only be used to avoid re-numbering.
Cf. chapter 7.1.5 on additional letters.
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59
15. Right to be heard, and complaints
15.1. Right to be heard
According to § 21 of the Cadastral Law, individuals affected by the address
allocation have the right to be heard. It is emphasised that this is a right
and not a duty. Appropriate deadlines for speaking should be set. See also
§ 50-7 with annotations of the Cadastre Registry Regulations.
15.2. Complaints
In address management, it is important to differentiate between:
• Complaints about the address allocation itself
• Complaints about the choice of address name
• Complaints about the spelling of names
The right to complain about the address allocation itself is accorded by
§ 46, letter f of the Cadastre Law, cf. the Cadastre Registry Regulations
§ 22 and the appeal body is the county governor. The complaint should be
filed via the municipality, who may choose to support it.
Names are chosen by municipal resolution and are not subject to formal
complaints. These choices will ordinarily have been made well in advance
of the actual address allocation.
Complaints about the spelling of names are regulated by § 10 of the
Geographical name law, which also states who has a right to complain.
A resolution on the spelling of a name will ordinarily have been made well
in advance of the actual address allocation and the appeal body will be
a central complaints committee for geographical names. The complaint
should be filed via the resolution-making body.
16. Reporting new, changed or removed roads and
addresses
All regulations regarding roads and addresses can be obtained by interfacing with the Register of residents, Statistics Norway, Norway Post, the
Norway Digital partnership and Norsk Eiendomsinformasjon. The Register
of residents passes addresses on to, among others, banks and insurance
companies, and Norsk Eiendomsinformasjon passes addresses on to their
customers. Each recipient decides how often he or she wish to retrieve
address data.
Medical emergency communications centres are provided address data
at regular intervals by Norsk Eiendomsinformasjon through an external
provider.
The municipalities are not required to inform external address registers
beyond the regulations of the Cadastre Registry, but it is known that large
address users appreciate additional information about large and/or complex changes. Examples of this could be a change from cadastre addresses
to street addresses in a wide area, and road renumbering. In such cases,
the municipality will have internal documents that could be made available.
To avoid having manually sent such documents out, the municipality
should be able to provide address information through a newsletter directing recipients to the municipality's website where new roads with address
names and address numbers can be found.
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60
Norway Post has a common e-mail address (adresseajourhold@posten.no)
the municipalities may use for direct contact with Norway Post regarding
information and questions about addresses.
Professional providers of navigation services and their users have their
own routines for updating addresses.
Address guide
61
 Organisation and processing
17. Organisation and processing
17.1. The municipality is the address authority
The municipality is responsible for determining official addresses (§ 21 of
the Cadastre Law). As a result, the municipality also becomes responsible
for implementing local address systems and maintaining these through
allocation of new addresses, changing and registering addresses in the
Cadastre Registry. The municipal council determines, among other things,
which segments of the municipal organisation should be responsible for
the various tasks of address management, including choice of address
names etc., and the spelling of these. Delegation through the organisation
should be tiered, for example:
Æ municipal council Æ chief administrative officer Æ chief municipal officer Æ department head
If the municipality implements local regulations (cf. chapter 13), it would
be a good idea if they also defined how authority should be delegated
internally.
17.1.1. The content of address administration
The following tasks will normally be part of the municipality address administration
and a balance between political and administrative responsibilities:
Oppgave
Political
Organisation and clarification of resources (Cadastre Law §§ 5a, 21, 25, 32; Cadastre Regulations
§§ 16, 50)
x
Development of and resolutions on local regulations (chap. 13, Cadastre Regulations §§ 50, 59)
Definition of area to be allocated addresses (chap.
4, Cadastre Regulations § 58)
Administrative
x
x
(x)
x
Definition of address parcels, allocation of codes
and registering (chapter 5)
Choosing names and determining the spelling of
names, and registering names in the Central Register of Geographical Names (ch. 6, Cadastre Regulations § 51 and the Geographical name law)
x
x
x
Allocation and notification of address numbers
(chapter 7, Cadastre Regulations §§ 50, 52)
x
Allocation of unit numbers (ch. 8, Cadastre Regulations § 53)
x
Changing of existing addresses (ch. 14, Cadastre
Regulations § 50)
x
Registering of addresses (Cadastre Law § 25)
x
Development of signage plans (ch. 11, Cadastre
Regulations § 57)
x
Handling complaints (ch. 15, Cadastre Law § 46 f,
Cadastre Regulations § 22 og stadnamnlova)
x
Archiving of resolutions and their basis/documentation (the Archive Law)
x
As concerns the political and administrative responsibilities, are this
discussed further in section 17.3.
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62
17.1.2. Legal basis for address management – two legislations
Address management primarily follows the Cadastre Law and associated
regulations. Choice of address name (what should the address parcel be
called?) is an internal process, decided within and by the municipality.
When a choice of name has been made, the spelling of the name should
be decided in accordance with the regulations of the Geographical name
law before registering in the Central Register of Geographical Names. The
fact that the municipal address authority has to relate to two different
legislations, with their own required processes, makes organising address
work in the municipalities particularly challenging.
17.2. The municipality's initial state
When areas of responsibility for address management have been delegated, there are a number of ways to undertake the operative work, depending on the municipality's initial state:
17.2.1. No Street addresses, i.e. only registry addresses
When the Cadastre Registry came into being, some municipalities had no
street addresses. The municipality may decide to keep this system even
though the Cadastre Registry's intention is that registry addresses should
eventually be replaced with street addresses throughout the country.
Registry addresses in no way fulfil the purpose of the address system. The
municipality should therefore at least establish street addresses in built-up
areas.
It may be a good idea to define such transition to street addresses as a
separate project, with temporarily increased human resources or access
to consultants in order to ensure good progress. It is important that the
process begin with the overall structure of the address system for the
whole municipality, cf. chapter 3 and 4. It will then be possible to undertake address allocation in individual areas as sub-projects and still be
confident the address system remains homogeneous and in harmony with
neighbouring municipalities.
17.2.2. Street addresses in urban areas only
If the municipality already has an address system in place for urban areas,
this should form the basis for a system encompassing the whole municipality. In this case, too, it may be a good idea to treat the process as a
project to ensure good progress.
17.2.3. Street addresses throughout the municipality
Municipalities with a satisfactory address system must continuously
manage the system so that new addresses are established when new
addresses are needed. This may often lead to changes and adjustment
of existing addresses. The need for new or altered addresses in an area
may be due to changes in physical circumstances such as planned roador construction work, restructuring of traffic patterns and access roads,
zoning- or development plans. Changes of emergency services/disaster
services units and various systems for disaster warning systems may
make address changes necessary to avoid confusion between areas. The
municipality must continuously manage its addresses and establish routines for keeping up to date. The municipality may do this for itself or it may
use contractors.
17.3. Organisation
However, the municipality chooses to organise the tasks, it is important
that everyone involved work together closely and that there is no ambiguity in who is responsible for what. It is important that the municipality first
establish the address, i.e. address parcel, address name, address number
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63
etc., and then register the address in the Cadastre Registry and the
address name in the Central Register of Geographical Names. After this,
the address must be made visible through signage.
Tasks may be divided and delegated however is most expedient within
each municipality. When deciding what is most expedient, one should
consider:
•
•
•
•
What is the purpose of a good address system?
When and how the need for new addresses arises.
The relationship between the municipality and the affected parties.
Updating of registers, maps and archives.
Preferably, only one department should have executive authority with
responsibility for coordination and operations. This department should
be given the opportunity to involve other departments as needed.
Collaboration between multiple municipalities on the operative side of
address management may also be established.
Hiring private companies for special transition or streamlining projects
is also possible. However, there must never be any doubt that the
municipality is the formal address authority.
17.3.1. Political tasks
According to the law, the task of establishing addresses belongs to the
municipalities. Most management matters are usually delegated. Neither
law nor regulations limit delegation. Section 59 of the Cadastre Regulations allows the municipalities to define supplementary address allocation
regulations. These may also, to some extent specify what should be delegated (see introduction to chapter 17.1.).
A big part of address management is to be regulated by the Cadastre
Regulations and associated legislation. Choices of address names (and
other names in connection with addresses) are not individual resolutions
according to the Administration law and in many municipalities; it is common to delegate the determination of these names to a subordinate committee. This may be an executive committee, a primary committee, a
culture committee or an urban-/village committee. Some municipalities
have a separate naming committee that propose address names and other
municipal names to the deciding body. It might be a good idea to delegate
the decision authority to a lower tier to ensure quick and efficient progress in these matters.
It is therefore important that the address name be allocated as early as
possible in the process. If official address names are missing, other, unofficial, names might be adopted, creating problems. No matter who is given
the authority to decide names, it is natural that the administration makes
the required preparations specified in the Cadastre Law and the Law on
Geographical Names as regards spelling. Delegation should be absolute,
so that the matter can be decided fully by the body given the authority.
At the political level, resolutions should be made on:
•Organisation and clarification of resources
•Development of and resolutions on local regulations
•Choice of names in connection with addresses
•Determination of the spelling of names in connection with addresses
The remaining address tasks mentioned in chapter 17.1.1 should preferably be delegated to a technical manager at an appropriate level of the
Address guide
64
organisation in order to achieve sensible operational management. It is
important that the division into address parcel being undertaken in
a consistent and professional manner.
17.3.2. Administrative tasks
As shown in chapter 17.1.1 and in chapter 17.7, the administrative tasks
of address management are many and varied. It may seem like the tasks
would be different depending on whether a complete address system
is being established in the municipality for the first time or an existing
system is being maintained. However, the various tasks will still be fairly
similar. What is different is the size of the tasks and the resources
necessary.
An address system should be built up logically based around main roads
in the address area (cf. chapter 4). At the next level of detail, the parts of
the road system, address parcels, that are to function as "links"
connecting address numbers, are established. Each address parcel should
have a name that adheres to a set of requirements for good address
names, and be spelled according to the regulations of the Geographical
name law (cf. chapter 6). The various address objects, buildings, entrances and access points should be associated with an address parcel in such
a way that people will easily find their way. Signs should be put up to
guide
traffic. The addresses should be registered. The Cadastre Law and the
Cadastre Registry Regulations specify how resolutions should be made
and how the affected should be informed.
It may be expedient to let the unit responsible for the registering into the
Cadastre Registry also handles the address work process. Working with
the Cadastre Registry is a good source of information, making it possible to predict the municipality's address needs, both in practical "on the
ground" terms and in terms of registering. Other units within the municipality must however also be involved in the address work process, in
particular the planning department, information- or service centres, and
the road department.
It is important that the address work process to a sufficient extent is
coordinated with the municipality's planning work so that the preliminary
address work can begin early. For instance, during the planning phase,
information about existing geographical names in the area can be gathered, the address parcel pattern can be prepared, the need for new address
numbers can be assessed and the address name processes can be prepared.
The municipal information- or service centre will be useful for information
work. The unit responsible for roads, on the other hand, can be used to
put up and maintain signs.
The administration's main responsibility is to make sure addresses are
ready at an early stage of a construction process or the development of
an area. When multiple units are involved, it is important that delegations
and management are clearly and unambiguously defined: "Who does what,
when?" In other words, good routines and close relationships are necessary to ensure good coordination until an address is clearly marked on site.
17.4. Inter-municipal cooperation
The address system is built around the municipality as a unit. Municipal
boundaries are in many places not well suited as the boundary of a wellfunctioning address system. It is therefore important that the municipal
management understand the significance of close relationships with
Address guide
65
neighbouring municipalities in achieving a good address system for an
area, cf. chap. 3. Many address users operate within broader regions and
want an address system that is unambiguous as regards address names
in the region. Medical emergency communications centres are an example
of such a user, as are other emergency departments. When the municipality allocates address names it should at least look at address names in all
neighbouring municipalities and avoid using names already in use there.
Ideally, however, an even broader area should be looked at, cf. § 58 of the
Cadastre Registry Regulations and chapter 3. This may be challenging for
the address authority: often the same geographical names are found in
several adjoining municipalities. These names may be good candidates for
address names. However, which municipality should be "allowed" to use a
name if a choice has to be made? On such issues, politicians, landowners
and the public will often involve themselves vigorously.
Using the same address name in two adjoining municipalities may still be
advisable if a road starts in one municipality and continues into the neighbouring municipality. In such an instance, it is not necessary to divide the
road into two address parcels. The address parcel can cross the municipal
boundary and have the same address name in both municipalities (but
different address codes cf. chapter 5). Address numbers should continue
consecutively across the municipal boundary, in particular where there are
no physical separations or mark (junction, intersection, bridge etc.) at the
municipal boundary.
Municipalities that have not come very far with address allocation should
consider a joint project with neighbouring municipalities, cf. § 58 of the
Cadastre Regulations. Alternatively, a common naming committee could
be appointed with representatives from all the municipalities. This naming
committee should have the authority to make final decisions in such
disputes as mentioned above.
17.5. Outsourcing tasks
If the municipality lacks the human resources or expertise necessary
undertakes an address project, one alternative is to outsource some of the
administrative tasks. In principle, all the administrative tasks can be
outsourced. In many places, it would make little difference whether tasks
are outsourced to other units within the municipality or to other municipalities or to external companies. This guide will help show how this may be
done. It should however be understood that the various tasks require
different expertise and some tasks are easier to outsource than others
are. Clear agreements are a necessity (see below) and the regulations on
public procurement must be followed.
If a municipality outsources the address work, the municipal staff will not
develop the necessary expertise and routines. Outsourcing can however
still be a viable alternative for a municipality that has to establish addresses for the whole municipality for the first time. The work will consist of
establishing an address system with a given road network and existing
address objects. Municipal staff should nevertheless be involved in the
project as much as possible in order to contribute their local knowledge
and through their participation develop expertise. Apart from developing
the address system itself, the municipality will be an important user of the
system throughout its administration and day-to-day running. In addition
to the staff responsible for addresses, executive officers, service providers
and service personnel all need familiarity with the new addresses. Some
departments and systems may have to be adjusted. Even if the work can
initially be done by others, the municipality has to gain ownership of the
system at some point in the process. This should be an important task for
the municipality's representative(s) on the project.
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66
The address system does not remain static once it has been established.
There will always be need for large or small changes and adjustments.
Keeping addresses up to date is an ongoing operation closely tied to the
municipality's area planning, residential development, traffic planning and
other large and small development project. Registering and changing of
addresses in the Cadastre Registry is closely tied to the registering of
buildings and properties. This often happens simultaneously. The ongoing
address work is therefore less suited to be outsourced.
An agreement on address work (allocation of addresses) in a municipality
should include the following:
•References to legal basis, regulations and to this guide. Individual provisions should include concrete references to concrete sections of the
legislation.
•Description of current status and desired status at the end of the project.
•The course of the address work, i.e. the division between the contractor
and the municipality of tasks such as allocation of address parcels and
address names, allocation of address numbers, the ordering and erection
of signs.
•Defining concrete milestones at which the municipality will approve or
make resolution on, for instance plan for address parcels, plan for names
for parcels, plan for address numbers, signage plan.
•Specified procedures for determining address names. Who registers
existing names and proposes suggestions, information to the affected
and official groups, reception and processing of feedback and comments,
suggestions about naming style before the municipality determines address name and spelling.
•Announcement and processing of any complaints about spelling.
•Processing of any existing addresses that need to be changed.Information to affected parties regarding planned addresses and processing of
comments and input.
•Processing of requests for additional address names.
•Information to landowners regarding address resolutions.
•Processing of complaints in accordance with the Cadastre Law and the
Geographical Name Law.
•Registering and reporting to the Central Register of Geographical Names
and Vbase.
•Specification of what the contractor should deliver.
•Schedule, any regulations for changing this and reactions to breach of
deadlines.
17.6. Coordination when municipalities merge
When municipalities merge, the municipalities' address systems must
be coordinated. Already in talks on merger and merger agreement, one
should consider the harmonization of the municipality address system and
designate the responsible agency for this work. The need for coordination
is usually discovered early during the process of organising cooperation
between the emergency services and the municipalities. In such situations
and during other adjustments of municipal boundaries, projects that aim
to harmonise addresses in the affected municipalities should be initiated.
At the very least, the following should be addressed:
•
•
•
•
Address guide
Double address names
Address numbering across the old municipal boundary
Any differences in address numbering principles
Any local regulations
67
17.7. Addresses- and processing
The illustration below shows the main activities of the address administration. In the notes to the activities, references to this guide are made. The
illustration covers both the establishment of an address system in an area
and the subsequent maintenance. It makes sense to look at official addresses as a system that is implemented in an area: an overarching pattern
that descends to the detailed level of access to each address object. When
the framework and the overarching pattern of the system is laid down, the
development of the details may commence with determining address parcels, in other words which stretches of road should have individual names,
forming the basis for address numbering, cf. chapter 4. Then follow the
three processes of address management as stated:
• Determination of address names
• Signage of address names, including any referral signs and
• Allocation of address numbers and any unit numbers
In the illustration below, these activities have been numbered, indicating
their natural order. It makes sense to carry out the three processes (placed horizontally in the figure) more or less simultaneously. However, it may
be expedient to prepare the work process of the address name somewhat
earlier.
Administrative work, an overall plan of the provision of addresses and use of
resources.
Building an address system
1. Address area
2. Address parcels
Address name
3 Name suggestion
Sign
4 Signage plan
6 Name processing
5 Address number plan
7 Informing owner and
leaser
- Cadastre Law
- Geographical
Name Law
8 Resolution
Address number
9 Ordering of signs
10 Allocation of
address numbers,
address resolution
11 Registering in the
cadastre
12 Complaints
13 Placing and
maintaining signs
14 Complaints
15 Archiving
Figure 17-1 Shows the course of the work process from determining the framework and pattern through three parallel processes to archiving and completion.
Address guide
68
17.7.1. Detailed annotations to the various tasks
1. Address area
The geographical area where official addresses are to be introduced must be
defined. The address system is built around the municipality as a unit, but in
many places municipal boundaries are not well suited as boundaries for the
address system, cf. chap. 3, 17.2., 17.3.2 and 17.4 as well as § 58 of the
Cadastre Regulations.
2. Address parcels
The first task of address allocation is deciding which stretches of road and
which areas should make up individual address parcels. This unit will be
given an indvidual address name. Address units with access from this
address parcel should have an address number associated with this
parcel, cf. chap. 4. Address parcels are consecutively allocated address
codes between 1000 and 99998, cf. chap. 5. This code may be used as a
temporary address name, cf. chap. 6.2.
3. Name suggestion
Name suggestions for each address parcel are formulated, cf. chap. 6
and § 50 of the Cadastre Regulations. The basis for name suggetions might be:
• An overview of known names in the area from maps, the Central Register of
Geographical Names, the municipality's own collection of names
• Advice from people or groups with an interest in local history
• Old maps and land consolidation maps
• Advice from landowners and older citizens who have lived a long time in the
municipality
In some municipalities, it may be necessary to advertise or get media coverage to let the public know their name suggestions are wanted and at the same
time inform about the beginning of the address work process. A local naming
committee should nevertheless be fairly representative and have historical and
naming expertise. The latter may be especially important if a superior body
within the municipality has final resolution authority in naming matters. With a
basis in such name material, suggestions for unique address names that cannot
be confused with other names in the area, can be formulated, cf. chap.17.4. –
See the detailed schematic procedure for the treatment of new address names
in the law of geographical names in Activity 6.
4. Signage plan
Simultaneous with tasks 3 and 4, a plan for address numbers is laid out on
maps, with detailed plans for each address parcel, cf. chap. 7 and § 52 of the
Cadastre Regulations. If there are no detailed plans available, groups of
adress numbers may initially be reserved for each area. If there are existing
buildings or available plans for new buildings, unit numbers must also be
allocated, cf. chap. 8 and § 53 of the Cadastre Regulations.
5. Address number plan
Simultaneous with tasks 3 and 4, a plan for address numbers is laid out on
maps, with detailed plans for each address parcel, cf. chap. 7 and § 52 of the
Cadastre Regulations. If there are no detailed plans available, groups of
address numbers may initially be reserved for each area. If there are existing
buildings or available plans for new buildings, unit numbers must also be
allocated, cf. chap. 8 and § 53 of the Cadastre Regulations.
6. Name processing
When processing names it is important to differentiate between choice of name
and deciding the spelling. It is further important to know when formal naming
proceedings are required (regarding spelling) and when they are not. This is
discussed in more detail in chap. 6. When the administration proposes alternative names for an address parcel, all alternatives should be considered and
discussed with the Naming Consultancy Service. Changing the spelling of an
address name after it has been decided, should be avoided. Areas with
multilingual names will present extra challenges when choosing language and
spelling, cf. § 7 of the Regulations on the spelling of geographical names.
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69
The process of selection and clarification of address names can be described as
following:
THE PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF NEW ADDRESS NAMES ACCORDING
TO THE LAW OF PLACE NAMES:
Beskrivelse
Kommentarer
1. Create division in the
address parcels
This should be a technical/administrative
task.
2. Come up with suggestions
for address names of the
individual parcel, and with
the desired spelling
Forward, or in connection with this, it
may be appropriate to inform the public
and relevant groups/associations, with
the ability to make suggestions on the
name. A draft proposal prepared by
the executive officer. This will normally
be dealt with by the political organ of
the municipality that is responsible for
geographical names/addresses. See the
text below as you follow the process. In
some municipalities, the choice of the
address name, with the corresponding
treatment of names, is submitted
for consideration by the cultural
departments, and its political part.
3. Proposals submitted Place
Service (SNT) for comment.
SNT considering the spelling of names in
relation to the spelling of geographical
names in Central Register (SSR). Name
with main part that has the status of
approved and with an acceptable spelling
in accordance with the regulations,
can be used as the address name and
given the status approved in SSR. If
an aberrant spelling is desired by the
municipality, it must be instituted formal
case in the usual way, where the primary
function of the name is included. It is
often Mapping Authority has the right
decisions for the name of the primary
function, which must be clarified.
Name with main part that has the status
of approved, should have this spelling
also as address name and given the
status approved. Information to the
public should be provided through local
announcement and/or municipality's web
page.
SNT provides advice, either
if it should be necessary to
initiate a formal case, or
whether the proposed name
can be given the status of
approved or adopted.
A copy of the
recommendation from the
SNT will be sent to the
Mapping Authority.
4. After receiving the
comments from SNT (and
potential objections from
the audience, the owners
etc.), the municipality
considers raising a formal
"name case".
Address guide
Here applies the law on the Place names
(ref. case procedures for treatment of
name cases, available on www.kartverket.
no.). Alternatively, a request on raising a
case along with the proposed name can
be send to the Mapping Authority. It is
naturally that this name is left out of the
main process in order for the address
process to continue. See point 6.
70
5. When the spelling of
the suggested name is
approved, the municipality
makes a resolution on
choice of name for the
relevant address parcel and
registers the name in the
Cadastre Registry.
The resolution is made by the organ
in the municipality which has the legal
decision right (the municipal council
or it can delegate the decision right
to a subordinate committee). There is
no formal right to complain about the
resolution.
6. The municipality makes
a formal resolution on the
spelling of a name that has
been treated a name case,
see point 4, and registers
the name in the Cadastre.
This might be a name that the
municipality is raising a case on directly,
or it might be a case following the
decision made by the Mapping Authority.
This name is registered with the status
V (vedtak - resolution) i SSR. The
addresses which are not a result of a
formal name case process are registered
with the status G (godkjent- approved).
7. The new address name
shall:
New address names should be registered
in the Cadastre and should be given
an address code. The address code is
important/ necessary for registration in
the SSR and FKB-road net. The scheme
below may be used as a basis for
registration in the SSR during the name
process, but only for names which are
not a result of a formal name case. There
is an own instruction for registration in
the FKB-road net register.
a) be registered in the
Cadastre
b) be registered in SSR
c) be registered in FKBroad net
PROCEDURE FOR TREATMENT OF ADDRESS ADDITIONAL NAME
ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF PLACE NAMES:
Essentially, an above procedure for treatment of new address names can be
used analogously for address additional names. That is to say
- transmitting the SNT for comment when demands for address additional
names is put forward - and
- assessment of spelling for possibly having to prosecute formal name case
(primary function).
It is important to emphasize what otherwise is set as a condition that the
owner should be able to require address additional names, ref. Matrikkelforskriften § 54:
- It should be defined as agricultural land (see more detailed description in the
address guide Sec. 6.7.1) - and
- it is the username as may be be required! (insofar as it coincides with an
"inherited" place names).
For further information about address additional names, read the article on
the Norwegian Mapping Authority's website.
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71
Should it become necessary to raise formal case to clarify the spelling of the address
name, this process can be schematically indicated as follows:
THE PROCEDURE FOR DECIDING THE SPELLING OF PLACENAMES:
Somebody
calls for formal naming proceedings in accordance
with § 5 of the Law on Geographical Names, which
specifies who are eligible to make such a call. The
matter is handed to 
The decisionmaking
committee
§ 5, - 1 and 2 of the law specifies who the deciding
part is, for which n
ames. For instance, the municipality is the deciding part for the spelling of the
names of roads, streets, municipal facilities, residential areas, villages, urban areas etc. The Norwegian
Mapping Authority is the deciding part for all landscape names, pasture names and traditional holding
names. The Norwegian Mapping Authority is also a
deciding part on behalf of other state departments.
The Norwegian Mapping Authority has delegated the
processing and decision authority to the county mapping offices. The deciding part prepares the matter
and hands it to til 
The municipality
for a hearing with a two-month deadline. (When
the municipality is the deciding part, it already has
the matter to hand.) The municipality writes to the
owner/leaser directly in matters concerning holding
names. Any local o
rganisations with special ties
to the name are also contacted. The municipality
processes the matter and hands it to 
The National
Naming
Consultancy
Service
for advice on spelling with a copy sent to the deciding body. The naming consultants have a two-month
deadline. The matter is then handed to 
The decisionmaking
committee
which makes a resolution. The resolution is sent to
the municipality, which announces the resolutions in
accordance with the regulations of § 6 of the law (with information about complaints procedures in
accordance with § 10). The resolution is also sent
to the Naming Consultancy Service and other public
committees that will be using the name, and to 
The Central
Geographical
name
Register
at the county office of the Norwegian Mapping
Authority.
Any complaints are sent to the deciding body. The procedure for complaints handling is the same as the initial naming procedure. If the complaint is not successful, the spelling is decided by the Complaints Board for
Geographical name Matters. The decision of the Complaints Board is final.
7. Informing the affected
According to § 50 (7) of the Cadastre Registry Regulations, the owner,
leaser etc. must be informed before the municipality allocates or
changes the address, cf. chap. 15.1.
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72
8. Resolution
The address name is decided by the department/committee given the
authority. The spelling of the address name should be announced in
accordance with the Geographical name law. Consideration should be
made as to how to go about this without having to make a series of
individual announcements. See also activity 7 on informing owner and
leaser.
9. Ordering signs
Address name signs, referral signs etc. are ordered in accordance
with the signage plan (activity 4) with correctly spelled address
names, or correctly spelled abbreviations if applicable, cf. chap. 12.1.
Correspondence etc. should be archived in the address archive.
10. Allocation of address numbers/address resolution
The address number is formalised. It will often make sense to send
only one letter to the titleholder, formulated so that it is:
• An orientation about the address name
• A notification of which name the municipality wishes to use
• A notification that this will become the address if no objections are
received before the deadline
Attached to this letter should be information (pamphlet) that briefly
explains what a street address is, how address names and address
numbers are decided and how the signage works. This information
should in particular emphasize what it is possible to file complaints
about, who is eligible to make complaints, complaints deadlines and
where to send any complaints.
11. Registering in the Cadastre
When the address resolution has been made, the address is registered
in the Cadastre Registry. If the address name has not previously been
registered in the Central Register of Geographical Names, this is also
done at this time.
12. Any complaints about the spelling of address names are processed
according to the regulations of the Geographical Name Law cf. chap. 15.
13. Signage and sign maintenance
Signs are erected according to the signage plan. The basis for this
work must be a good signage plan (cf. chap. 11.4.) and a detailed work
description. If signs are put up on private property, the landowner
must be contacted. When signs are placed on buildings or technical
facilities, it is particularly important to have a detailed description of
how the sign should be placed and secured (preferably with an illustration), cf. chap. 11. If the signage work is done by someone other
than the municipality, an agreement must be signed which includes
the signage plan and descriptions. Routines for control and
maitenance of signs must be adopted.
14. Any complaints about the address allocation
(access points and address numbers) cf. chap. 15
15. Archiving
See the Regulations of the Archive law. The administrative archive is
considered the main archive of the municipality. Here, documents are
ordered according to their topic or subject matter (in accordance with
the filing system). There also exist special archives where it is individual objects (person, property, address etc.) that form the archival
basis. Files ordered as special archives will often be ordered as part of
the administrative archive. The address archive should be a special
archive ordered according to address names (and possibly address
numbers). The address archive should be easily accessible to the
address managers since it will be in constant use during changes and
developments. This may create a conflict with the Archive Regulations'
general requirements for periodization and remote storage. The quality
assurance system, mentioned in chap. 17.3.2., must contain regulations about the address archive and its use. It should ensure that the
address archive maintains a satisfactory level of quality as part of the
municipality's official archives.
Address guide
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18. Definisions
Definitions/explanations of a number of the terms used can be found in the
table below. The definitions are listed alphabetically.
Address guide
Additional
address
name
An additional address name is a traditional holding name
or the name of an institution or building that is used as
part of the official address. (Cf. § 2, letter h of the Cadastre registry Regulations.).
Address code
Address code (previously street code) is a number that
uniquely identifies s street, road, path, square or area
with an address in Cadastre registry. For each address
name there should be an address code, cf. § 51 of the
Cadastre registry Regulations.
Address
name
Address name is defined in § 2, letter e of the Land
registry regulations as the name of a road, street, path,
square or area used as part of the official address. An
address name should be unique within the municipality.
Two streets can therefore not have the same name in the
same municipality. If two or more municipalities share
an address area, the name should be unique within each
municipality. If the name consists of more than 22 characters, an official abbreviated version of the name should
also be decided. Detailed regulations for the allocation of
address names can be found in § 51 of the Land registry
regulations.
Address
number
Address number is defined in § 2, letter f of the Cadastre Regulations as a number, sometimes with an additional letter, that uniquely identifies properties, facilities, buildings or entrances to buildings on or in streets,
roads, paths, squares and areas with addresses. The
address number may be associated with areas, squares
and objects where no buildings exist. In buildings with
multiple residences where these have separate external
entrances, each entrance should be allocated an address
number, cf. § 50 third section of the Cadastre Regulations.
The address number is in any case associated with the
external access point of the address. Detailed regulations
for address numbers can be found in § 52 of the Cadastre
Regulations.
Address
object
An address object is the place, building, part of building
or unit that an official address belongs to.
Address
parcel
An address parcel is a street, stretch of road, path,
square or area that has or is to be given an address
name. An address parcel may be located in one or
multiple municipalities (e.g. a shared address area). In
the latter case, the address parcel is allocated different
address codes in each municipality but the same address name. An address parcel should form a unit with a
starting point and an end point at natural, geographical
spots such as intersections, junctions by bridges or other
obvious spots.
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Approved
access
Approved access is the access point approved by the
municipality from the property or building to the public or
private road the address is associated with.
Attic
An accessible room above the topmost regular floor that
does not meet the requirements for being a regular floor.
Standing room must be 1.9 m or higher over at least
0.6 m. The attic area is measured to 0.6 m beyond standing room of at least 1.9 m.
Basement
A level whose lower edge or ceiling are no more than
0.75 m above the average height of levelled terrain around
the building.
Basic statisti- A municipality is divided into several basic statistical units.
cal unit
A basic statistical unit is the smallest geographical unit
Statistics Norway gathers statistics on. The basic statistical unit consists of four digits and a name. The first two
digits indicate sub-area and the last two basic statistical
units.
Constituency
district
A municipality is divided into Constituency districts determined by the electoral board of each municipality.
External
entrance
By external entrance is usually meant an access point
from ground level. This means that for buildings, with
access to individual residences via external stairs to balconies or porticoes, each access stair is allocated a street
address shared by the residences.
Farm name
Name applied to everything under a farm number, cf. § 8
of the Law on Geographical Names. Cf. holding name.
Floor
Floor of a building.
Holding name The name of a registered property, cf. § 8 of the Law on
Geographical Names. Cf. farm name.
Address guide
Main floor
A level whose lower edge is more than 1.5 m above the
average height of levelled terrain around the building, and
with standing room of at least 1.9 m over at least 1.9 m.
Official
address
Official address is defined in § 2, letter d of the Cadastre
Registry Regulations as the complete address of a building,
part of building, unit, property or other object registered
with an address in the Cadastre Registry. In other words,
the official address is an identification associated with an
address object. The official address can either be based
on a street address or a registry address. If multiple units
are associated with the same street- or registry address,
as for instance in a block of flats, the official address will
include a number (unit number) identifying the unit. The
official address may also include an additional address
name (cf. § 55 of the Cadastre Registry Regulations).
The official address indicates an area's, buildings, part of
building's or unit's access point.
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Parish
Address guide
A municipality is divided into one or more parishes and
a parish usually consists of a number of basic statistical units. The parish number includes diocese, rectory,
administrative parish and parish. Each part of the number
consists of two digits. Parishes also have an organisation
number.
Postal
address
The Postal address indicates the delivery point for post.
The postal address usually consists of a street address
together with postal code and postal code area name.
A postal address may also take other forms, e.g. post
office box addresses.
Postal code
area
A postal code area is defined by Norway Post. A postal
code area may cover multiple municipalities.
Cadastre
address
Cadastre address is defined in § 2, letter j of the
Cadastre Registry Regulations. A cadastre address is
an address in the form of a farm- and holding number,
and lease number and sub-number where applicable. A
cadastre address may indicate multiple address objects.
The cadastre address is used temporarily in some municipalities instead of street addresses.
Cadastre
address
name
Cadastre address name is defined in § 2, letter k of the
Cadastre Registry Regulations as a name associated
with an official address that is a cadastre address and
that has not been allocated an additional address name.
Detailed regulations regarding cadastre address names
can be found in § 55 third section of the Cadastre
Registry Regulations.
Register of
residents
The central register of residents.
School
district
Division indicating the school the address belongs to.
Street
address
Street address is defined in § 2, letter i of the Cadastre
Registry Regulations. A street address is an address in
the form of an address name and an address number,
e.g. Myntgata 2. A street address.
Sub floor
A level whose lower edge or ceiling are higher than
0.75 m, but no more than 1.5 m, above the average
height of levelled terrain around the building.
The
distance
principle
The distance principle is the principle of allocating
address numbers based on the address's distance from
the starting point of the road, indicated in units of ten
meters (a house on the left hand side two kilometres
from the road's starting point, is given address number
200). When side roads are included in an address parcel
with distance numbering, the distance is calculated from
the beginning of the side road. The main principle of
even numbers on the left hand side and odd numbers on
the right hand side is adhered to in the normal way. The
distance principle is used mainly in sparsely populated
areas.
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Titleholder
The person whom the register designates as the owner
and possibly leaser of a Cadastre registry unit is the
titleholder and has the registry title of owner or leaser.
For owner sections, the titleholder is the person registered as the sole rights holder to the section number.
Traditional
geographical name
Geographical name that orally or in written form has
been handed down from earlier generations, cf. § 2,
letter d of Law on Geographical Names. The term handed down is to be interpreted to mean that the name
has been in use for a long time. There are no requirements as to which time period the name should be from,
however.
Unit
A unit is a part of a building. Units that are residences
are also called residence units or residences. Apartment
and premises are other terms used for units.
Unit
number
Unit number is defined in § 2, letter g in the
Cadastre Registry Regulations as a letter and four digits
that uniquely identifies an individual unit within a building or part of building with an address (residence number). When the unit is a residence, residence number
may be used as a synonym for unit number. The unit
number is part of the official address of the respective
address object. Regulations for allocation of unit numbers can be found in § 53 of the Cadastre Registry
Regulations.
Unit type
The following unit types are defined in the Cadastre
Registry:
-
Residence
Unit not approved as residence
Holiday residence
Other non-residence
Un-numbered unit
The unit type "Un-numbered" is used to connect buildings to Cadastre registry units and addresses. Used
as localisation help when the address and/or Cadastre
Registry unit is not localised via other regular units in
the building.
Urban area
Address guide
Indicating the address falls within an urban area/town.
Information about town boundaries can be found at
Statistics Norway and it is these urban areas numbers
that are registered in the Cadastre. Statistics Norway
define town thus: A minimum population of 200 and in
general no more than 50 m between houses.
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