Kaavoitus

Kaavoitus is the process and system of land-use planning in Finland, carried out primarily by municipalities to regulate the use of land and water for housing, services, industry, transport, nature protection, recreation, and cultural heritage. Its aim is to guide growth, infrastructure investments, and environmental sustainability, ensuring orderly settlements and efficient delivery of public services.

The process is governed by the Land Use and Building Act (Maankäyttö- ja rakennuslaki, MRL). Planning operates at multiple levels: maakuntakaava (regional land-use plan) prepared by Regional Councils, yleiskaava (general or land-use plan) prepared by municipalities as guidance, and asemakaava (detailed or zoning plan) which is legally binding on land use and building. Plans are coordinated with national and regional objectives and must comply with environmental, transport, and conservation laws.

Municipalities draft plans, conduct public consultations and displays, solicit feedback, and adopt plans through municipal decision-making bodies. Plans are binding for subsequent zoning decisions and building permits, and there is a mechanism for public appeals. In some cases, state authorities provide oversight to safeguard national or regional interests.

Kaavoitus influences the urban form, housing supply, mobility networks, green spaces, and resilience to environmental and climate-related challenges. Current trends emphasize densification, climate adaptation, and sustainable land use, supported by digitalization and public-access portals that improve transparency and participation in the planning process.