Landesplanung

Landesplanung is the spatial planning at the state level in Germany and is part of the national system of spatial planning (Raumordnung). It aims to coordinate development across a state, balancing urban growth, housing, transportation, economy, and environmental protection, and to reduce regional disparities while promoting sustainable development.

Legal framework: The federal Raumordnungsgesetz (ROG) provides the overarching framework for spatial planning. Each state enacts its own Landesplanungsgesetz and prepares Raumordnungspläne or state spatial plans. Planning authorities are typically ministries responsible for urban development, housing, interior affairs, or economy, and they coordinate with districts and municipalities.

Instruments and process: Landesplanung develops Raumordnungspläne that set priorities for land use, designate growth and protection areas, and coordinate infrastructure corridors for transport, energy, and utilities. The process relies on data analysis, scenario planning, and public participation, and it aligns with environmental and nature conservation objectives while guiding municipal zoning and sectoral policies.

Relation to other levels: Landesplanung sits between federal policy and local building and land-use planning (Bauleitplanung). It provides guidance for regional planning and informs municipal development plans, while interfacing with European policy and cross-border cooperation.

Impact and variation: The form and binding force of Landesplanung instruments vary by state; some issue binding Raumordnungspläne, others provide non-binding guidance. Landesplanung aims to foster balanced development, protect landscapes, secure housing, and ensure resilient infrastructure.