Reguleringsformål

Reguleringsformål is a term used in Danish spatial planning to designate the intended use of land or buildings within a reguleringsplan (regulation plan) or detailed regulation. Each reguleringsformål specifies what activities may take place and the building and site conditions that apply to the area. The concept is defined in the Planning Act (Planloven) and is a central element in municipal plans, providing the legal basis for zoning decisions and development control.

Within a reguleringsplan, the area is divided into different reguleringsformål, for example boligområde (residential area), erhvervsområde (commercial or mixed-use), offentlige formål (public purposes), infrastrukturformål (infrastructure), fritidsområde (recreational area), and områder med natur- og landskabsbeskyttelse (nature and landscape protection), as well as tekniske anlæg (technical installations). Each form provides binding rules for allowed land use and may include accompanying restrictions on building form, height, massing, plot coverage, setbacks, and access. The exact wording depends on the plan and the municipality.

Changes to reguleringsformål require a plan amendment adopted by the municipality, typically through a new plan or an amendment to the existing plan. Individual property owners cannot unilaterally change forms; changes must follow formal planning procedures and may involve public consultation and environmental considerations.

In practice, reguleringsformål guide planning, permitting, and construction by aligning development with goals such as housing supply, economic development, infrastructure, and protection of nature and cultural values.