Skipulagsstofnun

Skipulagsstofnun, the Icelandic Planning Agency, is a government institution in Iceland tasked with national planning and spatial development. It operates within the framework of Icelandic planning and building laws and serves as a central reference for land-use planning across the country.

Its core responsibilities include developing national planning policy and guidelines, maintaining planning data and maps (including geographic information systems), and supporting municipalities in preparing and implementing local plans. The agency coordinates cross-municipal planning matters, ensures coherence with national strategies, and integrates environmental, sustainability, and climate considerations into planning processes.

Skipulagsstofnun also reviews planning proposals and appeals under applicable legislation, issues guidance on planning instruments, and provides technical services, training, and capacity building to local authorities. It publishes planning documents, statistics, and analyses to inform policymaking and public understanding.

The agency is led by a director and operates under the supervision of the relevant ministry. It collaborates with other state bodies, municipalities, universities, and research organizations to advance planning practice and planning education. Headquartered in Reykjavik, the agency provides services and communications to municipalities and the public.