muutospäätös

A muutospäätös is a type of decision issued by a public authority in Finland to change, modify, or revise a previously made administrative decision. The term literally means “change decision.” It is distinct from a standard päätös (final decision) in that it does not establish a new fact base but modifies an existing decision, often applying the same legal framework but differing resulting in a new outcome for the applicant or the affected party.

Under the Finnish Act on Administrative Proceedings (Maatieteen laki) and various sector‑specific laws, such as the Building Act or the Environmental Protection Act, authorities are required to issue a muutospäätös when a request is made to alter previously granted permissions, licenses, or permits. Typical examples include changes to building plans approved under a building permit, revisions to a fishing license, or updates to environmental impact assessments. The decision may either confirm, adapt, or cancel the earlier decision, and often includes a new administrative order or updated documentation.

The applicant has the same rights with respect to the muutospäätös as with any other administrative decision. The decision must be grounded in legal provisions, written in clear language, and is subject to the same procedural safeguards, such as the right to appeal within a set period. An appeal in the Procedure Courts typically examines whether the decision followed the law, was justified, and properly applied the relevant regulations. The procedural integrity ensures that changes introduced through a muutospäätös are transparent and legally defensible.