yleiskaava

Yleiskaava is a municipal-level land-use plan in Finland that outlines the general use of land and water areas within a municipality or a defined part of it. It provides a long-term framework for development and guides the preparation of more detailed plans. The plan covers broad categories such as housing areas, business and services zones, transportation corridors, recreational and green spaces, nature protection, and water resources.

The yleiskaava is prepared under the Maankäyttö- ja rakennuslaki and must be consistent with regional plans (maakuntakaava) and national land-use goals. It is typically drawn up by the municipality, with public participation through hearings and display periods, and is adopted by the municipal council. It is publicly accessible and updated periodically.

Although the yleiskaava guides future development, it is not in itself a binding zoning plan for individual parcels. Local zoning decisions are made through more detailed plans called asemakaava, which must be in line with the yleiskaava. The yleiskaava thus functions as a strategic framework, indicating where urban growth, infrastructure, and environmental protections should be concentrated while leaving room for later specification.

Contents commonly include land-use zones, protection of natural and cultural values, protection of important waterways, and directions for transport and urban structure. The plan also identifies areas for future expansion and potential redevelopment, including suitability for housing, industry, services, and recreation.