Planning decisions affect the public interest and can lead to significant changes in the environment. Therefore, it is essential that the public's views are considered during the planning process.
The level of public consultation required depends on the scope and subject matter of the planning work being undertaken at the time.
How the public can participate
People can:
Attend community meetings or other consultation events organised by the municipality to participate in the planning process.
Submit suggestions and comments during the formal presentation period for planning proposals via the Planning Portal (Skipulagsgátt).
The Planning Portal contains information about cases currently being processed, allows users to comment on cases during the consultation period, and provides access to final documents and decisions.
Public Presentation and Consultation in the Planning Process
The planning process begins with the municipality preparing a project description, which outlines the background and rationale for the planning work, as well as how the planning process is intended to be carried out.
The municipality presents this description publicly, and the public is given the opportunity to submit comments and suggestions regarding the content and priorities of the planning project via Skipulagsgátt, planning portal.
Public consultation during the drafting phase of a planning proposal depends on the nature and scope of the project, as described in the planning project’s initial description. It is common for municipalities to organize focus groups with residents or to hold consultation meetings where the planned project is presented and participants are invited to share feedback and ideas.
When a draft proposal has been developed, it is introduced at a public meeting or by another suitable means of presentation.
Once the final draft of the planning proposal is complete, it is submitted to the municipal council for processing. Afterward, the proposal is formally advertised for public review. During this period, the public is given the opportunity to submit written comments to the municipal council through Skipulagsgátt, planning portal.
Municipal plans, regional plans and local plans, except for minor amendments, must be advertised with a minimum 6-week comment period. Plan proposals for minor amendments to local plans are subject to neighbor consultation, meaning adjacent property owners are notified directly. This consultation period lasts 4 weeks, but may be shortened under certain conditions.
The municipal council must review and address all comments submitted during the public review period. A response must be sent to all parties who submitted comments on the advertised proposal.
Right of Appeal
Individuals or entities with legal interests affected by a planning decision may appeal the decision to the Environmental and Natural Resources Board of Appeal. This includes, for example, landowners, neighbours, and organizations that meet specific criteria. Appealable decisions include:
Approval of a local plan. The appeal period is one month.
Issuance of a development permit. The appeal period is one month.
