National Planning Agency
Local Planning
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A local development plan applies to a defined area that forms a coherent and comprehensive unit, such as a neighborhood, a neighborhood section, street block or building cluster. A local plan sets out provisions regarding building permits, design specifications, and environmental layout.
In a local development plan, conditions are set regarding:
The settlement pattern and the typology of the environment, such as the size, location and use of houses.
The overall appearance of the settlement, such as the design and layout of buildings, detailing and material use.
Parks and public spaces such as streets, squares, playgrounds and public parks.
Building permits and construction permits shall be in accordance with the plan. The general rule is that building permits shall be based on a divisional plan, but permits may in certain cases be based on a main plan. For further information on building permits, please visit the website of the Housing and Construction Authority and here on the website.
Information on ongoing planning projects can be found on Skipulagsgátt, planning portal.
A neighborhood plan (e. hverfisskipulag) is a simplified version of a local plan that may be prepared for established residential areas where no major development is planned. Unlike traditional local development plans, neighborhood plans are subject to fewer formal requirements in terms of presentation and regulatory detail. They allow for greater flexibility in setting general rules and guidelines for building permissions, such as modifications or extensions to existing buildings.
Local Planning
The municipality is responsible for the preparation of a local plan. The municipality's planning committee is responsible for the preparation of the local plan on behalf of and under the authority of the municipality council.
A landowner or developer may make a request to the municipality to prepare or amend a local plan at their own expense. By approving the proposal, the municipality adopts the plan as its own and becomes responsible for its implementation.
The local plan enters into force once it has been approved by the municipal council and published in the Official Gazette.
The municipality covers costs of preparing a local plan, except if a landowner or developer is authorized to prepare it at their own expense.