National Planning Agency

The Public and Stakeholders

This website uses automatic translation for English content, which may not fully capture the original meaning. For complete accuracy, refer to the Icelandic version, which is the official source. We welcome your patience as we work to improve translation quality and site map.

One of the objectives of the Planning Act is to ensure public participation in the planning process and preparation of plans. Planning decisions are of public interest and can lead to significant changes in the environment. Therefore, it is important that public opinion and viewpoints are considered during the planning process.

The scope and nature of public consultation depend on the topic and extent of the planning project.
The Planning Act ensures that planning work is publicly published and that the public is given the opportunity to observe and participate in the development of proposals regarding land use and environmental development.

For more information on how you can influence land use planning and shaping of the environment, see: Skipulag byggðar og mótun umhverfis (pdf). Please note that the document is in Icelandic.

On Skipulagsgátt, planning portal, a consultation platform for planning, environmental impact assessments, and development permits, you can find information on ongoing cases, submit comments during consultation periods and access 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.
Municipal master plans cannot be appealed.

Further information is available on the website of the Environmental and Natural Resources Board of Appeal.

National Planning Agency

The Public and Stakeholders

Public Presentation and Consultation in the Planning Process

Description of the Planning Project

Preparation of the Planning Proposal

Advertised Proposal

Right of Appeal