The National planning policy is implemented through municipal planning, but the policy can also affect other national-level governmental planning related to land use, such as transportation or energy matters. The National Planning Policy and its action plan may also include specific projects, such as guidance or development projects, to implement the policy's objectives.

Implementation through planning

The National Planning Policy is primarily implemented through the municipal planning, which must, according to the Planning Act, base their planning on the policy. The focus set out in the National Planning Policy is accompanied by implementation provisions covering either the central highlands (M), urban areas (Þ), rural areas (D) or marine and coastal areas (H). In the, all focus areas and implementation guidelines are organized according to this geographic classification, making it easier to identify what applies to planning in each area.

Action plan

The National Planning Policy 2024-2038, together with its five-year action plan, set out a number of projects that authorities are responsible for. The action plan includes 20 actions aimed mainly at making municipal planning more efficient through improved access to base data and guidance, safeguarding national interest in planning and promoting sustainable development, taking into account the potential impact of climate change on communities and infrastructure.

Development of processes and guidelines for municipal adaptation to climate change

The Housing and Infrastructure Agency, the National Planning Agency, and the Icelandic Meteorological Office are charged with developing a holistic approach to municipal climate change adaptation with the goal and clarifying methodology, tasks and the roles of municipalities, professional institutions, ministries and other stakeholders when it comes to adaptation. This project is an action in the Strategic Regional Development Plan. Period: 2023-2025.

Planning to support carbon neutrality

The National Planning Agency is tasked with developing guidelines on how planning can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. Simultaneously, awareness will be raised regarding the climate impacts of built environment, transportation and land use and climate-friendly lifestyles. A system will also be established for targeted collection and dissemination of information for climate-oriented planning, enduring access to that information. Period: 2024-2025

Planning to meet housing needs

A project to improve access to information on opportunities for housing development in development plans with the aim of building a clear data base for municipal housing policy and plans. The National Planning Agency is tasked with developing a database that gives an overview of the zoning permits for residential development on already planned residential areas and on areas that are in the planning process. Period: 2024-2038

Development and maintenance of nationally important infrastructure

The Ministry of Infrastructure is responsible for evaluating which infrastructure of transmission systems is of national importance and explore ways to simplify decision-making on its development and maintenance in cooperation with designated institutions and in consultation with stakeholders. Period: 2024-2026

Mapping of agricultural land suitable for food production

A project to map quality of land for cultivation and maintain a database with updated information. The project is managed by the National Planning Agency and Land and Forest. Duration: 2024

Planning and the energy transition

Projects focusing on plans, policy making regarding energy transition and access to up-to-date information, with the aim of supporting the acceleration of the energy transition. Period: 2024-2026

Governance of areas beyond coastal zones

A project led by the Ministry of Infrastructure, focusing on analysing responsibilities in decision-making and establishing a decision-making framework regarding the use and protection of marine areas beyond coastal zones. Period: 2024-2026

Wilderness mapping

Completion of wilderness mapping based on criteria in the Nature Conservation Act No. 60/2023. The mapping will be updated regularly and made available for municipal planning and other uses. A decision will be made in a regulation who will carry out the mapping. Period: 2024-2025

Planning in rural areas

The National Planning Agency is tasked with the development if guidelines on rural planning, including how planning can highlight key influencing factors to promote sustainable development and land use. The guidelines shall address land allocation in rural areas, including the preservation of good agricultural land, as well as growing need for land for forestry, tourism, recreational housing, residential development and traditional agricultural use. The guidelines will also cover climate-oriented planning, landscape conservation, networks of protected areas, biodiversity and sustainable development. Period: 2024-2026

A single process for housing development

A project that focuses on simplifying and coordinating the statutory processes and procedures in the field of planning and construction related residential development. On the one hand, this involves integrating processes of local plans and building permits and on the other hand, integrating the processes of municipal master planning and housing strategy development. The project also includes education and guidance to municipalities on process simplification and increased efficiency in planning and construction. The Ministry of Infrastructure, together with the Housing and Construction Authority, the National Planning Agency and the Association of Municipalities, is responsible for the project. Period: 2024-2026