Integrating NBS in local planning policy

Integrating NBS into the land-use element of a municipal master plan is an important step to ensure such solutions are being implemented on the local level, not only on public space but also on private properties.

To set requirements for using NBS in zoning plans, it is key to ensure capacity-building within the municipality to enable the civil servants to assess each NBS as described and visualised in planning proposals.

Planners may find themselves having to prioritize considerations with clear requirements, while measures that are “nice to have” are given a lower priority. When revising or adopting the land-use element of the municipal master plan, care should be taken to ensure clear priorities and requirements for NBS. Provisions and guidelines should be clearly defined, and municipalities should carefully choose what should be adopted as provisions versus guidelines.

Consider whether old zoning plans should be repealed when adopting a new or updated municipal master plan, to avoid urban developments that are not in line with the new municipal master plan and the ambitions to use NBS rather than grey solutions to address specific societal challenges. Make sure to update the municipality’s routines and checklists for planning processes to include NBS.