Zoning overhaul: Revising local zoning plans to prioritise nature

It is important to notify property owners that the zoning plan in their area might be revised.

Zoning overhaul may be particularly relevant when revising the municipal master plan as the municipality is then revising the land-use overall within the municipality. Reviewing existing zoning can be an important part of this process.

The choice of criteria for which areas to be re-regulated is important. These should be aligned with legislation. For example, Norwegian municipalities are expected to ensure that zoning plans older than 10 years are up to date before making any decision on building applications in that area, according to the Norwegian Planning and Building Act.

Other important criteria for which areas to be re-regulated may be whether the development conflicts with the state, value and tolerance level of nature in the area, are located in areas with potential nature disaster risk, or conflicts with outdoor recreation interests. Some areas may already play an important part in disaster risk reduction, protecting society against natural disasters or climate change.

Important nature amenities can be identified using existing databases. It is, however, important to consider that there might be important nature amenities that are not yet identified or included in the database.

Some areas may be easier to re-regulate than others and can be prioritised first. Unregulated areas may be regulated to protect its nature, as well as unbuilt but zoned areas with important nature and biodiversity.