The Riigikogu adopted new laws on Wednesday. These laws simplify and expedite planning procedures.
51 people voted in favor of the laws, seven against, and one abstained. The new amendments allow municipalities to respond to developments more quickly and flexibly.
For example, the validity of a detailed plan automatically expires if no work is initiated within ten years. The validity period can be extended without a new procedure.
The law discontinues the use of special plans. In the future, wind farms and other large structures can be planned based on detailed plans.
The processing time for a special plan was four years, while the same result can be achieved with a detailed plan in 2.2 years.
With the amendments, the Land Board can monitor the activities and deadlines of municipalities. Detailed plans will specify the consideration of technical networks and infrastructure.
The law abandoned changes that would have eliminated the obligation to publish planning notices.
The amendments will partially come into force at the beginning of next year and fully in the second half of 2026.