Regional planning and land use planning guide and outline how land areas can be used. Usually, the land use planning policy of a region is focused on fulfilling a certain vision of how a region should be developed. 

According to the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, the goal of regional and land use planning is to create the preconditions for good and viable living environments. The goal of good land use planning decisions is to create a society where a harmonious environment and functional traffic systems help to create well-being for citizens while at the sime time promoting sustainable development. 

In Finland, land use planning is mostly done on the municipal level. It is legally regulated by the Land Use and Building Act. Zoning maps present the land use planning decisions made in a region. Each of us can also help to develop our living environments by making our desires and fears about the land use of our home region heard.

Land use planning can be used to develop or change the type of construction or industry allowed in a certain region. It can also be used to protect important cultural and natural sites and regions from inhabitation or industry.

THE PROCESS OF LAND USE PLANNING

Stage	Process
1	The land use planning begins. People concerned are given the chance to make their opinions heard. Various PR and press gatherings are held.
2	Zoning plans are made visible for all residents. More PR and press gatherings are held.
3	A zoning plan is selected by the city or municipality government.
4	The government sends its zoning plan forward to the city or municipality council.
5	The plan is accepted by the council. If a person disagrees with the validity of the decision, a complaint can be made and sent to the administrative court.
6	The land use plan becomes legally valid.