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Zoning Decisions | General Plans
Important changes are coming
to zoning decisions (WZ) in Poland due to the amended Spatial Planning and Development Act. The amendment to the Act of March 27, 2003, introduced by the Act of July 7, 2023, requires municipalities to develop General Spatial Development Plans, which will replace existing zoning studies (studium) starting July 1, 2026.
These general plans will become local law, which means:
- - zoning decisions (WZ),
- - decisions on public purpose investments,
- - local spatial development plans adopted after the general plan,
Zoning decisions issued under the new plans, will be valid for 5 years from the date they become final.
Local zoning plans that are in force when the general plan is adopted will remain valid until replaced by a new local plan.
During the transition period (until the general plans are adopted), zoning and public investment location decisions will still follow the current regulations.
If a general spatial development plan is not adopted, the municipality will no longer be able to issue zoning decisions for applications submitted after June 30, 2026.
After that date, it will also not be possible to adopt a local spatial plan without a valid general plan in place.
As a long-time partner to wind farm developers, we strongly recommend:
Submitting zoning decision applications as soon as possible.
Applications submitted before December 31, 2025, should still be processed under current rules.
Please note: some municipalities are already suspending proceedings or plan to do so 3 months before adopting their general plan.
Zoning decisions issued for applications submitted after December 31, 2025, will be valid for 5 years only.
No land ownership is required to apply – only basic location and technical details of the planned investment.
General Plans will include:
- - Planning zones – defining land use functions,
- - Urban standards – e.g., max. building height, required green area, etc.
To allow future wind measurement masts or other infrastructure:
- - The general plan must include relevant zones and parameters,
- - Local plans must be allowed for those locations.
Any interested party may submit a request to the draft general plan, following the official announcement by the municipality after they vote to begin the planning process.
We recommend:
- - Actively participating in the planning process now,
- - Tracking announcements and submitting requests on time.
Municipalities will run public consultations once a draft is ready and reviewed. Dates will be published in the press, on notice boards, and the official BIP website.
Requests submitted after the deadline will not be considered, so staying up to date is key to securing future investment opportunities.
For more details, please contact:
- Dorota Koleda
- Wojciech Mardziel
- Michał Jakubowski