Spatial Planning System in Croatia

The spatial planning system in the Republic of Croatia is regulated by the Physical Planning Act and provides the legal and institutional framework for the sustainable use, development and protection of space. Spatial planning is recognised as a public interest activity and serves as an important tool for balancing development needs, environmental protection, infrastructure provision and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. The system aims to ensure the rational use of land and resources while creating conditions for sustainable economic and social development.

Croatia has a hierarchical planning system in which planning documents are prepared at national, regional and local levels. Plans at lower levels must be aligned with higher-level planning documents, ensuring consistency between national development objectives, regional priorities and local needs. The City of Zagreb has a special position within this system, as it exercises both city and county-level responsibilities and therefore adopts its own Spatial Plan at the regional level.

Spatial Planning Documents in Croatia

National Level

At the highest level, spatial development is guided by national planning documents that define strategic objectives and spatial policies of national importance.

Regional Level

Regional planning is carried out through county spatial plans and, in the case of the City of Zagreb, through the Spatial Plan of the City of Zagreb (Prostorni plan Grada Zagreba), which combines the responsibilities of both a city and a county due to Zagreb’s special administrative status.

Local Level

Local planning documents include General Urban Plans of Zagreb and Sesvete and Urban Development Plans. These plans define land use, development conditions, infrastructure systems and detailed planning solutions for urban areas and specific development zones.

Spatial Planning in the City of Zagreb

The City of Zagreb is governed by planning documents at national, regional and local levels. The key planning documents are:

Spatial Plan of the City of Zagreb (PPGZ)
General Urban Plan of Zagreb (GUP Zagreb)
General Urban Plan of Sesvete (GUP Sesvete)
Urban Development Plans (UPU)

The Institute for Physical Planning of the City of Zagreb is the professional institution responsible for preparing the City’s principal regional and local-level spatial planning documents.

Planning Process and Public Participation

Spatial plans are prepared through a transparent process involving public authorities, professional experts and the wider community. Public consultation is an integral part of the planning process, providing citizens, organisations and other stakeholders with the opportunity to review planning proposals and submit comments and suggestions.

Public participation contributes to better planning solutions, greater transparency and the alignment of development goals with the needs of the community.

Learn More

For a detailed overview of the Croatian spatial planning system, please visit:

Spatial Planning System in Zagreb