Information useChanges are occurring in the zoning and building permit processes. This information will be gathered in a machine-readable and nationally interoperable form by the built environment information system, which will be introduced in 2024.
Access to the most current information about the built environment will be provided by the built environment information system. Municipalities that produce data are the most important users of this system. It will also benefit individual building owners, permit applicants, government agencies, and residents who are interested in land use planning.
The new system does not affect the division of responsibilities in data production, but municipalities continue to have responsibility for zoning or permit procedures. Future jointly specified information models for zoning or building permits will be used. This will allow data to be interoperable and flow smoothly from one organization to the next.
The national information system makes it easier for information management
The built environment information system will eliminate the need to store data at multiple locations. This will improve cooperation between different authorities. Information will flow more smoothly between central government agencies and municipalities. Manual data processing will be decreased.
The new information system will be available in the first phase of 2024. It will include information about building permits, restrictions, and various zoning plans. After the first phase, the information systems and the ways they can be used will expand. In the first phase, the emphasis will be on information required by the public authorities to carry out their statutory functions. Information can be used for better public services and to develop a wide range business activities.
The Programme of Prime Minister includes the project for the construction of an information system about the built environment. Sanna Marin‘s Government. The budget for the project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of the Environment, and the Finnish Environment Institute for 20202024, is EUR 19.6 millions. As information is more accessible and quality improves, this national investment will pay off.
How will the change happen?
The Finnish Environment Institute has completed the specification for the built environment information system. This information identifies the information that will be included in the first phase. It also describes the movement of data and links to other information systems. The specifications will be used by the Finnish Environment Institute to procure the implementation of this system in 2022. The act regarding the new information system is being prepared. It is linked to the reform of the Land Use and Building Act. These acts should be in effect by 2024. This is also the time when the first version the information system should become available.
Digitalisation has changed the way information on the built environments is produced, managed, and utilised. The project on the built-environment information system identified dozens of projects in various administrative branches that are interconnected with the movement data on the built environments. Collaboration is necessary to ensure that the change is fair and effective, and that digital security is fully considered.
The initial phase of the change will require additional work from municipalities. Some of them have already made rapid progress in digitizing their systems. The project on the built-environment information system works closely with municipalities and provides support services to ensure that all Finnish municipalities can keep up with the changes.
Source: Ministry of the Environment
