The purpose of a regional planning procedure is to determine as early as possible—even before the permitting process begins—whether a large-scale project can be implemented in a manner that is compatible with regional planning and environmental requirements at the location or along the route proposed by the project developer. If there are alternative sites or route corridors that are seriously being considered for a project, these are also examined and evaluated from a regional planning perspective. As a rule, an initial environmental impact assessment is conducted as part of this process.
Regional planning procedures may be considered, for example, for large utility line construction projects or transportation projects, but also for land extraction projects with significant spatial implications, wind farms, recreational facilities, shopping centers, etc.

The procedure results in a state planning determination, which serves as an expert opinion for the project developer. It enables further project planning to be focused on and optimized for a suitable location or route.
Public authorities must take the results of the regional planning procedure into account in subsequent planning and measures, as well as in decisions regarding planning approvals. In a later permitting process, the results of the regional planning procedure can be used as a basis.

The services provided by the competent authority include

• advising project sponsors
• receiving applications and notifications pursuant to Section 15 of the Regional Planning Act
• determining whether a regional planning procedure is required for a project
• conducting an application conference to coordinate the scope of the study and the required procedural documents for the regional planning procedure
• conducting the regional planning procedure, including the associated public participation process
• Issuing a state planning determination on the project’s spatial and environmental compatibility.

In addition to the participation of public authorities, the procedure generally also includes public participation. To enable citizens to participate, the procedural documents are made available for public review at the competent authority and posted online, and the comments are subsequently evaluated.
Public participation may be waived only in so-called “accelerated regional planning procedures.” This applies only in rare, exceptional cases for projects for which there is no obligation to conduct an environmental impact assessment.
The final state planning determination is made available for public review and posted online.