ABSTRACT
The local political unit in Sweden is the municipality, of which there are about 280. Compared with corresponding political levels in many other countries, Swedish municipalities hold an important position in community planning. This is related in part to their right of taxation, and in part to their sole right to plan where, when and how urban settlements may be established. According to the Swedish Planning and Building Act (PBA) and Natural Resources Act (NRA), municipalities are responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of the built and natural environment. The PBA also requires all municipalities to provide a comprehensive land-use plan (CP) that covers the entire municipality, although certain parts of the plan may be analysed in more detail.
