Article categories: News
What’s being planned in Vaasa? Explore the 2025 Land Use Review!
Published: 14.4.2025
The City of Vaasa’s Land Use Review presents the key planning projects of the year. This year’s publication covers, among other things, a new sports hall planned for Silmukkatie, a zoning amendment for the cat shelter (Kissatalo), and the permit procedures under the new Building Act.
The review includes all zoning projects that will begin or continue during 2025. The review is available in Finnish and Swedish.
According to Päivi Korkealaakso, Director of Urban Planning, the aim of land use planning is to create long-lasting solutions that meet both current and future needs.
– What we build today will remain in place for decades. That’s why every decision and policy must be based on a thorough impact assessment. It is essential to consider the consequences of our choices in 5, 10, 20, or even 35 years’ time – the built environment does not change quickly, and mistakes are hard to undo.
A year-round sports hall planned for Silmukkatie
In Huutoniemi, a diverse area for sports and recreation is being planned around the football field on Silmukkatie. The central feature would be a year-round sports hall. Its aim is to enable training regardless of weather conditions, especially for footballers but also for other athletes.
– By building a permanent indoor facility, we can ensure that football activities continue throughout the winter – and for decades to come, says Jennifer Heikius, Urban Planning Architect.
The zoning amendment was initiated by the Vaasan Palloseura Juniorit Association, and it aims to meet the growing demand for training facilities. The plan is expected to improve the area’s sports services and living environment, as it is located near schools and along good public transport connections.
A draft of the zoning plan is intended to be presented in spring 2025. If everything proceeds as planned, construction could begin in spring 2026.
Cat shelter (Kissatalo) relocation to Isolahti progresses with zoning amendment
The association Friends of Homeless Cats in Vaasa has applied for a zoning amendment for the plot at Isolahdentie 6, to relocate the operations of its existing cat shelter from Palosaari. The association owns the plot and the building on it, but the area is currently zoned for residential use, and a cat shelter requires zoning that allows business use.
A special permit granted in 2021 was overturned by the Administrative Court following an appeal by local residents, leaving a zoning amendment as the only viable alternative. The association submitted its application in March 2024. The aim is to have the plan approved during 2025 and legally binding by 2026.
The Isolahti site is considered more suitable for the cat shelter due to better parking facilities and good transport connections. The shelter is not expected to have any negative environmental impacts, provided that waste management and cleaning are properly handled. The zoning amendment would allow the association to continue offering safe and functional facilities for cats and their caregivers.
New Building Act streamlines permit procedures
The new Building Act, which came into force at the beginning of 2025, simplifies the permit process, particularly for small structures. Buildings under 30 square metres and canopies under 50 square metres can now be constructed without a building permit.
– For example, small storage buildings, saunas, guest cottages, and carports may no longer require a permit. However, it is essential to ensure that the project complies with the valid zoning plan and building regulations, reminds Päivi Korkealaakso, Director of Urban Planning.
For undeveloped areas outside the zoning plan, a special permit is still required, and the building rights and local building code must be confirmed in advance with the Building Supervision Authority.
Applicants may first apply for a site placement permit, which assesses whether the location requirements are met. This new type of permit improves predictability in building projects, while also increasing the importance of land use planning in guiding development. Anyone undertaking a construction project must ensure that their plans comply with the zoning regulations and the conditions of building rights.
As in previous years, the Land Use Review is available online only (in Finnish and Swedish). Explore the 2025 Land Use Review at vaasa.fi/sv/planlaggningsoversikt2025 in Swedish or at vaasa.fi/kaavoituskatsaus2025 in Finnish.