This is the chapter on Bulgaria of the International Manual of Planning Practice (IMPP). The International Manual of Planning Practice is published once in 5 or 6 years by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP).
The chapter on Bulgaria starts with some basic data and information about the country and the general social and economic context of current spatial developments. Part I describes the administrative structure of Bulgaria, the administrative competences for planning and other characteristics – some facts about the history of physical development and the evolution of the planning system. Next it describes the main planning legislation, the legal framework of spatial, physical planning at national, regional, local levels, the planning and implementation instruments and control mechanisms.
Part II explains the planning system of Bulgaria: the process of plan making and development control, the procedures of participation and appeal. Part III offers some analysis of the planning system concerning certain topical issues, such as sustainability and environmental protection, the process of governance – urban management and participation of the main stakeholders, the use of Information and Communication Technologies