The planning system in Scotland is principally governed by the Town and Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1997, as amended by the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006.

National planning policy is set out in the National Planning Framework for Scotland and a series of subject specific Scottish Planning Policies (SPP).   Planning Advice Notes (PAN) provide advice and information on technical planning matters and Circulars provide guidance on policy implementation through legislative or procedural change.

Under the 2006 Act the 32 Scottish Planning Authorities and 2 National Park Authorities have responsibility for preparing Local and Strategic Development Plans, which aim to direct development and inform development management decisions on planning applications.