This spring, Datel and the Tallinn City Planning Authority signed a contract for the development, maintenance, and hosting of a new version of the Tallinn Planning Register. The agreement is valid until 2 April 2030 and covers both a comprehensive system update and ongoing user support.
Tallinn’s current planning register has reached the end of its technological life cycle. System development has become increasingly complex and costly, user expectations regarding the interface have evolved, and the city aims to accelerate the planning process significantly.
The new solution being developed by Datel offers modern technology, an improved user experience, and enhanced functionality to support Tallinn’s objectives of increasing the quality of spatial design and promoting transparency in the process.
“The new environment for Tallinn’s planning is not just a technological upgrade but a tool that enables the city to offer a faster and more transparent process for residents and entrepreneurs alike,” said Urmas Kõlli, Chairman of the Board at Datel. “Our goal is to create a system that supports every stage of the planning process and engages citizens more effectively than before,” he added.
Martin Karro, head of the Tallinn City Planning Department, highlighted the necessity of the new register to meet increasing expectations and pace. “There’s a strong interest in development within the capital, and entrepreneurs expect quicker procedures, while residents want greater influence over shaping their environment. The new register will make the process more transparent and user-friendly,” he said.
According to Karro, it will also enable the consolidation of vital information in one place, reduce the time officials spend on administrative tasks, and make data accessible to all stakeholders. “We’ve been searching for the best solution for planning and preparation for several years, and now the system is ready for deployment. This is an important step forward in Tallinn’s digital capabilities and transparent city management,” he noted.
Martin Männillisa, the city government’s Digital Director, stated that the planning process is one of Tallinn’s most complex procedures—often lasting years and involving numerous parties. “Providing a technical solution is a significant challenge, but we believe that with a strong team and a reliable development partner, we will establish a system that makes planning efficient, transparent, and user-friendly,” he explained.
Goals for the new Tallinn City Planning Register:
- Reduce the average planning processing time to the target of 1,095 days by 2035.
- Facilitate direct communication between officials, developers, and residents via the register, minimising duplicate tasks and fragmented information sources.
- Achieve at least 40% public engagement—residents should actively seek planning information and provide feedback through the system.
- Ensure the new solution is easy to manage, adaptable, and compatible with other information systems.
The existing Tallinn Planning Register comprises modules developed at various times, some dating back to 2003. Datel has extensive experience in developing and maintaining this register. The current project will analyze and upgrade the system, followed by ongoing maintenance, data correction, user support, and hosting until the contract concludes.