Abstract:This study aims to clarify how changes in the legal system combined with changing social, economic, and environmental pressures have affected approaches taken for land use control. Our emphasis is on how historical transitions in the legal system, particularly in the use of local government ordinances (Development Permission Ordinances and voluntary ordinances concerning land use management) have contributed to land use control in suburban areas. Our results show that because of the revision of the City Planning Law in 2000, more municipalities are introducing planned land use control in suburban areas. These are local efforts that consider the local situation. However, planned lands use has also been used to relax regulations, thereby promoting traditional growth and expansion trends. This has been especially true in the Kanto region, where development pressure is high. Therefore, it is necessary to design land use control systems that are consistent with the goals of making compact urban areas and a stable society. To do so, it is critical to clarify planning goals through public participation, evaluate the municipality's administrative abilities and applicant responsibilities, identify those developments that are to be regulated, and guide development with flexibility. It is also recommended that financial and technical support should be provided for public participation.