Abstract
New approaches to urban land use management are proposed for Poland to treat both national and local problems. Many of these issues are the legacy of several decades under a unitary form of government. Recent Polish law has, in some cases, ignored municipal government's role in favor of developers and users of the land. While individual property rights must be enhanced and protected, the role and powers of local government in land use management must reflect the realities of the current transition to democracy. Unique and specific laws are needed that treat immediate transition problems and provide the resources needed for their resolution.