Nomenclature and Addresses

Additional information

Planning of nomenclature

Planning the nomenclature is part of city planning. In the city plan new names are given for:

  • districts
  • streets
  • parks
  • squares
  • other public areas

The Nomenclature Committee is responsible for the planning of nomenclature. Residents of the municipality may send their name suggestions to the Nomenclature Committee via email at kaupunkisuunnittelu(at)turku.fi.

Local history as the basis of nomenclature

The oldest street name in use is Hämeenkatu which originates from the 17th century. Most street names are the legacy of the 1830 name decision. Names carry the history of the city and are in Finnish and in Swedish. Local geographical names and other information related to the place are used in the planning of nomenclature. In new areas the nomenclature is developed around some theme, which helps in connecting the name to a certain place.

Formation of addresses

The numbers of sites in the area covered by the city plan are given after the site divisions based on the city plan are completed. An address consists of an address name, an address number, and a flat identifier if need be, e.g. Linnankatu 57 E 10. The address is given to a building during the planning permission application phase.

Principles:

  • In the area covered by the city plan, numbers are given in order for each site in such a way that odd numbers will be located on the right side and even numbers to the left side of the road as seen from the beginning of the road.
  • In sparsely populated areas numbers are given based on how far the junction of the property is from the beginning of the road measured in meters. 10 meters is 1 number.

The Public Utility Property Management reports the new addresses to the owners of the properties (who in turn inform the residents) as well as Posti, Local Register Office of Turku, and Southwest Finland Emergency Services.

  • Addresses and numberings: Jouni Ruotsi, Urban Environment Division