Who has to submit building plans?

Everyone. Any new building and any alteration that adds on to or changes the structure of an existing building must go to the City’s (Planning) Development Management department for approval. If you redecorate your kitchen or replaster your house, however, you don’t need permission because you haven’t moved any walls or altered the drainage system. When you submit a building plan for approval it’s essential that you make sure that you have complied with the zoning regulations of the Town Planning Scheme.

Where can I get an application form?

Go to www.joburg.org.za, click on Residents and then Building plans. Application forms can be downloaded from there. Alternatively, go to the building plan submission counters at Metrolink, 158 Loveday Street, Braamfontein, between 8am and 3pm.

How do I submit the plan?

Submit the completed forms, together with the building plans and supporting documentation at Metrolink, 158 Loveday Street, Braamfontein.

How much does it cost to submit an application?

Fees are calculated by the building control counter staff when you submit an application. A standardised set of tariffs apply when calculating the fee payable. Fees can be paid at the adjacent cashier, either by cash or by cheque. A tariff of charges can be viewed at www.joburg.org.za, click on Residents and then Building plans. Alternatively, ask the cashier.

What if I don't submit a plan?

If you’ve chosen to build without having the plans approved, a building inspector is entitled to enter your property and order construction to stop immediately. He could even obtain a court order for the structure to be demolished, at your expense, and you would be liable for legal costs as well. In serious cases, you could be fined or sent to prison.

What if no building inspector notices my illegal alterations?

They could come back to haunt you years later - when you try to sell the house and the prospective buyer asks to see approved plans.

How can I track my building plan application?

Either go to www.joburg.org.za, click on Residents and then Building plans, or call the relevant number (always have the erf number and township description to hand when making enquiries).

If your building plan been submitted to the Council, call
011 4076217 or 011 4076058.
For the status of a building plan application in the system, call
011 4076217 or 011 4076058.
To find out if your approved building plan is ready, call
011 4076058 (Randburg / Soweto / Sandton) or 011 4076217 (Roodepoort / South / Midrand).
If your plans require corrections prior to consideration for approval, call
011 4076217 or 0114076058.
How can I get copies of existing approved building plans?
Call the Records section Help Line on 011 4076103 / 6034.

What does the Council need from me before it considers my plan?

A completed application form, signed by the owner of the property or his/her authorised representative (written proof of authorisation is required), together with a copy of the registered Title Deed. Where an application for approval is submitted by a company or an organisation, a letter must be provided by the organisation authorising one person to sign the application form.

A copy of the approved Site Development Plan is also needed, if this is required in terms of the zoning regulations that apply to the stand. A separate form also needs to be completed by a professional engineer or technologist registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa when structural work, such as reinforced concrete floor and roof slabs, and special reinforced foundations, are part of the proposed building. Different certificates or designs need to be submitted depending on the technical aspects of the plan. You should consult an architect or engineer in this regard. In the case of non-residential developments, a zoning certificate with a copy of the most recent Amendment Scheme must be supplied.