PROPERTY AFFAIRS:
Town Planning, Heritage & Building Control
Submitting your plans
Enquiries and submissions - All enquiries and/or submissions should be emailed to info@iscope.co.za in original PDF format (not scanned), for the attention of Warren.
Documents required for application assessment:
• Full PHRAG application, including the completed application form and all supporting documents, submitted in PDF format.
• Colour PDF versions of the building plan submission drawings, compliant with all current SANS 10400 regulations, including XA2.
• All existing council-approved building plans.
• Title deeds.
• SG diagrams and zoning certificates.
• Proof of current SACAP registration (either a valid certificate or privy seal).
Important information:
• All documentation should be submitted in a single email or via WeTransfer (or similar). Incomplete submissions unfortunately cannot be processed.
• The turnaround time for approvals is approximately two weeks, as each submission requires a detailed appraisal which take time.
Who has to submit building plans?
The short answer is everyone who intends to making building alterations to their homes.
It is a legal requirement that 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. Approval must be given by the City Council before work can commence on site.
If you paint, redecorate or re-plaster, you don't need permission because you haven't moved any walls or altered the drainage system. However, if you make a change to the structure, such as adding a carport or even moving the front door position, you require permission to do so.
When you submit a building plan for approval it is essential that you make sure that you have complied with the zoning regulations of the Town Planning Scheme.
Why is PLAN APPROVAL important?
1. Stop Orders from the JHB City Council:
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 obtain a court order for the structure to be demolished, at your expense, and you would be liable for legal costs. In serious cases, you could be fined or sent to prison.
2. Hand-over of Approved Plans on sale of the House:
Transgressions may come back to haunt you in later years when you want to sell your home, and the purchasers insist on getting the approved plans. This is fast becoming the norm in real estate transactions
3. Insurance Implications:
Illegal building work may negatively affect any future insurance claims where insurers may not pay out claims if a structure is found to be illegally erected.
4. Community Harmony:
It is important for the sake of community harmony, to ensure that no structures are erected that negatively affect the neighbours or surroundings. One of the main reasons Parktown North is a sought after and valuable suburb to invest in, is the character of the area. It is in the interest of all the residents to safeguard this precious resource.
PNRA's Guide to Town Planning & Building Control
Steps to follow if you want to Build
Day to Day Building Control Issues
Legislative & Planning Framework
Title Deeds, Town Planning, Heritage & Building Control: A Summary
JHB Council Building Plans
Building Plans - Monitor progress online
Application for Approval of Building Plans
HERITAGE RESOURCES
PHRAG Application Form
PNRA Heritage Application Form
Heritage Portal Gauteng