For the use of land, change of the use of land, erecting a building or altering a building Council approval is a legal requirement. Frequently it happens that approved plans for the above have been lost over time and that plans for extensions/alterations have never been submitted for approval.

To legalize a situation like this an application for approval must be submitted to the respective City Council. The best way to do “the right thing” is to appoint an architect who is familiar with all the necessary requirements and possible pitfalls.

The procedure is as follows:
Compliance with the requirements of the following authorities and documentation has to be established, like:

1. Statutory Authorities’ requirements, like Home Owners’ Association, Body Corporate and others, if applicable.
2. Provincial Heritage Resources Authority – Gauteng (PHRA-G) to obtain a permit for structures older than 60 years.
3. Deed of Transfer (Title Deed) which determines the use of the land and can have restrictive conditions like servitudes, Street building lines, number of dwellings.
4. Zoning Information and Surveyor General Diagram which shows the relevant Town Planning Scheme, Use Zone, maximum Number of Storeys, maximum Floor Area, maximum Coverage, minimum Stand Size, Building Lines, Parking Requirements, Site Dimensions, Servitudes and Denomination of Land.
5. Building Plans for the structures at the present state have to be prepared and have to comply with National Building Regulations.
6. The Certificate of a Structural Engineer is to be obtained.
7. A full examination after submission of the plans and documents to the City Council may require additional information.

With more than 25 years of experience as architects we are confident to be able to assist our clients with all the necessary documentations and negotiations. With a simple phone call to Laura 083 294 4419 or Wilhelm 011 463 5011 you will get full attention to your particular situation and the best possible action and support to get your building plans approved.