The Building Development Management Branch ensures that all buildings in Cape Town comply with minimum construction standards and specifications as per approved building plans, in order to ensure a safe and healthy built environment for all. These standards and specifications are laid down in the  the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977).

The branch is therefore responsible for checking and approving all building plans, as well as inspecting building work during construction to ensure compliance with the approved plans and related regulations.

Building Development Management controls and regulates the following building activities:

• construction of new buildings
• alterations, extensions or conversions of existing buildings
• change in use of existing buildings
• demolition of existing buildings or structures

Building development management services are delivered through a network of local district planning offices, which offer the following services:

• advising residents and professionals about building regulations and the application procedures for the submission of building plans
• processing and approving building plan applications
• issuing permits for minor works, temporary structures, hoarding and demolition sites
• inspecting construction work to ensure compliance with approved plans
• issuing occupation certificates for completed buildings
• investigating and resolving building complaints, contraventions and illegal building work, and general enforcement of building regulations and standards
• providing copies of approved building plans to property owners

For further information about these functions click on the "click here" link that follows any of the questions below:

• What kinds of building activities require building plans to be submitted for approval? click here
• Who may prepare building plans? click here
• What happens after I have submitted a building plan application? click here
• How long does a building plan take to be approved? click here
• Do I need to inform my neighbour of my proposed building works? click here
• How are building plans assessed? click here
• What if my building plan application is refused? click here
• How long is an approved building plan valid for? click here
• When and how does building inspection take place? click here
• How do I complain about illegal building work? click here
• What are the consequences of building without approved plans? click here

What kinds of building activities require building plans to be submitted
for approval?
A building plan application must be submitted for any structure, whether this is of a temporary or permanent nature and irrespective of the materials used to build it. This includes alterations or extensions to existing structures. The only exceptions are buildings smaller than 5m², a pergola, wire fence or open-side fabric-covered shelter for a car, boat or caravan.

Who may prepare building plans?
In terms of the Architectural Profession Act (Act 44 of 2000), architects, technologists and draughtspersons who are registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession may prepare building plans. For details on how to register, visit: www.sacapsa.com. 

What happens after I have submitted a building plan application?
If complete and all supporting documentation has been submitted, the plans are circulated to relevant technical departments (e.g. fire, health etc) for comment. The application is then scrutinised in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act and its Regulations. The City will contact you via SMS if any amendments or corrections are required. You will also be kept informed via SMS of your building plan routing, and you won't need to contact the office where the plan was submitted.

How long does a building plan take to be approved?
In terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standard Act, the City has 30 days to approve or refuse a building plan application for buildings smaller than 500m² and 60 days for buildings larger than 500m². 

Do I need to inform my neighbour of my proposed building works?
No (although it is considered good practice), unless the application also includes departure from the zoning scheme regulations (such as building line relaxation, increased bulk/coverage/height etc.) or similar proposals, in which case formal consultation is required.

How are building plans assessed?
A building plan application can only be approved if it complies with the requirements of the National Building Standards Act, the National Building Regulations and any other applicable law. Building plans are therefore assessed in terms of the Act and Regulations and are circulated for comments to various City departments.

What if my building plan application is refused?
You may appeal such a decision in writing within 21 days to the City Manager or the Review Board. Alternatively, it may be quicker to amend or correct the plans and resubmit it for approval. There is no cost if plans are resubmitted within one year of the original decision, on condition that the plans are amended in respect of any aspects that caused its refusal and that they do not differ substantially from the plans, specifications or other documents previously submitted. 

How long is an approved building plan valid?
A building plan is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. You may apply in writing to your local district planning office for an extension before the expiry date. 

When and how does building inspection take place?
Your local district planning office must be notified two working days in advance that an inspection is required. After receipt of the relevant inspection request from the builder or contractor, a building inspector will undertake the following inspections to ensure that the actual work conforms to the approved plan:

• After completion of foundation trenches or excavations, prior to casting of foundations
• At completion of drainage installation
• After building (including finishes) completion