How to submit a building plan
minor works
Some renovations and extensions are considered
minor works and do not need prior approval.
Register for e-Services
We will only accept building plans and land use applications submitted online via our
Development Application Management System (DAMS).
See our
DAMS Registration Booklet for guidelines on how to register, submit, and track the status of your building plans online.
Read the
DAMS User Guide: Submit a Building Plan Application for step-by-step assistance.
Step 1: Ensure that your property is properly registered and that you have obtained all the prerequisite approvals – for example, permission to deviate from the zoning scheme regulations, environmental impact assessment authorisation, etc.
See our
land use section for more on this.
Step 2: Prepare to submit your application form by gathering the following documents that pertain to your property:
- Copy of your title deed.
- Registered survey diagram from the Surveyor-General's office. A survey diagram clearly indicates the boundaries of your property or any other relevant land area.
-
The correct information on the zoning and development parameters or restrictions relating to your property.
- Any previously
approved building plans held by the City of Cape Town.
Step 3: Register for e-Services, if you are not already registered.
Step 4: Once registered, login and activate the Development Management/Building Development Management Service option. Select the 'Submit a building plan' tile under ‘Paid’ services, then follow the prompts to complete the necessary information.
This step replaces the need to complete the Building Development Application (BDM02) form. This form is no longer available to download.
Depending on the nature of your application, you will need to include the following forms or documents:
- fully completed SANS 10400 forms (forms 1 and 2, if applicable)
- Regulation A1(9) agreement form (if the application is not submitted by the owner, i.e. by the architect or draughtsperson)
- the application fee/receipt
- site plan
- layout plan
- drainage installation drawings (if applicable)
- fire protection plans (if applicable)
- structural engineer’s drawings (if applicable)
- party wall consent (if applicable)
- copy of the Surveyor-General’s diagram / general plan
- copy of the title deed
- letter of approval for any departure from the zoning scheme (if applicable)
- architectural compliance certificate
- consent form from your neighbour / sectional title / homeowner’s association / body corporate (if applicable)
-
zoning extract (certificate) (if applicable)
If the property belongs to more than one person, all owners must sign the application form. If the property belongs to a company, trust, closed corporation or another juristic person, the application must include a company resolution authorising the representative to sign on its behalf.
Please note
Fees are calculated according to official tariffs. Once paid, your building plan is circulated for comment to relevant City of Cape Town officials. If corrections or changes are required, the application is referred back for amendments. Building work may only begin once your plan has been approved. You have to complete the Notice of Intention to Commence Work Form, found at the bottom of the page, to notify the City’s building inspectors that work will commence.
The City’s building inspectors will inspect the building work at three stages of construction:
- Intention to commence work/trench inspection
- Inspection of sewer installation in accordance with the approved plan
- Completion of work in accordance with the approved plan.
Once all building work has been properly carried out you must apply for an
occupancy certificate. The new building may only be formally occupied once an occupancy certificate has been issued.
