Running a business from home – the City advises how

09 February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on Cape Town’s businesses, the job market, and our local economy. Given the lockdown regulations and the health and safety issues related to the pandemic, many residents are exploring alternatives such as working or running a business from home. This is possible, and will assist the city in its economic recovery. For those who are exploring these alternatives, the City of Cape Town advises residents and business owners to get a clear understanding of their property rights and the conditions for operating from home.

‘We are aware that many business owners have or still plan to start operating from home to cut costs and that some entrepreneurs have started new home-based businesses already. We encourage all to explore these alternatives as it will assist with Cape Town’s economic recovery. However, it is important that residents and business owners be informed of the land uses and development rules applicable to their properties. Residents can consult their local district planning office – our Development Management staff are available to explain the restrictions and can provide guidance where needed,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
Every property within the boundaries of the City of Cape Town is subject to a set of regulations that control development on that property. Each land unit also has a zoning. The zoning prescribes what land use is allowed on the land unit.
The City advises that residents consult the CCT zoning map to find out their property’s zoning and thereafter to check the City’s Development Management Scheme (DMS) to see what land uses and development rules apply to their property. Residents are asked not to assume that a specific activity or business is allowed to be operated from their home.

In some zones, residents are allowed to run a small home industry, professional practice, or occupation from a property zoned ‘single residential’ without needing the City’s approval. Where this is the case, the specific industry, occupation, or practice must still comply with certain restrictions as stated in item 23 of the DMS. These conditions relate to limiting its size, potential nuisance to neighbours, and the impact on the surrounding environment.

The City of Cape Town’s Development Management Scheme indicates the land use for a specific property zone on different levels as follows:

Primary land use: the main purpose for which a property may be used

A primary land use means the collection of land uses and activities that are allowed in terms of a property’s existing zoning, without a land owner or developer having to apply to the City for any further approval. In the zoning ‘single residential” for example, the primary land use usually is a dwelling unit.

Additional uses are other uses that may be allowed if they meet certain criteria:

An additional use right means a land use that is indicated in the Development Management Scheme as a use that is only allowed on a property if certain criteria are met. An additional use right on a property zoned ‘single residential’ may include a second or third dwelling, a home occupation, a bed-and-breakfast or home child care, for example.

Consent uses are other uses for which the City may give permission upon application:

A consent use means a land use indicated in the Development Management Scheme as a use that requires the City’s specific permission before it may be undertaken. A consent use on a property zoned ‘single residential’ for the purposes of operating a business from home may include a house shop, guest house, halfway house or veterinary practice, for example.

A land use that is not specifically indicated as a primary-, additional-, or consent use may require a departure or deviation from the City’s Development Management Scheme. In this case, the landowner will have to apply to the City for such a departure. It is important to note that land use departures are only granted for a specific period of time.

An application to rezone the property to another zone that permits the required use on a permanent basis, is an alternative.
Residents can contact their local planning offices for further information. The most effective way to reach the district offices would be to email the City’s Development Management Info hub as contact at the physical offices are limited at this stage.
See below the contact details of the City of Cape Town Development Management district offices:

1. Blaauwberg
Tel: 021 444 0561
Email: Blaauwberg.hub@capetown.gov.za

2. Cape Flats
Tel: 021 684 4369
Email: Capeflats.hub@capetown.gov.za

3. Helderberg
Tel: 021 444 4620
Email: Helderberg.hub@capetown.gov.za

4. Khayelitsha/Mitchells Plain
Tel: 021 360 1101
Email: Khayemitch.hub@capetown.gov.za

5. Northern
Tel: 021 444 1057
Email: Northern.hub@capetown.gov.za

6. Southern
Tel: 021 444 7721
Email: Southern.hub@capetown.gov.za

7. Table Bay
Tel: 021 400 6444
Email: Tablebay.hub@capetown.gov.za

8. Tygerberg
Tel: 021 444 7843
Email: Tygerberg.hub@capetown.gov.za

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office